Do we need another supermarket?

We were present at the Norfolk CPRE AGM last week debating whether there was a need for a new supermarket. It's a topic highly charged in parts of Norfolk: there's been a long running campaign in Sheringham to restrict Tesco's ambitions; Tesco have been thwarted in Unthank Road, Norwich and there is concern that Aylsham's independent traders will go the same way as Stalham as, yes, you got it, Tesco opens up.

Tesco's dominance is something to worry about as their financial clout allows them to use legitimate ways to push through planning proposals even when there is opposition from councillors and local people. Local authorities are loathe to pick a fight with Tesco due to the legal costs. Traders, when a new Tesco opens, complain that the supermarket uses predatory pricing - prices designed to deliberately force out a rival - and suppliers have raised concern that they are encouraged to pay for promotions and to accept lower payments. There are also arguments about clone towns, food miles and obesity being linked to supermarkets in general.

So what is to be done? Our argument was that we need to accept some of the benefits of supermarkets: choice, convenience and customer service. In some small market towns, many shops close for half days and on Sundays reducing choice and convenience with many closing at 5pm. Those times were designed for a completely different society when there was no Sunday trading and where traditional gender roles meant that women did most of the shopping when their partners were at work. This simply doesn't happen any more as many households have both adults working making shopping more difficult and requiring more flexibility.

Convenience can also mean parking, disabled access, toilets and so on. Supermarkets provide this. Equally, supermarkets provide good customer service and if enough people demand a product they put it on the shelf.

It looks like I give the impression of being pro Tesco or supermarkets, but it's important to highlight their strengths before we as independent traders and as customers can fight back. The Green Grocers is unusual in having long hours for trading we're open 9-7 Monday to Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday. Originally we were shut on Sunday and Monday, but due to demand we opened on those days and they are now third and fourth busiest days.

Traders need to shout louder about their strengths: we are often cheaper than supermarkets, can offer better service and you will waste less food. Traders need to get the message out, collaborate with other traders and producers - Produced in Norfolk can help here - then get the punters in through the door. Customers need to play their part - keep shopping in local stores, compare prices, quality and service - you will be pleasantly surprised.