Small shops let down by Government's decision to do nothing
According to a report from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Small Shops, entitled 'High Street Britain 2015', small independent shops may disappear from UK high streets within 10 years. Newsagents, post offices and convenience stores are suggested to be at particular risk.
The report indicates that the supermarkets and major chain stores are responsible for this trend, particularly with their aggressive competition techniques such as below-cost pricing. While large businesses can afford to offset the cost of this through bulk buying, smaller stores are unable to compete.
The British Retail Consortium has retaliated against this report, suggesting the All Party Parliamentary Group for Small Shops is trying to reverse well-established shopping habits and turn the clock back.
The report recommends the appointment of a retail regulator to protect the diversity of the UK high street and investigate the retail sector. But last week the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has rejected this idea. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has yet to make a decision about whether to recommend a full inquiry.
Yet again, the Government proclaims loudly to be encouraging enterprise in the UK, while refusing to investigate problems brought to its attention, or implement solutions which might help small retailers. Until it does, it's up to small retailers to compete by differentiating themselves through a more customer-focused service.
