Builders in Cathays Terrace recently put up signs announcing the new Tesco, much to the dismay of local independent retailers
A new Tesco is due to open on Cathays Terrace early next year, raising the concern of a local shopkeeper who currently runs the only convenience store on the street.
Due to open its new branch on 11 February 2014, the UK’s leading food retailer will begin trading across the road from Kanta Pindoria’s small corner shop, which operates under the franchise Premier.
Premier sits just a few yards from the new Tesco site, and will soon have to compete for grocery shoppers with the retail giant
Pindoria’s business has grown popular amongst the community in Cathays, but the shopkeeper is despondent about the opening of the new Tesco. He fears that the supermarket will cause a catastrophic decline in his profits.
“People are just going to go straight there, even if we’re cheaper,” he protests. “It doesn’t matter how low we price our stock if there’s a Tesco just across the street.”
This mural in Bristol was fundamental in raising the profile of the “Boycott Tesco” movement (Photo by Jon Tan)
Public lobbying in Bristol previously inspired a mass boycott of Tesco, although a similar movement has yet to arrive in Cardiff.