In spite of its larger population that Rhuthun/Ruthin, Dinbych/Denbigh’s never been quite so prosperous. This is perhaps one reason why the food retailers in the town are as they are. Another, is the arrival in 1998 of Safeway (Wm Morrison’s, since 2005).
Pre-Safeway, Dinbych/Denbigh enjoyed three grocery outlets: the Co-op on High Street, and KwikSave and Gateway, both at Townsend. Gateway was new in 1988. When Gateway’s successor Somerfield merged with KwikSave, the two co-existed for a while but it was hardly surprising, given the competition from Safeway, that one would shut. The newer Gateway building was the chosen one, but it transformed into second division, low-end supermarket Lidl.
It was also less of a surprise, though the shocked town certainly drew in its breath, when Dinbych/Denbigh KwikSave closed earlier this year, owing to its poor trading results.
Co-op continued trading manfully. This is perhaps surprising until you realise that it was never little more than a corner shop with a limited range. The town trickles in, each for a handful only of items. No one ever did their weekly shop at Co-op Dinbych/Denbigh.
Within eight years of premier league Safeway, two first division supermarkets closed, to be replaced by a second division outlet.
Compare this to Rhuthun/Ruthin. Currently, the Co-op is the larger of two supermarkets. To call them both first division might be an embellishment. Nevertheless, KwikSave has transmogrified in to a reasonable Somerfield.
What will become of both, when leviathan Tesco descends?
Our prediction is Co-op will close and Somerfield will struggle on. Perhaps Co-op will sell to Aldi or Lidl, as in Dinbych/Denbigh, if Rhuthun/Ruthin has the population to support a low-end retailer. These rock bottom stores have found themselves a niche below even the old KwikSave order and seem better able to compete against the established bog boys. Look at Dinbych/Denbigh and the brand new Lidl at Yr Wyddgrug/Mold.
Pre-Safeway, Dinbych/Denbigh enjoyed three grocery outlets: the Co-op on High Street, and KwikSave and Gateway, both at Townsend. Gateway was new in 1988. When Gateway’s successor Somerfield merged with KwikSave, the two co-existed for a while but it was hardly surprising, given the competition from Safeway, that one would shut. The newer Gateway building was the chosen one, but it transformed into second division, low-end supermarket Lidl.
It was also less of a surprise, though the shocked town certainly drew in its breath, when Dinbych/Denbigh KwikSave closed earlier this year, owing to its poor trading results.
Co-op continued trading manfully. This is perhaps surprising until you realise that it was never little more than a corner shop with a limited range. The town trickles in, each for a handful only of items. No one ever did their weekly shop at Co-op Dinbych/Denbigh.
Within eight years of premier league Safeway, two first division supermarkets closed, to be replaced by a second division outlet.
Compare this to Rhuthun/Ruthin. Currently, the Co-op is the larger of two supermarkets. To call them both first division might be an embellishment. Nevertheless, KwikSave has transmogrified in to a reasonable Somerfield.
What will become of both, when leviathan Tesco descends?
Our prediction is Co-op will close and Somerfield will struggle on. Perhaps Co-op will sell to Aldi or Lidl, as in Dinbych/Denbigh, if Rhuthun/Ruthin has the population to support a low-end retailer. These rock bottom stores have found themselves a niche below even the old KwikSave order and seem better able to compete against the established bog boys. Look at Dinbych/Denbigh and the brand new Lidl at Yr Wyddgrug/Mold.