Expensive supermarkets.

Earlier on today we took a trip to our local town centre ASDA supermarket because time was at a premium and there were things that we needed for today and tomorrow.

I remember when supermarkets were first making an impression and back then they tried to be cheaper than everyone else.  This we were told was the way forward.  Being the cynic and believer in market forces that I am I thought that should it ever happen that these new fangled supermarkets were the main players in food retail then their prices would rise.  They are not a Socialist movement after all.

Time has passed and the supermarkets are indeed the largest players in the food retail market in this country.  Their prices have indeed risen.  I was flabbergasted at the prices being asked in ASDA.  Literally our nearest corner shop is better value!

What are the supermarkets doing with the savings from the economies of scale that they enjoy?  Passing them on to their shareholders of course which is exactly what they are there for so I do not blame them.

The stranglehold that the supermarkets have come to enjoy over UK retail is strengthening by the year and is harmful the the agricultural and manufacturing strength of the nation.  Being predisposed as they are to buy from the cheapest possible source most of the products on their shelves come out of intercontinental containers and not from up the motorway.

The other downside is the amount of excess packaging that is used.  Why use one layer when three will do?  I suppose it helps Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council to meet its recycling target so I suppose I should not complain but it really would be better to use less packaging.

There is only one answer folks and that is to take some time, for those of you that can, and shop around.  When the behemoths realise that they no longer have a captive audience then they will bring their prices down.  They will have to.  Those large retail units cost a fortune.

Make use of other retailers and independent ones if they are available to you.  This I feel is the sensible way forward.

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