One of my antecedent articles show my discontent with big industries pointlessly throwing around new shops and retailers at every corner of the street. Well that is exactly what has happened-again.
Following around 4 years of construction work, a new Tesco Express has opened its doors besides the St Mary’s Catholic High School on Wellesley Road in Croydon. Firstly, the location of this store is less than a minute away from the famous and vivacious Whitgift Centre, which is home to over 140 retailers. These include shops such as Sainsburys, M&S and even Poundland! A 6 minute walk would bring you to the rivalling Sainsburys (which already have a small store of their own inside the Whitgift Centre). With two massive groceries going face to face on the same road, it only exhibits an invitation for other big retailers to join in on the action. If you think like me, you can see this will not go down well.
Onto the topic of nearby retailers, it would be quite relevant to mention that if a consumer was to walk straight for 4 minutes away from the town centre, they would actually bump into another Tesco Express the exact same size! Isn’t it odd how two Tesco Express’ are within 4 minute proximity of each other? In fairness one of them is situated very smartly for the shopper who doesn’t want to go to the hassle of entering the town centre. The location of the newer one, however, fails to meet any astute mentality.
I accept that in a time of recession, creating jobs is a feasible step to take. The fact, however, is that this store will heighten commuting delays and put a strain on sensible parking, whilst also being very unusually situated. In context, all we can really do is take advantage of there being a new store in town. But for all those in Croydon pondering over the issue, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
