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Small shop closures are progress, says ex-Tesco boss | Small shop closures are progress, says ex-Tesco boss |
(35 minutes later) | |
The former boss of Tesco has described the rise of supermarkets and closure of small shops as "part of progress". | The former boss of Tesco has described the rise of supermarkets and closure of small shops as "part of progress". |
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, Sir Terry Leahy also called some High Streets "medieval", saying the way people lived their lives had changed. | Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, Sir Terry Leahy also called some High Streets "medieval", saying the way people lived their lives had changed. |
Sir Terry said seeing boarded up local shops was sad, but this happened because consumers were choosing to shop at the bigger supermarkets. | Sir Terry said seeing boarded up local shops was sad, but this happened because consumers were choosing to shop at the bigger supermarkets. |
The benefits of out-of-town stores outweighed the downsides, he added. | The benefits of out-of-town stores outweighed the downsides, he added. |
The British Independent Retailers Association said 98% of the the UK's £150bn grocery industry was controlled by just nine stores. | The British Independent Retailers Association said 98% of the the UK's £150bn grocery industry was controlled by just nine stores. |
But deputy chief executive Michael Weedon claimed there could be a silver lining for smaller businesses. | But deputy chief executive Michael Weedon claimed there could be a silver lining for smaller businesses. |
He said as large chains such as HMV and Blockbuster closed, more retail premises would become available at cheaper rents. | He said as large chains such as HMV and Blockbuster closed, more retail premises would become available at cheaper rents. |
Figures suggested independent stores were already taking advantage of the situation and returning to the High Street, he added. | Figures suggested independent stores were already taking advantage of the situation and returning to the High Street, he added. |
Sir Terry's first job with Tesco was as a teenager when he worked as a shelf-stacker. | Sir Terry's first job with Tesco was as a teenager when he worked as a shelf-stacker. |
As chief executive, he made his name transforming the supermarket from a lack-lustre brand into Britain's biggest retailer. | As chief executive, he made his name transforming the supermarket from a lack-lustre brand into Britain's biggest retailer. |
Desert Island Discs with Sir Terry Leahy will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 11:15 GMT on Sunday 3 February | |
Are you an independent retailer? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below. | Are you an independent retailer? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below. |