Edinburgh at ‘saturation point’ for supermarket development, say Greens

Published on 18/08/2012 12:00

EDINBURGH is at saturation point when it comes to supermarket developments, Greens claimed today.

Lothians MSP Alison Johnstone said the big chains had too much power and were squeezing smaller retailers out of business.

She spoke out after Sainsbury’s revealed it was to take over a shop in Portobello High Street. Ms Johnstone said: “After people in Portobello succeeded in fighting off an 
earlier supermarket development that would have ruined High Street trade this sneaky takeover is galling. I’m sure many people in the area will continue to support the superb range of local, independent retailers.

“Sadly, across Edinburgh, we’ve seen the creeping presence of corporate interests that restrict choice by squeezing independent traders out of business. Are we not at saturation point?”

Sainsbury’s said it would create around 25 full and part-time jobs with its new “Local” branch after taking over Woodwares Mica Hardware.

Ms Johnstone said: “Retail giants like Sainsbury’s have too much power, pushing small and medium sized retailers to the wall. Supermarkets are also in the dubious habit of donating large sums to the big political parties who conveniently do nothing to challenge their dominance.”