I hope come to Ireland! We have little competition. We pay far more then the rest of Europe. The republic could really use an ASDA, and more!

Nick Knight, Skerries, Ireland

It is not stores like Tesco and Asda that is causing the demise of the local shops, it is the people who shop in them.
The presure of motheres working and laziness of some people are the problem. If people did not shop there they would not exist.
My wife and I always try and use a small trader where possible although we do use supermarkets for the range of goods.We have found that often the small shop is cheaper or the same price, and we get service. and we are on pension so have to watch prices. Many buy the packet food as they are too lazy or have not learned to cook properly.

Mike, Paphos, Cyprus

Tesco, Adsa and similar supermarket companies must be brought into public ownership or forms of workers cooperatives. Stores of this size spell the total demise of the small private shop.
Additionally they contribute, as a previous correspondent noted, to more and more destruction of the world environment.
Only a committed, able management can bring these giants to social responsibility.

john b, skipton, uk

I wonder how many small businesses they will have to bankrupt to provide these?

Austin Tassletine, South West,

It's good that ASDA and other supermarket chains are doing so well form a business point of view but what a pity they aren't very responsible with the environment - though perhaps that's for the government to encourage? A case in point: I've just eaten a microwavable lunch that was 50% food & 50% plastic packaging - at least I didn't accept a plastic bag with it! Wouldn't it be an idea to introduce a tax on plastic usage when sold with food/bottled water? I'll bet the business savy supermarket supremeos/manufacturers would soon find a bio-degradable alternative if there was an incentive to do so.

Cirep G Nol, London,