Retailers' efforts to gain ground in the relentless battle for high street share - a subject rarely out of the media spotlight these days have been given renewed emphasis by trading results from two of the best known players. The week began with a cool response from City pundits to the impending Somerfield flotation, with several expressing doubts about the #500 million valuation the 600-store multiple seeks to achieve. And this despite the massive turnaround in fortunes by the group and promises by chief executive David Simons of a post-float stores revitalisation campaign. But in the face of criticism that up to half his supermarkets are "poorly located in high streets", as opposed to out-of-town sites, Simons plans to turn this to his advantage by developing a neighbourhood-style chain. And presumably this week's 43% rise in Somerfield's operating profits will be used to emphasise the point? Meanwhile, perhaps the City sceptics should run their eyes over another set of company results - from Somerfield's rival, Budgens. This is a classic example of a retailer finding a profitable place for medium to small supermarkets with a range of specialist, bolted on services serving high street shoppers. Its decision to pull out of aggressive discounting and turn to what it calls "fundamental retail principles" has brought a strong recovery in earnings. Encouraging news for Simons, given his aspirations. Earlier, the Somerfield man was applauded by institutional investors for his efforts in leading his company out of the retailing wilderness. Now, he and his team have embarked upon a strategy for growth aided by the Price Check programme, a higher concentration of fresh foods (another similarity with Budgens) and focused television advertising. But even with those successes, Simons still faces the task of convincing analysts that his company will be sharply focused, and well positioned to compete with its bigger rivals. Budgens is proving that forceful marketing brings results. Its neighbour's endeavours should also be interesting.