the peoples supermarket

[bodsier]

Hi there

A short while back James Barber started a thread re Waitrose or a peoples supermarket. He didn't seem to get much response on the peoples market, though most people were vehemently opposed to a waitrose. The Peoples supermarket is based on a model that is being shown on Sunday on Channel 4 and either 8pm. Cheaper food run by the community, for the community. Its a series, so hopefully you can catch at least one of them to get an idea. I am definately up for a peoples supermarket, and would be willing to volunteer hours to help. Here's the link to explain more, and if more people are interested, perhaps we can make it happen?

http://www.londonsdc.org/londonleaders/project_info.aspx?ID=31

[louisiana]

Hi bodsier

I'm deffo interested in all this. In fact I'm signed up for a workshop next week about this entire area. (And many years ago I was the woman living over the Bonnington Cafe after we opened up the building at 11 Vauxhall Grove and connected the utilities in a very direct action fashion.) I think we can definitely do/offer a lot more locally in this regard but there are various possible models and we need to look at what's the best or most appropriate for here.

[dukesdenver]

bodsier Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Hi there

>

> A short while back James Barber started a thread

> re Waitrose or a peoples supermarket. He didn't

> seem to get much response on the peoples market,

> though most people were vehemently opposed to a

> waitrose.

It is not strictly true that 'most people were vehemently opposed to a waitrose'. The viewpoints seemed closer to 50/50 for/against to me.

Having said that, I wish you luck with this plan if it takes off.

[louisiana]

dukesdenver Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> bodsier Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > Hi there

> >

> > A short while back James Barber started a

> thread

> > re Waitrose or a peoples supermarket. He

> didn't

> > seem to get much response on the peoples

> market,

> > though most people were vehemently opposed to a

> > waitrose.

>

> It is not strictly true that 'most people were

> vehemently opposed to a waitrose'. The viewpoints

> seemed closer to 50/50 for/against to me.

>

I'd agree. The position was more 'much as we'd like a Waitrose, we're concerned about local domination/impact of national chains, and we like out independent outlets and fear them being overwhelmed by those with national purchasing power etc.' A somewhat more nuanced message. I hope I've summed that up right but do correct me if you feel I'm wrong.

[Sue]

I'd be very interested in being involved in this. I think it's a great concept.

[louisiana]

There are many possible models. Really looking forward to net weeks' workshop to discuss...

[Sue]

Hope you'll report back on here after the workshop!

[louisiana]

Sue, yes I promise! Hold me to it. :)

Workshop is being co-organised by the Soil Association and various food co-op people/orgs.

[Dorothy]

Yes, just to be clear, I would love a Waitrose so long as it didn't hugely affect the rest of Lordship Lane. Since I don't think this is possible, I voted no. That makes me a classic nimby, I guess.

[EDdownunder]

I would love a Waitrose and think the "most people are vehemently opposed" is plain wrong. The people's supermarket seems an interesting concept - although not sure about this volunteering business - and it will be interesting to have a look at what its all about on the box.

People seem a bit worried about chains infiltrating the lane but since threshers went out of business we have had an empty shop in a prime spot without any other chain such as odd-bins or whatever rushing to take on the lease. I get the feeling some residents would prefer an empty store over an evil chain.

[Sue]

EDdownunder Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I would love a Waitrose and think the "most people

> are vehemently opposed" is plain wrong. The

> people's supermarket seems an interesting concept

> - although not sure about this volunteering

> business - and it will be interesting to have a

> look at what its all about on the box.

>

> People seem a bit worried about chains

> infiltrating the lane but since threshers went out

> of business we have had an empty shop in a prime

> spot without any other chain such as odd-bins or

> whatever rushing to take on the lease. I get the

> feeling some residents would prefer an empty store

> over an evil chain.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXxxx

Volunteering is an integral part of the people's supermarket :) That's part of what makes it a community enterprise, surely.

The issue of Threshers' empty shop has nothing to do with whether people want a Waitrose, has it? Let's not turn this into another Aspirational Supermarket thread - the issues around Waitrose, M&S etc have already been well rehearsed on James Barber's thread elsewhere.

[RosieH]

I too would be very interested in getting involved in a People's Supermarket. Count me in.

[karter]

Great concept, make it snappy though as the empty units are being filled. I'll gladly help out too.(tu)

[zeban]

Regarding the volunteering- it's 4 hours a month

[McCatllar]

You could start it up as a social enterprise.

Information about social enterprises can got from Social Enterprise London...another voluntary organisation funded by the London Boroughs Grants Scheme (that has had its budget cut by 63% - a cut which is, incidently, supported by Cllr James Barber of another EDF thread).

Welcome to the Big Society.

[Alec John Moore]

I'd volunteer for this. It could even be, to an extent, an indoor farmers' market. Alec

[SparkyUK]

I used to go to the Co-op in Brooklyn which was the inspiration behind the peoples market and it was fab. Really high quality produce at amazing prices. Would love to have something like this nearby. Sadly, I easily waste 4 hours a month on sainburys.

[bodsier]

WHAT WORKSHOP ARE YOU REFERRING TO? I WOULD LIKE TO COME, WHERE AND WHEN PLEASE LOUISIANA?

[catalpa]

I'm in for the people's supermarket! yes please!

[EDdownunder]

I beg to differ Sue, people opposed to waitrose argued against it using the example of the impact on the feel of lordships lane etc. I was pointing out that the feel of lordship lane is impacted more from long term empty storefronts, a plethora of estate agents and an inproportionate number of indian restaurants, rather than whether we have a supermarket considered by independent reviewers such as which? to be the finest supermarket in the UK. So actually I think it has everything to do with it.

That aside im happy to have an open mind and the suggestion of a PS looks a very good alternative and i would definitely do my shopping at the PS over sainsburys or the co-op.

[????]

I don't actually remember "Most people being vehemently opposed to a Waitrose"

I actually was but both Most and Vehemently sound like your views rather than what the thread said

[bodsier]

well anyway this is about the peoples supermarket, I wish i hadn't mentioned waitrose. Can anyone tell me where the workshop is please?

[LadyDeliah]

Yes please keep the Waitrose argument to the thread dedicated to that argument rather than this one which is about a people's supermarket.

I would be interested in volunteering and even helping to set it up.

Thanks.

[siousxiesue]

I would deffo be up for looking into this scheme, sounds interesting. Remember those shops you could weigh your own amount out and buy just what was needed, I quite liked those?!

[Senor Chevalier]

But seriously guys, let's be clear on the whole Waitrose issue....yawn....whatever...

Good idea, I would be happy to volunteer for 4 hours a month for a people's supermarket.