Greengrocer set to close its doors
Friday 30th October 2009, 1:31PM GMT.
Eden Veg in Ellesmere has been stuggling since Tesco opened
The last independent greengrocer in a Shropshire market town is to close tomorrow with the loss of four jobs.
Bosses at Eden Veg, in Cross Street, Ellesmere, say they are closing the shop “with a heavy heart” and have thanked customers and staff for their support.
Lee McArthur, owner, said his shop, which has been open for almost three years, suffered a drop in trade after Tesco opened at the town wharf earlier this year.
He said today: “It’s something that I’m not very happy about. I’m doing this with a heavy heart and there will be four part-time jobs lost. But I want to thank my customers and staff for their support.”
The closure comes after a string of shops in Ellesmere said they were battling for their survival in the face of fresh competition from Tesco and tough economic conditions.
A spokesman said Tesco had benefited the town, generated 140 jobs and helped to reduce long-term unemployment in the area.
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Well done Tesco, driven another small business under.
Shame on you, the people of Ellesmere for failing to support local business. You clearly put price before quality and value. In a few years when all the other shops have been driven out and all is left is the charity sellers you will only have your selves to blame.
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just what tesco want less competition, so soon they’ll be the only ones left and will be able to charge what they like for veg
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Well done Tesco??? What drivel.
The people of Ellesmere are to blame, not Tesco.
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We need more competition, please open a Sainsburys and a Waitrose so we can have fair competition.
Cant complain with the quality of supermarket veg either, often better than small shops.
Hopefully the people that have unfortunately lost their jobs will gain employment very soon, and ideally in a local supermarket.
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This has happened all over America with super stores offering everything (clothing, petrol, tyres, food, chemists, garden suplies, newspapers etc all under one roof).
It has killed the high streets in many a small town. It is called Walmartising! Don’t let it happen here!!!
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I feel sometimes that the independant greengrocers can also have a part to play in this demise themselves. I live in a large village in Shropshire, and do, whereever possible try to shop locally. My local greengrocer however is happy to sell wilted/rotten/out of date food at a far greater price I would pay at the Supermarket. I have since stopped going there as they have no morals to selling this rubbish to anyone. I’m now happy to travel 10 miles to Asda, at least I know it’s going to be fresher. We have worked out that by totally ‘shopping locally’ would add around £200 to our monthly outgoings. Who’s the fools for shopping locally?.
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Peasbody, read the whole post before spouting, theres a good chap.
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