Very worried: 19%...
How worried are you, if at all, that the continued expansion of large supermarkets such as Tesco and Asda means that some smaller local shops go out of business?

Very worried: 19%

Quite worried: 40%

Not very worried: 24%

Not at all worried: 16%

While 40 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds were worried that supermarket growth might put shops out of business, this figure grew to 66 per cent for those aged 45 or above. Concern was higher in the south of England and Wales (63 per cent) than in Scotland and the North (56 per cent), perhaps reflecting the geographical nature of supermarket growth.

Are you happy with the amount of choice you have when it comes to where you do your main grocery shopping?

Yes: 89%

No: 11%

Although the majority of people surveyed stated they were worried about the expansion of large supermarkets, such as Tesco and Asda, hurting local retailers, the overwhelming majority of consumers were happy about the choice of grocers they have to complete their main food shop.

Do you think the Government should impose rules and regulation on how the large supermarkets operate to ensure they always act in the best public interest?

Yes: 82%

No: 16%

Don't know: 2%

Consumers want the Government to step in and impose rules and regulations on the grocers. Women were more in favour (87 per cent) of Government intervention than men (77 per cent). Almost 90 per cent of people in Scotland wanted the Government to act compared with only 78 per cent in the Southeast. A review of the Suppliers' Code of Conduct, on the grocer/supplier relationship, is ongoing.

Do you think Tesco is getting too big and powerful?

Yes: 48%

No: 46%

Don't know: 6%

Men agree by a small margin (52 per cent), but women's views are more evenly balanced - 45 per cent agreed, while 47 per cent did not. Older people were once again more concerned than younger people. While 40 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds agreed, and 45 per cent of those aged 35 to 44 also agreed. The percentage rose to 52 per cent in the 45 to 54 age group, and to 55 per cent of those aged 65 or over.

Methodology: ICM Research interviewed a random selection of 1,009 adults aged 18 and over by telephone between January 29 and January 30, 2005. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults.

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