Why couldn't we force the current two retail chains to seperate and divest from their wholesale/distribution branches? Then all other smaller retailers (including corner dairies and other independent minimarts) can access wholesale goods at the same trade prices. This would also make it more attractive for the independents to expand. The only question of course, is whether any government will have the courage and fortitude to see this through....
While I will be delighted to patronize Aldi/Lidl exclusively if they come, the Supermarket Duopoly is claimed to be a relatively minor contributor. New Zealand has a number of larger contributors to high food costs ie: The Island Effect, Bio-security as a religion, Higher input costs, Lack of scale, regulations, Labour costs and the lack of retail format diversity. Dan Brunskill at interest.co.nz has a piece on this today with some claimed accurate percentages. It's hard to know if he is correct, but will probably be partially so. So, we may be disappointed with the end result. Nevertheless it's manna from heaven to the Nats to be seen doing something to "really put those greedy supermarkets in their place ! "
Why couldn't we force the current two retail chains to seperate and divest from their wholesale/distribution branches? Then all other smaller retailers (including corner dairies and other independent minimarts) can access wholesale goods at the same trade prices. This would also make it more attractive for the independents to expand. The only question of course, is whether any government will have the courage and fortitude to see this through....
While I will be delighted to patronize Aldi/Lidl exclusively if they come, the Supermarket Duopoly is claimed to be a relatively minor contributor. New Zealand has a number of larger contributors to high food costs ie: The Island Effect, Bio-security as a religion, Higher input costs, Lack of scale, regulations, Labour costs and the lack of retail format diversity. Dan Brunskill at interest.co.nz has a piece on this today with some claimed accurate percentages. It's hard to know if he is correct, but will probably be partially so. So, we may be disappointed with the end result. Nevertheless it's manna from heaven to the Nats to be seen doing something to "really put those greedy supermarkets in their place ! "
I went into yesterdays post, and went straight through to the audio with no problem…