By George Anderson
New research from Mintel says British consumers are increasingly moving away from supermarkets to do their food shopping in the traditional, small grocery store.
According to the research, 21 percent of consumers preferred the small shops to supermarkets and only 52 percent respondents said they did all their grocery shopping in supermarkets.
Paul Rickard, director of research at Mintel, told The Herald: "There is clearly a belief that local traders should be supported rather than allowing the supermarket giants to dominate.
"Some (consumers) may resent the fact that because of the supermarkets, local traders are disappearing and our high streets are losing their individual character. Others may feel that they can buy better quality, fresher produce from these local traders and markets."
Andrew Firth, owner of the Herbie of Edinburgh delicatessen, said, "There is a definite movement back to traditional shops. People are getting bored by the fact that when they go into supermarkets, the specialist knowledge and advice on offer is limited."
Mhairi Taylor, who owns Delizique, a "deli-market" in Glasgow, said businesses such as hers are simply delivering what consumers want. "More people now care about where their food comes from. It's been a gradual build-up from the era of the BSE crisis to the recent Sudan 1 scare," she said. "Our business is about love, passion, and respect for food. We are the new incarnation of traditional grocers."
Moderator's Comment: Do you see a similar movement in the U.S. to the U.K. where consumers are shopping at smaller "corner grocers" and specialty shops instead of at supermarkets, supercenters, clubs, etc.? Do you know of any small store grocers worth mentioning? What makes them special? - George Anderson - Moderator