The People's Supermarket

[andrey k 10]

ok we all make mistakes! no need for the anger which is not attractive!

[indizine 10]

lol there you go again!! I'm not angry, this is not a war, etc etc and so on. This is discussion!! You are seriously way over the top with your descriptions!

[go4it 10]

I don't think the idea is to compete on branded products, go4it.

 

They where will people buy their branded goods from?

 

Not much point going on an anti-crusade on supermarkets when you will end up buying some products from a local shop and your branded goods from a supermarket.

 

Where will you buy your Head & Shoulders, your coca-cola?

[go4it 10]

The higher cost of goods, fewer BOGOFs etc wouldn't necessarily put everyone off, though it clearly would be a major downside. However, I just can't think of where it'd be able to work.

 

Where - the key.

 

Whirlow Farm Shop makes money because it is in a decent area. They own the building, so no rent. Most stock is reared on site, and local products delivered. Not many overheads, charge a premium for a quality products and make money.

 

For this People's Supermarket to work you need to be in an area like Fulwood or Bents Green, have enough people to shop and enough to work. You would have to pay rent, security, overheads, complete checks of new staff etc etc. Your products would not be reared on site, you would need to deal with deliveries, manage stock etc.

 

Am I one of the few to see that this would not work in Sheffield. Maybe in New York, maybe in London in an area surrounded by apartments and single high salary people, but not in Sheffield. Are you living in fantasy land?

[jimmym105 10]

They where will people buy their branded goods from?

 

Not much point going on an anti-crusade on supermarkets when you will end up buying some products from a local shop and your branded goods from a supermarket.

 

Where will you buy your Head & Shoulders, your coca-cola?

 

Not that bothered about brands really....but of the two you mention I do love coke!

 

I see your point on the branded stuff..I just think there's so much we do buy where brands aren't important - food mainly. However, I agree with you that they're important to many people and as such it would have an effect on a people's supermarket

[Chapworthy 10]

Hello! In response, I’m a local resident and after watching the programme I thought the good people of Sheffield may be interested in this idea, and thought the forum would be an ideal place to gauge people’s opinions and attitudes to such an enterprise.

 

In my opinion, it would be important that the store is able to satisfy the shopping needs of its members in terms of everyday household and food items, but should be based on a firm grounding of responsible consumerism (e.g. paying a fair price to producers, selling produce that minimises harm to the environment etc).

 

The key is to provide a viable alternative to the profit-driven supermarket giants. It is the need to return a profit for the shareholders which drives these organisations to adopt irresponsible company policies and practices.

[indizine 10]

I dont boubt these giant supermarkets are not perfect in what they do and they are no different to other large organisations that drive from the bottom line. Any and every commercial business needs to be financially viable no matter what its ethics. This is ultimately what I think I am saying, as are a couple of others. That even when for the good of something, that business still must make profits to stay viable to stay open. It won't stay open on energy and enthusiasm of a bunch of people and if people have less money, they will prioritise their spending accordingley. I personally don't think to many people, even if they agree with the principle of the idea, would actually take the time out to go that bit further afield, to something that meets less of their demands, and pay more for it, not to mention having to work there in order to try and get it cheaper. Thewre needs to be a lot of those type of people around. I just do not think there is anough of those type of people to take on Netto or the Co Op let alone Tesco and Asda. Like I said before, we already have local corner shops run by local people, and do people help to support them? No. Why? Because they charge more for a tin of beans, bag of sugar, etc. for starters. People will tell you they detest paying 'over the odds' at the corner shop when they can get it cheaper up the road at Tescos. I know hundreds that drive past a couple of our local shops to go to Tesco or Netto and bypass the expensive Co-Op. Our Tesco express probably makes as nuch money as the Co-Op supermarket..

Edited February 12, 2011 by indizine

[scargill 10]

Hi Sandra,

I think you will find Tesco share is around the 30% mark.

 

Nevertheless one business having 30% of the grocery market is not healthy for competition.

[andrey k 10]

Sandra, Why are you so negative? Also why do you seem to think your sweeping generalisations of peoples buying habits etc is so accurate? What gives you the right to spout off like you do?

Can't you see it's the very people like and you that we need to weed out in society! You are profit obsessed/oriented. You are totally wrong that such good spirited community enterprises can't work. Your words appear those of a greedy capitalist. If you just try to change your biased mind set and think about the viability and possibility that such a project will work, and will make a fundamental significant benefit & contribution to the community, which I'm sure even you won't argue is desperately needed. Again for reiterations sake, stop being negative and say something that is positive and can make a difference. Also remember it was never about competing with the big boys etc, it is about normal people realising that there is much more to life then pure rampant capitalism and commercialism.

[indizine 10]

andrey_k - this is an open forum where we can say what we like (as long as its within forum rules of course). So deal with it.

 

The person starting this thread saw a programme on telly and thought they'd drop a link here. I'm saying I am one of millions who can't see it working. I am sure millions will. I am just not one of them. You are making yourself look stupid by thinking that if a person doesnt see the great in it, then we must be wrong.

 

PS I suggest you get to know a few business owners and talk to them about what is important. This is a business forum, if you want to discuss community matters, go and join a thread in one of those forums.

 

PPS I will pull you up again as the original poster did say this:

The premise is that this supermarket can compete with Tesco/ASDA etc on price

 

So go back and read the first post we are all responding to here, and wind your neck in.

[andrey k 10]

What a shame you become angry and start to issue personal insults, for which you have been reported.

It is clear that you make assumptions about me which you cannot possibly know, about me being a newbie, and you suggest I contact forum business owners etc, you are totally wrong on both counts:

1. I am not a newbie as you put it, i had an account here under another name previously for around 10 years

2. I am in regular contact with many business owners, and indeed am one myself.

 

So please keep your language neutral and non-offensive and be very mindful of the consequences of your assumptions.

 

I will make it clear to you now, do not use offensive subjective language towards me (or any other forumer for that matter) your opinions are as welcome as the rest, but the stile and often angry tone indicate an image that is not so acceptable or popular with the Sheffield forum ethos.

 

Thanks for listening.

[go4it 10]

What a shame you become angry and start to issue personal insults, for which you have been reported.

It is clear that you make assumptions about me which you cannot possibly know, about me being a newbie, and you suggest I contact forum business owners etc, you are totally wrong on both counts:

1. I am not a newbie as you put it, i had an account here under another name previously for around 10 years

2. I am in regular contact with many business owners, and indeed am one myself.

 

So please keep your language neutral and non-offensive and be very mindful of the consequences of your assumptions.

 

I will make it clear to you now, do not use offensive subjective language towards me (or any other forumer for that matter) your opinions are as welcome as the rest, but the stile and often angry tone indicate an image that is not so acceptable or popular with the Sheffield forum ethos.

 

Thanks for listening.

 

I say this is the nicest way possible...

 

Do you own a business or run one? I'm not talking about a muffin stall or the like, because everyone's Auntie is doing this.

 

This is a forum, whatever you write may be cheered or may be jeered. Looks like you have a problem with criticism.

 

Call Sandra money obsessed but the facts are there - people will continue to shop at the big 4 supermarkets because of their buying power. People will continue to shop at farm shops, buying quality local goods at a premium price. You are suggesting a half way house between the two - a one stop shop for all. This would not work in Sheffield. If you think it would then go to the bank, raise the money and open one. When it shuts after 3 months and you've gone bankrupt, then tell us all about the experience.

 

It's not personal, it's business.