Large supermarket chains that sell everything from plant pots to television sets are popping up more and more all over the country.
But with their increased presence, where does this leave small independent stores that just occupy one or two commercial properties?
Independent stores from Ecclesall Road in Sheffield are not willing to wait to find out. Instead they are going to host a fashion show, named ‘Independents Day.’ The event will be held on 15 September to showcase what they have to offer and also raise funds for two local charities, Cavendish Centre and Cash 4 Kids. Helen Connelly, who runs Squirtz on Ecclesall Road (who came up with the fashion show idea) said, “I think trade is difficult for everybody at the moment. That’s why we are looking to remind people that these independent businesses are still here and they have a lot of great products and can offer great service, which you don’t always get with chain stores.”
Ecclesall Road is a very popular shopping area in Sheffield with many commercial properties that are home to a variety of small independent shops. It is located just outside the town centre and welcomes visitors from locals and further afield. Landlords of commercial properties are fully aware of this and as such rents have risen which makes it all the more harder for small independent stores to survive. The area also has pay and display parking as it is a main road, which can make it difficult for consumers who want to spend more than one or two hours shopping.
But with four large supermarkets in the area, plus a new one coming soon, all of which offer customers free parking and a variety of products all under one roof, can the small outlets really compete? Helen thinks so, “I wanted to remind people that S11 continues to provide a vibrant, unique shopping experience.”
As supermarkets have more power and money they can afford to bulk buy their products, with several of those coming from abroad. But many small independent stores stock their commercial properties from local suppliers which helps the local economy as a whole. For every one pound spent on local supplies, £1.76 goes to the local economy, compared to chain stores that only spend 36 pence Helen reported.
It seems it is not just Sheffield who is making a stand against large chain commercial properties as 200 local businesses and trades inSouthend have signed a petition against a new Tesco being built in the town centre. Paul Slennett, who organised the petition and runs a bookshop near the proposed site expressed, “The strength of feeling against this new Tesco is really strong. Even I was surprised by just how many people wanted to sign the petition. The council has got to understand it cannot allow this supermarket to be built and expect the High Street to survive.” He went on to say, “We need a wide range of shops, not one selling everything under one roof.”
The feelings portrayed from these two towns echoes around the UK, but also across the pond as the people of New York expressed their feelings against plans for a commercial property to be built and used as a Walmart. Anne Cottavoz a store owner puts across, “Fifteen, 20 years ago, New York City was so much fun, because the stores were eclectic and artists could afford to start their own little business. Now many small businesses don’t have a chance.” Bass Wyden, also a shop owner in the area agrees with Anna stating, “It’s the small, independent businesses that make New York City and its various neighbourhoods different.”
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