Competition Commission under the cosh
Monday, 12 May 2008
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A body representing independent retailers in Northern Ireland has said the findings of an investigation into supermarkets by the Competition Commission do not support diversity in the grocery market.
Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association chief executive Glyn Roberts said the report "appears to be something of a cop-out".
The commission's final report into the groceries market said that while there was good choice and strong competition in many areas, "there are also a significant number of areas where larger grocery stores faced limited competition and local shoppers were losing out".
It recommends changes to the planning system to make it harder for one retailer to dominate an area, and an ombudsman to resolve disagreements between retailers and suppliers.
But Mr Roberts accused the commission of an "overriding" failing.
"The commission views competition in the sector as competition between the big four retailers. It is out of kilter with consumer trends towards more local shopping, and neglects the needs of many consumers whose requirements are not properly met by the big four superstores.
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