Tesco refers shoppers to smaller shops(70237)

Tesco refers shoppers to smaller shops

One of the first rules of success in retailing (and life, for that matter) is that you simply can t be all things to all people. That principle, however, has not kept numerous small shops in various categories from going out of business as larger chain stores focus on selling the most popular items at deeply discounted prices.

Recently, Tesco CEO Sir Terry Leahy expressed regret over his company s role in the demise of small book shops in the U.K.

Eleanor Davies, manager of one-such small shop, The Bookseller reports, wrote to Sir Terry in October and said she could not compete with Tesco on top titles. She then pointed out, however, that she was able to offer less popular titles and book-buying advice that Sir Terry s stores could not.

In response, the Tesco that sits opposite Ms. Davies shop has put up three signs in the store to let shoppers know they can cross the road to Linghams (Bookshop) where the specialist staff would love to help you.

Ms. Davies said Tesco s assistance has brought her more shoppers. Obviously they are still going to buy all the cheap ones that we can t compete on at Tesco, she said. But for range and other titles they may come to us.

Tesco refers shoppers to smaller shops

Related News

Photos

trade

market

finance