‘We don’t need another Tesco’, says Barrow shopkeeper
Last updated at 10:36, Thursday, 16 August 2012
A TESCO in Barrow town centre will put other businesses at risk, a shop owner has claimed.
Megan Ghuman who owns Ghuman Newsagents in Buccleuch Street, said most retailers in the town were unaware of the supermarket giant’s plans to take over the former Hitchens Store in Rawlinson Street.
And she told the Evening Mail that putting a Tesco in the town centre will hurt businesses of all types.
She said: “I was very unhappy when I heard they were coming. I’ve been speaking to other shop owners and we haven’t decided what we are going to do yet.
“But I didn’t know anything about the plan. I don’t think this is just going have an affect on me.
“It will affect me because we will be one of the closest shops to it – and it will sell things like alcohol, pop and magazines – but it will affect many others to.
“The town doesn’t need another Tesco. If we have a Tesco there it is just going to eat up everyone.
“If we get another big store then it is going to take away even more foot fall. The clothes shops are really struggling and we don’t know if this Tesco will be selling clothes. We have got a big Tesco just down the road, we have Asda close by and then Morrisons on the other side.
“But this new store will be right in the middle of the town though.”
Shop owners in the town are looking at getting a petition together against the new store opening.
Last week, the Evening Mail reported that Tesco had agreed to take over Hitchens.
Phil Simpson, from C2i, which owns the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel in Abbey Road, said he was unhappy at the hotel having to give up spaces at the Hitchens car park and Barrow Traders’ Association has expressed concerns that the new store may alter shopping trends in the town.
Tesco already has stores in Hindpool Road and Flass Lane and was granted planning permission to open a Tesco Express at the former Ocean Road store on Walney in May.
Doug Wilson, Tesco corporate affairs manager said the new store would bring nearly 20 jobs to Barrow.
He said: “We are delighted that we are able to bring a Tesco Express store to the vacant unit on Rawlinson Street in Barrow, the new store will be a great asset to the local area and will bring with it much needed local employment opportunities.
"In our experience a Tesco Express can encourage footfall in an area and can have a positive effect. Our Express stores are small neighbourhood convenience stores, selling groceries, fresh food and everyday essentials and offering customers choice, convenience and value for money on their doorstep.
"The new Tesco Express store will bring with it nearly 20 local jobs and a further significant investment in Barrow."
First published at 13:10, Sunday, 12 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Someone else has already made the point I came in to make, nothing against Tesco or supermarkets but how did the Competition Commission rule that Netto had to be sold following the Asds takeover yet 2 Tescos are allowed in the same townand now it appears a further 2 will open? Seems very inconsistent!
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a primark would sum barrow up would fit in well!
Posted by cal on 19 August 2012 at 19:59