Tesco proposal: ‘A smaller store might receive greater support’

Dear Editor,  Having read recently in the local press that Tesco have announced their intended new store plans for Thame, involving redevelopment of a large site on Howland Road to include a petrol station and large car park, I would like to comment that I don’t believe Thame needs a new supermarket, certainly not one on such a large scale.

Tesco have made several previous attempts to build a supermarket in Thame which have all been rejected, and I hope this one will be. We already have three major supermarkets in the town, which appear to meet present needs, and to create such a large new supermarket would, in my view, adversely change the configuration of the town. Much of the town’s attraction and the success of its High Street is based on the fact that the shopping experience is integrated with other facilities, from coffee shops to estate agents and professional services firms. The concentration of footfall helps smaller independent retailers to survive and this makes the High Street more interesting and diverse in its appeal.

Thame is a shining example of a town with a vibrant High Street, at a time when high streets in other towns are failing – at least in part because of the existence of out-of-town retail parks. To erect an out-of-town supermarket would split the retail experience, not to mention causing major traffic issues. I am surprised Tesco is proposing such a major development at a time when they are experiencing significant difficulties from competitors such as Aldi and Lidl – not to mention black holes in their accounts. Market research says it is the small store format – convenience and ‘express’ stores – which is gaining the upper hand at present; this reflects changes in people’s shopping habits focusing on smaller, more frequent shopping trips, driven partly by the economic situation and squeeze on household budgets.

If Tesco would like to withdraw their current grand plans, instead submitting proposals for a small-format in-town store, this might receive greater support, as they would seek to enhance the high street experience and diversity, not drain it and hasten its demise.

Helen Johns
Tetsworth