SHOPRITE has said shoppers in Castletown are already "well served with convenience stores".
The company has released a statement following yesterday's announcement that Tesco will open a Tesco Express store in the Callow's Yard development.
Andrew Thomas, the chief executive of Shoprite, said Shoprite's strategy would be to "continue to focus on providing a differentiated offering rather than just replicating what already exists".
He said: "Customer focussed businesses need to keep developing and this is exactly what Shoprite is doing by providing grocery shoppers in the South with a new, positive shopping experience.
"Our expanded and redesigned food market store in Port Erin offers a wide range of Manx produce alongside the best premium quality Waitrose lines.
"Shoppers in Castletown are already well served with convenience stores. Shoprite has therefore presented a viable solution for a broader food market store in Ballasalla in the Southern Area Plan.
"This is part of a wider business park development that will further address local requirements, complement the day to day convenience market in the nearby towns, provide handy and convenient parking, and allow servicing and access that will not cause disruption to Castletown's residents or affect the town's independent traders.
"Sustainable food shopping that adds economic value and reduces trips to Douglas was identified as essential for the south in the government's own Roger Tymm retail report in 2009 and our strategy will continue to focus on providing a differentiated offering rather than just replicating what already exists."
Yesterday Tesco said it was "proud" that the opening of the express store would create 20 jobs for local people.
Matthew Magee, corporate affairs manager for Tesco, said: "We're very proud to be part of the Callow's Yard development in Castletown.
"We're looking forward to bringing our great convenience offer to this exciting development which we hope will help to establish Castletown as one of the Island's best shopping areas.
"We're also very proud to be creating 20 new local jobs in this economic climate."
No opening date for the opening of the Tesco Express store has been confirmed.
isleofman.com wants to know what you think about this announcement. Are you pleased Tesco is coming to town or do you agree with Shoprite? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below:
