ACS

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the Competition Commission’s provisional decision to restate its recommendation for a planning competition test.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: "ACS has supported the competition test since it was first proposed; we believe that it can play a role in ensuring more competition in the grocery market. However this measure is not a panacea for the competition failings of a market dominated by a handful of major supermarkets.

"Having spent a year prevaricating and fighting Tesco's appeal it is now time for Tesco to get on with implementing all its recommendations."

The Competition Commission has been carrying out further analysis on the benefits and costs of the test following a ruling by the Competition Appeal Tribunal over concerns raised by Tesco on the evidence base behind the proposed test. The test would block supermarket developments by retailers already powerful in a local area, in order to make room for competing stores from rival retailers.

ACS was an intervening party in the case that Tesco brought against the Competition Commission, supporting the Competition Test. The test would prevent stores with more than 60% market share in a local market from expanding their dominance through building new stores or floor space.

The Competition Commission is now inviting responses to the provisional decision by 29 July 2009 and will assess these before publishing its final decision by 5 October 2009. ACS will be feeding into this latest consultation.

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978
Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,500 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.