Concern is mounting among independent shops in a UK seaside town as another supermarket plans to open. The store will be the fifth national chain to open within a one square mile area, leaving small retailers feeling vulnerable.
The Dorchester Road area of Weymouth, Dorset, already has a Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi. They are now set to be joined by a Marks and Spencer Food Hall in 2027. It is relocating from the town centre and will be situated opposite the Morrisons and Aldi stores.
As reported by the Daily Mail, independent shopkeepers are now worried they are being driven out of the area. They have described the situation as “overkill” and are concerned for the future of small traders.
Deborah Strange, of Howells Butchers, who have been operating in Weymouth for almost a century, said: “There are too many supermarkets in such a small space – it’s total overkill. When I look out of the shop window I can see three of them.
“But we are a family-run, quality butchers and there is no other in Weymouth so we have our loyal customers and the community rallies behind us.”
She added: “The worst thing with all these supermarkets is that they are taking business out of the town centre which is killing the high street.
“The town centre needs sprucing up but, combined with the ridiculous parking charges, why would anyone go into it.”
The local council said the introduction of more supermarkets would “energise the local economy”. They added that there is room for both “large nationals” and “small independants” to operate in Weymouth.
A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “Energising Weymouth’s economy is an important objective for Dorset Council. Attracting well-known brands will encourage further investments across all industry sectors.
“With a population of almost 54,000 that increases exponentially with visitors every year there is room for businesses of all kinds from large nationals to small independants.”