News and Features

Has Tesco killed Shepton Mallet?

A year ago many would have had us believe that Shepton Mallet, already in poor shape, was doomed to become a virtual drive-through with the impending new Tesco development. If the worst predictions materialised, Town Street and the High Street would be deserted.  The planners adamantly denied these claims, sticking to their theory that the development would in fact attract new shoppers to the town and that many of these would wander down to the High Street.

6 months after Tesco first opened it’s doors we were prepared for a downbeat town dominated by the new Tesco.  But what we discovered was an unexpected centre of excellence with some of Somerset’s most renowned destination restaurants and a metamorphosing town centre with a clutch of tempting new cafes and delis - see our recommendations at the end of the feature.

Lynne Reed, owner of Blostins restaurant, sums up the feelings in the lead up to the opening, “Everyone was knocking it before it came” she says, “we certainly hoped it wouldn’t destroy the High Street, so many people have worked hard to establish a living there, although anything that brings people into the town is good. We haven’t noticed any effect on our business, we have had new customers coming in for The Academy and from Tadley Acres, but not to our knowledge from Tesco”.

“We certainly haven’t noticed any downturn in business” agrees Jason Goy of Bowlish House,  “I think the knock-on effect has been good, it has spurred businesses on to improve things.”

David Pledger, owner of The Thatched Cottage thinks differently “The development was clearly wrong for our town, the road system is an accident waiting to happen, the 2 hour parking restriction stops people going down the High Street.  I won’t shop there on principle.” 

Ian Jarmaine speaks on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce “We don’t think there’s been much impact on the prepared food trade, the two delis, Delicious and Pepper’s are still doing well, as is Reg’s Veggies.  Our expectation is that with correct input from the council in terms of adequate parking facilities and increased signage the volume of traffic towards the Market Cross end of town will increase. “

The issue of parking has angered many of the traders, the argument being that a 2-hour limit at Tesco is not long enough for shoppers to also visit the Town Centre.  We put this to Trevor Henstridge, Store Manager at Tesco.

“We can’t have unlimited parking, because people would take advantage and our shoppers would face parking problems, but we wanted and were assured we would get 3 hours.  All the retailers at the development agree on this ” he says.  “We are happy to work with pressure groups to lobby Mendip District Council.  The car park is not owned or patrolled by us, so we can’t just change the time limit.”

“Between 26 and 29,000 shoppers visit Tesco every week, this number has built up each time a new store has opened up on the retail park.  We are open to proposals for signage to encourage more of them to visit the town centre, and think the Haskins re-development will help this too.”  He certainly sounds genuine when he says, “We want to be seen as part of the community and to be a good neighbour and I believe we can exist side by side with local businesses, without a conflict of interest”.  Perhaps his commitment hails from the fact that he has managed several stores in the region (most recently Wells) and that his store employs 370 staff, most of whom are local. 

“We are pulling in shoppers from Frome as well as Shepton residents who previously shopped in Frome, in Bath or on the way to or from work, and this creates an opportunity for people to think of Shepton Mallet as up-and-coming”.  He says this trend can actually lead to opportunities for new businesses “such as a very good butcher”.

It might be a surprise to hear that three local businesses have already grasped that opportunity. 

Viv Bronson took over Delicious Delicatessen in May.  She says, “Businesses can’t be stuck in their ways, they need to move with the times.  Tesco has pulled business into the town and we have to take advantage of that and focus on what we can do that they can’t.  We have very loyal customers who want a good deli where they can try the products and ask about how to use them.  All our prepared food is homemade and we can source new items that individual customers ask for.”

Peppers Deli and Café opened in June, basing their business on healthy wholefood. Co-owner Julie Duncan says, “We haven’t suffered as a result of Tesco opening, but do feel we would do better if the parking issue was resolved.  We get customers that won’t shop at Tesco at all, but also those that shop there and with us.  Our ranges don’t really compete.”

For us the most cheering story was that of 75 year old Reg Mann, who bravely set up his corner shop ‘Reg’s Fruit and Veggies’ at the end of Town Street even though he knew Tesco would soon be opening.  He gets up whilst most of us are asleep in bed and drives to Bristol to buy his produce from the market every day and has built up a loyal following, based on a reputation for a simple product - good quality fresh fruit and veg – and the fact that he can offer a personalised service whether customers need ¼ of a cauliflower or a regular bulk order.

Reg knows most of his customers by name and via the age-old process of talking to them, Tesco are getting to know theirs via ClubCard data and complex analysis – two very different methods working well for two very different retailers, that, yes, seem to be able to exist side by side.

Our Recommendations - where to eat and shop

Delicious… delicatessen

Homely deli and cafe, perfect for a lunchtime sandwich and all of your speciality ingredients.   Stay for a coffee if you can to enjoy the atmosphere. more

Peppers

Great range of wholefood and health food, with spacious café serving home-cooked meals from around the world. more

Blostins

Family run bistro style restaurant serving fresh food made from the finest local produce. more

Bowlish House

Elegant Grade II listed Georgian House, serving everything from a la carte lunches to grand 6 course dinners. more

Charlton House

The famous Mulberry hotel and spa.  A fabulous place to enjoy a little luxury, well known for it’s famous chef Elisha Carter. 

The Stumbles

Perfect for a pint of real ale.

Pickwicks Cafe

Our choice for watching the world go by

The Thatched Cottage

Award-winning food in a country cottage style pub

Reg’s veggies

The 76 year old who set up down the road from Tesco – go and hear his story

For Families

Shop at Tesco, Woolies and Argos, wander down the High Street and let the kids choose their own lunch venue, if it’s fine take a snack from Delicious or Peppers and eat it in Collett Park.

Note: We contacted Mendip District Council for their views on the parking issue, but did not receive a response.