I can understand Cinderford residents wanting competitive prices when they shop and I am one of those residents.   We have both the Co-op and Lidl to do our marketing.

But, I am concerned with the drive to have Asda in Cinderford.  

Residents complain that the Co-op is unfairly competing with funeral directors, pharmacies, travel agents and other local businesses.  I would suggest they research Asda to find out more of the company they want to come to Cinderford.

  

Asda Stores Ltd is a British supermarket chain which retails food, and also clothing, general merchandise, toys and financial services. It also has a mobile telephone network.   This means they will be competing with more merchants in Cinderford.

In 1999 Asda became a subsidiary of the American retail giant Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer.   With economy of scale Asda is able to purchase products very cheaply and pass on the savings to their customers.   They brow beat suppliers to provide goods at a price that is often below market value.   Their marketing promotions are usually based solely on price.   As a wholly owned division of Wal-Mart it is not required to declare quarterly or half-yearly earnings.

In the USA a large number of areas fight hard to ensure Wal-Mart does not open a store in their location.   In many of the locations where they have, the local butchers, bread shops, vegetable stores and other types of merchants were no longer able to compete and closed their doors.

This is what you accuse the Co-op of doing.   With Asda in town how long will our few remaining merchants remain open providing us with a shopping choice?

– Jennifer Lang, Cinderford.