>> reflection is no bad thing…The Grocer top 50 independents...
And now, the end is near...So it was that with these words Ol’ Blue Eyes (Frank Sinatra; not Carlos Criado-Perez) ended the Safeway EGM this week on a somewhat sentimental note. But why not? As Sinatra’s song puts it so eloquently, Safeway is facing its own final curtain after what has been undeniably one of the most extraordinary chapters in the history of the grocery industry.
As a story, it has had everything - excitement, intrigue and suspense. We have had plenty of fun telling that tale. I admit that. But after more than a year, it really does seem to be over.
I realise that sentimentality doesn’t always sit comfortably in an industry as lean, mean and business-focused as ours. Nevertheless, I hope I wasn’t the only one who felt a little sad at the thought that this week’s events marked the beginning of the end for Safeway, which means another famous retail name will soon disappear - along with many hundreds of retail jobs.
Don’t panic, I’m not going soft. And please, don’t misunderstand me either. I know only too well that in such a rapidly consolidating retail sector, the Safeway deal had to be done. My twinges of sadness are also tempered by the knowledge that as one chapter finishes, the next one begins. But before thinking about what lies ahead - and, boy, there are some great stories to come - there’s surely no harm in reflecting on what has gone before. Is there?
For those of you who worry that consolidation is stifling retail diversity and will ultimately limit choice, we offer some hope for the future with the publication this week of The Grocer Top 50 ranking of the country’s biggest and best independent retail chains.
Turn to page 33 and you will read about the frozen food discounters, supermarket operators, off-licence chains, forecourt operators and convenience retailers who are finding new ways to grow - even though they operate in a market dominated by a handful of big supermarket multiples. The chains on our list are all going great guns. And, at the risk of getting all sentimental on you again, I think they all deserve to be applauded for their endeavours.
beyond the final curtain
Going great guns
And now, the end is near...So it was that with these words Ol’ Blue Eyes (Frank Sinatra; not Carlos Criado-Perez) ended the Safeway EGM this week on a somewhat sentimental note. But why not? As Sinatra’s song puts it so eloquently, Safeway is facing its own final curtain after what has been undeniably one of the most extraordinary chapters in the history of the grocery industry.
As a story, it has had everything - excitement, intrigue and suspense. We have had plenty of fun telling that tale. I admit that. But after more than a year, it really does seem to be over.
I realise that sentimentality doesn’t always sit comfortably in an industry as lean, mean and business-focused as ours. Nevertheless, I hope I wasn’t the only one who felt a little sad at the thought that this week’s events marked the beginning of the end for Safeway, which means another famous retail name will soon disappear - along with many hundreds of retail jobs.
Don’t panic, I’m not going soft. And please, don’t misunderstand me either. I know only too well that in such a rapidly consolidating retail sector, the Safeway deal had to be done. My twinges of sadness are also tempered by the knowledge that as one chapter finishes, the next one begins. But before thinking about what lies ahead - and, boy, there are some great stories to come - there’s surely no harm in reflecting on what has gone before. Is there?
For those of you who worry that consolidation is stifling retail diversity and will ultimately limit choice, we offer some hope for the future with the publication this week of The Grocer Top 50 ranking of the country’s biggest and best independent retail chains.
Turn to page 33 and you will read about the frozen food discounters, supermarket operators, off-licence chains, forecourt operators and convenience retailers who are finding new ways to grow - even though they operate in a market dominated by a handful of big supermarket multiples. The chains on our list are all going great guns. And, at the risk of getting all sentimental on you again, I think they all deserve to be applauded for their endeavours.
beyond the final curtain
Going great guns
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