The new report, ‘Where have London’s local shops gone? – A recipe for the revival of strong independent shops’, says radical action is needed to bring them back to life.
“Local independent shops are being killed off in a London chain store massacre. When local shops die, a whole range of local businesses that supply independent shops with goods and services suffer too.” explained Noel Lynch, Green Party member of the London Assembly, spelling out the far-reaching consequences for London’s neighbourhoods.”
He continued; "Every new supermarket is built at the cost of a whole local economy-
often turning back decades of hard work by shopkeepers. We don’t want a city where profits come before our well-being every time we buy something. London is rapidly becoming a city of boring uniform high streets with little identity."
The report finds that almost every London neighbourhood can point to a shopping parade which over the last two decades has ceased to provide a range of shops selling fresh food and other basic necessities (such as baker, greengrocer, general store, butcher, post-office, chemist). Much of the blame lies with the spread and dominance of supermarket and chain stores. Bad town planning decisions and lack of government support for local shops and businesses further exacerbate the problem.
The report states that the death of local shops removes vital neighbourhood assets, adding to social isolation and crime. It also points out that the growth of superstores increases the need to travel, causing problems particularly for the elderly, the disabled, those on low incomes and those without cars.
“Londoners would prefer shops nearby that offer a rich variety of products and services as well as injecting vitality in their neighbourhood. Large supermarkets enjoy favourable treatment which enables them to suck trade away from local independent shops.” declared Noel.
To solve the problem, Greens are recommending that local councils should
· promote local delivery services
· work with banks and the Post Office to provide banking facilities or a cash point in all local shopping parades
· make sure that all district centres have a place for market stalls selling local produce
· consult fully with local traders about their needs
· maximise the amount of locally produced goods that they themselves buy.
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. The report will be launched at Colliers Wood High Street to coincide with a National Lobby for Trade Justice taking place over 27 and 28 June. Colliers Wood High Street has lost two greengrocers, two butchers and a good bakery since the Sainsbury Savacentre hypermarket opened.