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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 Leahywill be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 11:15 GMT on Sunday 3 February 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.