Tesco ordered to sell site in Slough

The Competition Commission has ordered supermarket giant Tesco to sell the former Co-op store on Uxbridge Road in Slough, as it had reduced competition and choice in the area.

The watchdog said its preferred solution was for another grocery retailer to purchase the site and develop a competing store that was large enough to compete effectively with the other large grocery stores in the area.

It added as a fallback, the commission would allow a retailer to move into a smaller unit, or combination of units, on the current redevelopment if the first option, which would require planning permission, takes too long or if planning permission is not granted.

Tesco purchased the site back in 2003 and since then, has demolished the store and started work on a new 4-unit retail development.

Tesco is the biggest player in the British grocery market with a 30% share. It has recently opened its first store in America under its new green and white Fresh & Easy banner. It plans to have at least 50 Fresh & Easy stores in the US by the end of the financial year.

Story link: Tesco ordered to sell site in Slough