Is Tesco’s £6.4bn loss good news for smaller shops?

FOR years, Tesco has behaved in a cavalier and predatory manner, trampling over the concerns of local people to open stores where they’re not wanted and trying to be all things to all people in its lust for money. What better reward for its failings than a £6.4 billion loss.

RON HAVENHAND, Nantwich, cheshire.

AS A Tesco employee, I don’t think the huge losses have been the fault of CEO Dave Lewis or his staff. This was the fault of everyone at the top of the chain responsible for running things since Sir Terry Leahy’s departure. The next time you go to your local Tesco and we don’t have every item you want, ask us; and if we don’t give great service, note the assistant’s name and complain to customer services. You’ll be listened to and, hopefully, satisfied.

ASHLEY SMITH, March, cambs.

POOR old Tesco — instead of billions of pounds of profit, it’s made a thumping £6.4 billion loss this year due to financial circumstances, including its nationwide property portfolio going pear-shaped. i’m upset for the hundreds of its staff who will be made redundant — but the thousands of small businesses forced to close when Tesco arrived in their towns and villages won’t be quite as unhappy. Grocers, fishmongers, insurance brokers, ironmongers and other small businesses all felt the power of an organisation intent on ruling the retail world. Now, despite one of its flagship stores on the A127 near southend being reconfigured with the help of our council with palm trees on roundabouts, it might fall victim to nationwide economic circumstances. Tesco took over local sites, directly affecting corner shops and parades. if Tesco does fail, good luck to all those who have survived the onslaught.

TREVOR MURDIN, Leigh-on-Sea, essex.

I TAKE issue with Sarah Vine on Tesco’s home delivery (Mail). I have weekly deliveries, and on only one occasion was it ten minutes outside the agreed time slot. We find the drivers friendly, polite and helpful and only rarely do I get substitutions — and then I’m at liberty to send them back. And I’ve never been given a rotten tomato. JENNIFER WITHERINGTON, Boston, Lincs.