Big four retailers ‘dug their own grave’

The big four supermarkets have “undoubtedly” dug their own grave and contributed to the “crisis” in the retail industry,  according to Clive Black of Shore Capital.

No individual retailer was specifically to blame and they had all contributed to their downfall, explained Black, who is head of research at the City analyst, in this exclusive video interview filmed at the grocery think-tank IGD’s Big Debate conference this week.

“The British superstore groups have undoubtedly dug their own graves,” Black said.

“One can’t say there’s any particular reason or individual companies there to blame for everything that’s gone wrong, but they have enormously contributed to their own downfall.”

Loss of market share and margins

This downfall has resulted in loss of market share, collapse of margins, a write-down of assets and shareholders not receiving much dividend, Black added.

Watch this video (filmed in a noisy conference venue) to find out what advice he offered to food and drink manufacturers supplying the retailers, who were bound to be “worried, confused” and considering ways the secure growth.

Also, find out why he said despite this it would be unwise to write-off the major retailers just yet.

Black predicted what impact Amazon Fresh would have on the market.