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Spoof ad highlights how Tesco destroys local shops
6 July 2007
An on-line ad featuring a voice over by Alexi Sayle is urging shoppers to spend a few more pounds in local stores to stop them from disappearing completely. The ad, `Every Little Helps' launched today by Friends of the Earth shows the destructive effect that Tesco has on local shops.
The ad comes as an NOP survey shows almost half of the public (43%) in the UK would oppose a new Tesco store in their area while only a third (33%) would welcome one. The survey contradicts Tesco's claims that the 'silent majority' of people want a new Tesco store in their area.
The Ad can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGoWKVA87ro
The survey also shows the majority of people (80%) want more independent local shops in their local area - something that is being rapidly eroded by the closure of local shops which cannot compete with the big supermarkets.
Friends of the Earth is calling on the Competition Commission to reduce Tesco's dominance and power in the grocery market.
Sandra Bell, Friends of the Earth supermarket campaigner said:
"The Every Little Helps video is a frighteningly accurate depiction of Tesco's effect on local communities. Local shops simply cannot compete with Tesco's ever-growing dominance and many are being forced to close. It's not surprising that more and more people don't want a new Tesco opening near them. It is unacceptable that the Government is currently considering dismantling planning laws to make it even easier for big supermarkets to build huge out of town stores."
Alexi Sayle said:
"I don't want to live in a chain store nation. Cherish your local shops - they're special".
The environmental charitystrongly opposes the current move by the Government to weaken retail planning policy to make it easier for supermarkets to build new out-of-town stores. TheGovernment's Planning White Paper proposes theremovalof the key 'need test' which requires supermarkets to demonstrate a need foradditional floor space outside the town centre.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
