An Analysis of the Effects of the Big Four Super Markets on the Local Producers, Retailers, Community and Economy of the U.K

Introduction to the ‘Big Four’:
Grocery shopping in the United Kingdom is dominated by four companies that have opened up retail outlets there. All of these companies are British. They all have a huge market share and have thus earned the title of ‘The Big Four.’ Following is a small introduction of each of the four brands along with their market share both inside and outside the United Kingdom.
Tesco is the multinational company that offers grocery and general merchandise. It is a retail business that has its headquarters in the United Kingdom. Functioning from Chestnut, its market share has just recently dipped below thirty percent in UK, even though it still makes it the leading retail business in the United Kingdom. It had for the past seven years maintained its market share above the figure of thirty percent. However, it is not confined to only the U.K, but also has a huge market share in Thailand, Malaysia and Ireland. It has opened up many outlets over continents including Asia, Europe and North America.
Morrison’s is a chain of outlets in the United Kingdom and it is the fourth largest retail business in the United Kingdom. However, it is the smallest if the Big Four companies, having a market share of around 16.7 percent comprising of U.K sales to consumers. It has its head quarters in Bradford in England.
Asda Stores Ltd. ranks at the second position in terms of market share in the United Kingdom and has a current share of about 17.5 percent, making it short of only 12.5 percent to match Tesco’s. Asda is now the subsidiary of the American based company, Wal-Mart, which also specializes in retail business. It also has a cellular phone network known as Asda mobile. Its head office is located in Leeds in England.
Sainsbury’s