2 replies to this topic

[cazyncymru]

There seems to be much debate in the past few weeks regarding the demise of the Local shop in the high street, with blame being put on the big 4 supermarkets (Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's) for "squeezing" out the competition.

There have been demonstrations at many a potential site, most notably in Birmingham in the past few months where the demonstration was to refuse planning for Tesco's in favour of an Asda store, as they felt that Tesco had a monopoly in the area!

People are becoming more aware of the underhanding way that supermarkets are dealing with the public and are beginning to say no to them.
Personally i try to buy as many goods as i can from the local farmers market, or a local farm shop. I appreciate i can't buy everything there and have to ventutre into a supermarket at some time.
I also think that the convenience of supermarket bought foods are contributory to the health of the nation. I buy very little ready prepared foods as i think you can do better and in some instances faster food by doing it yourself.

[Simon]

A topical topic Caz (with a poll).

I voted No, Yes and 1-4, but I need to clarify my shopping habits.

I do 50% of my weekly shopping at Aldi, mainly for price and some things are very good quality and value. You learn by experience.

I then buy good quality fish, fruit, vegetables, bread and muffins from an outdoor market. And then I buy my meat from a butchers.

So I do a bit of mix and max based on quality and value.

Overall the quality of food I buy today is much better than when I used to get everything at Tesco's or whoever. And I spend about £100 a week instead of approx £130 (I have three children).

I don't buy any ready meal type things.

Interesting topic Caz, I hope it get's plenty of activity.

Regards,
Simon

[Charles.C]

Dear Cazyn,

As illustrated in Simon's letter, the answers may depend on the items and availability so I kind of thought "it depends" on the first part although I would be very sad to see all the cornershops disappear (and take their local gossip with them). I am equally curious to see what other people think. I wonder if we will soon be seeing the "novel" cloned meats at the farmer's markets.
When I wqs a student, I survived on instant meals, things are still pretty much the same thanks to the microwave.

Rgds / Charles.C