Is today the most significant day in Rhuthun/Ruthin’s recent history?We would suggest that the grand opening of Tesco Rhuthun/Ruthin at 9 a.m. marks a turning point in the town’s story when, in term of shopping, it joined the 21st century.
Ever since rumours emerged that Tesco might trade here, the town’s been polarised. Some feel Tesco will attract local people back to the town. There’s the possibility some will come from further afield: people may yet forsake Morrison’s in Dinbych/Denbigh and while visiting Tesco also shop in Rhuthun/Ruthin.
Others think that the pull of Tesco will be too great and consequently the town will empty. With a Tesco on tap seven days a week, there will be no need to use the town centre, where once those who shopped at Tesco Yr Wyddgrug/Mold would call into Rhuthun/Ruthin between times. Or so the argument goes.
And, who’s to deny the working parents, who will benefit greatly from Tesco’s range, convenience and opening hours, even if that money is currently going into the town centre?
Who will deny employment*, much of it flexible to suit the needs of part time workers with family commitments, even if there are likely to be few good salaried jobs on offer for locals?
Only time will tell whether Tesco is good for Rhuthun/Ruthin or not. There’s likely, however, to be a readjustment. One of Rhuthun/Ruthin’s delights is a town centre mix of retail and residential. Perhaps we shall see a little more residential in the future, perhaps not.
The last five years have strengthened Rhuthun/Ruthin. There are currently fewer vacant business premises in the town than at any time in the last 15 years. If this number remains static in the months and years to come, Tesco’s brought in people; if it declines, say, within 12 months of today, it’s likely to be a direct result of the coming of Tesco.
This will be the measure of Tesco in the town.
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*The number employed at Tesco varies from “over 200” (Free Press, 27 July 2006) to “over 150 (Tesco Rhuthun/Ruthin leaflet, July 2006).
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