Tesco takes over Exmouth

By Nitida | Monday, November 15, 2010, 20:45

Seeing the opening of a nice, new Co-op in the Magnolia Centre was so refreshing, especially when I heard that Tesco, who already have three stores in Exmouth, are bidding for a larger store on Salterton Road.

More shopping trolleys for Tesco in Exmouth! (sxc.hu)

Pleeeeease... noooooooo!!!

This comes at the same time that I read about the possible bid for a Waitrose or Sainsbury's on the Rugby ground. I had been filled with hope for a short moment... until I read about Tesco's take over again.

A friend suggested that someone must be taking a back-hander from Tesco, as they have so much presence in the town! But is that really how it works? Could it be that simple? When ASDA pulled out of the plans to develop a store on the estuary, Tesco got fired up again and before we know it, there plans to expand the empire are publicised!

A spokesman told the Exmouth Journal that a decision on the new Tesco plans is expected after Christmas, with a view to starting the work next Spring, opening the following winter."

I'm not wholly convinced we need a larger Tesco with a cafe. What we do need is more choice, and more focus on developing retail in the town centre rather than out of town.

In the meantime, I will be shopping at the smart new Co-op. It's handy, well-stocked for a town-centre store, and the quality of the food is superb. And when I want even more choice, I'll actually make the journey to Sidmouth, to Waitrose. The staff there can't do enough to help you - it was pouring down with rain and someone came out to my car with a golf umbrella for me. I don't see anyone at Tesco doing that in a hurry!

What I want to know is, if so many people hate the monopoly Tesco have on Exmouth's shopping, why don't people boycott the stores? It seems to me that people moan about it but then just go and do their shopping there anyway. I don't. I go to Waitrose in Sidmouth, Co-op in town, Sainsbury's in Exeter - anything rather than fuel the big machine that is Tesco.

Does anyone feel the same way?

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Comments

Tescomouth.... that's what we've become. Tesco's monopoly of the town is quite ridiculous, so I'm pleased that there is now a little bit of competition from Lidl. The Co-op in the Magnolia Centre is a useful alternative – and I'm delighted that it is there – but the choice of goods is limited, and some of their own brand stuff is a little disappointing. We try and use the local shops as much as we can. For fruit and veg, we use Stokes and Lakes (on the Exeter Road). You can't beat our town's butchers – especially Porky Downs and Reynolds – and occasionally for fresh fish, we use The Wet Plaice. And we now have two delis in the town – Rennoldson's and The Deli on the Strand. But every so often we are forced to do a Tesco run! Clearly we need some serious competition to Tesco. But whatever it is, it must not be on the Estuary! Any large-scale development on our wonderful estuary would be totally inappropriate and unforgivable.

By Grapenut at 08:30 on 18/09/11
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We didn't realise how spoilt we were living in an area with a Sainsbury's monopoly in SE London. Shopping in Tesco is now out of desperation (i.e. after 9pm). The quality of the own-brand food is very poor and unhealthy. The offers are only on products high in salt and sugar, rarely fruit and veg (unless it's ridiculous - buy 5 bags of apples and get the 6th free). Much prefer Co-op in town, I walk passed it at least twice a day so may as well pick something up. Shop local, little and often is better and less waste in my kitchen bin.

By emsie72 at 21:29 on 17/09/11
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I agree nitida, tesco is an evil, greedy company that will do anything for proffit. I also don't understand people who moan about tesco and then go and shop there and keep them in business. the co-op is a great ethical company with great quality food but is under threat from tesco. what a shame about tesco opening in seaton, it will put every shop out of business and the two co-op stores. nice to know someone else who doesen't like tesco :)

By Rockyrickster at 20:30 on 17/09/11
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