Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.YOUR last two editions have covered the possibility of the major supermarkets setting up local convenience stores, largely from a negative point of view.
Surely there is an opportunity here for everyone to benefit, by pooling the best resources of the national grocers and corner shop owners. Instead of driving them out by competition, the big players could offer franchises to convenience shop owners, including access to central purchasing.
Customers would benefit when the existing convenience stores could offer prices as low as the big supermarkets. The supermarkets could make this move into local shops at little cost, in financial terms or of goodwill. And the existing staff and shop owners, who know their local clientele better than anyone, would have a more secure future. With no change in local management, convenience stores would continue to supply specialist goods not stocked by the national chains (such as Caribbean or Asian ingredients).
If the supermarkets are serious about extending their service as opposed to stamping out weaker rival grocers, then this type of co-operation is the best way forward.
Tom Saul, London SE26
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments