"Protestors' anger at move to rebrand Leamington Tesco Metro as Tesco Express"

[dutchman]

The retail giant's decision to reposition its Tesco Metro in the Parade as a Tesco Express has caused outrage



Campaigners "don't feel like giving up just yet" in their opposition to Tesco's controversial rebrand of its Leamington store.

The retail giant's decision to reposition its Tesco Metro in the Parade as a Tesco Express has caused outrage among shoppers and residents.

Opponents say the change, part of a coordinated strategy that has seen around 40 Metro stores nationwide rebranded as Express branches, has resulted in a smaller range of products and widespread price increases.

Campaign organiser Peter Glanfield said: "This change is hitting the most vulnerable people in our society.

"The people who walk or get the bus - the most environmentally friendly shoppers - are the hardest hit. It's inequitable.

"The shop does not feel as full as it was. I've been told that the only thing not to have gone up in price are newspaper and sandwich deals.

"Our biggest worry is the people who can't move away. The people who don't have transport or the wherewithal to go to out-of-town stores.

"Tesco doesn't understand the emotional impact for people. If people stop going to these places or spend less, they understand that.

"I think we should embarrass Tesco into rethinking."

Peter, 76, and from Leamington, led a protest outside the shop last week.

The action earned the backing of Matt Western, Labour MP for Warwick and Leamington, who urged residents to "support the protest" in a Facebook post last week.

A former managing director of a business in Coventry, Peter was taken aback by the support the protest received.

"There's been a huge response from shoppers and residents," he said.

"I've been overwhelmed by the emotion of it all."

And Peter, who has vowed to start an online petition, said he would continue to hold protests until the company stood up and took notice.

"We don't feel like giving up just yet," he added.

"I've lived in Leamington since the early 90s and have always shopped in Tesco. I just think this change is morally wrong.

"My view is that we will continue (protesting). We shall be back in front of Tesco from Friday."