from Bernard Warren, retail vice-chairman, Spar National Guild and Spar retailer, Wool, Dorset
Sir; Re your story and feature last week about Musgrave’s bid for Londis.
Londis has long been one of Spar’s competitors in the neighbourhood store sector. Relations between the two leading symbol groups have always been conducted with a friendly and respectful rivalry, underpinned by the shared sentiment that we are both facing increasing competition from multiple operators, which are becoming ever more predatory.
Like Spar, Londis members have been fiercely loyal to their brand and have jealously guarded their independence, so as a fellow independent retailer of 28 years I was dismayed by the news that their business interests have become subject to a bid by Musgrave.
By saying this I would take nothing away from Budgens, which is helping to improve the overall standing of the neighbourhood sector through its excellent store standards and focused product offering.
However, I feel strongly that Londis retailers should have been given a greater opportunity to decide their future.
Are they really going to benefit? These are retailers, which, like Spar, are trying to maintain a viable neighbourhood store sector.
As retail vice chairman of the National Guild of Spar, which ensures that members have a say in their own destiny and safeguards their independence, I am saddened by a deal that seeks to reward so few for the hard work of so many retailers.Sir; The proposed acquisition of Londis by Musgrave as reported in The Grocer last week failed to highlight one point.
While chairman Peter Williams credited the four directors for “saving” and “turning around” the group, most members would agree that this is precisely why they were employed.
Why should the four be so handsomely rewarded for carrying out their remit?
A simple remuneration package would have sufficed. Having been a member for more than 25 years, I reluctantly concede that given the current situation within the sector, it may be time for Londis to become part of a wider and stronger organisation.
Sir; Re your story and feature last week about Musgrave’s bid for Londis.
Londis has long been one of Spar’s competitors in the neighbourhood store sector. Relations between the two leading symbol groups have always been conducted with a friendly and respectful rivalry, underpinned by the shared sentiment that we are both facing increasing competition from multiple operators, which are becoming ever more predatory.
Like Spar, Londis members have been fiercely loyal to their brand and have jealously guarded their independence, so as a fellow independent retailer of 28 years I was dismayed by the news that their business interests have become subject to a bid by Musgrave.
By saying this I would take nothing away from Budgens, which is helping to improve the overall standing of the neighbourhood sector through its excellent store standards and focused product offering.
However, I feel strongly that Londis retailers should have been given a greater opportunity to decide their future.
Are they really going to benefit? These are retailers, which, like Spar, are trying to maintain a viable neighbourhood store sector.
As retail vice chairman of the National Guild of Spar, which ensures that members have a say in their own destiny and safeguards their independence, I am saddened by a deal that seeks to reward so few for the hard work of so many retailers.Sir; The proposed acquisition of Londis by Musgrave as reported in The Grocer last week failed to highlight one point.
While chairman Peter Williams credited the four directors for “saving” and “turning around” the group, most members would agree that this is precisely why they were employed.
Why should the four be so handsomely rewarded for carrying out their remit?
A simple remuneration package would have sufficed. Having been a member for more than 25 years, I reluctantly concede that given the current situation within the sector, it may be time for Londis to become part of a wider and stronger organisation.
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