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Christmas profits reflect Tesco takeover
17 January 2006
Commenting on Tesco's results released today, which showed that its sales increased by 5.7 per cent over the Christmas period compared to the previous year, Friends of the Earth supermarket campaigner Robin Webster said:
"Tesco's profits come at a heavy price. The superstore's dominance of the retail sector is damaging local shops, consumer choice and the environment. Tesco is taking over the high street and it is high time the Competition Commission carried out a full investigation. Planning legislation must redress the balance in favour of independent stores."
A report, released by Friends of the Earth this week, raised concerns about Tesco's rapid expansion, querying the influence of big supermarkets over the planning system.
"Supermarkets call the shots: how supermarkets get their way in planning decisions" looks at how the major supermarkets use their financial muscle and lobbying power to pressure local councils into accepting applications for new stores.
See http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/calling_the_shots.pdf (PDF)
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
