Village stores in Sussex have given a mixed reaction to Somerfield's plans to supply independent retailers.

Somerfield is offering to deliver goods and to supply in small quantities convenient for smaller shops.

Robert Reece, who manages stores in Laughton, Firle and Ripe, dismissed the scheme. He said: "They want us to stock their products but they don't won't let us have the food at wholesale prices. If I go to Bookers Cash and Carry they give me wholesale prices."

He said shops would not be able to stay in business with the discount he expected from Somerfield. Somerfield spokesperson Carol Baker said discounts would depend on the volume bought by stores. Discount figures were unavailable.

Alan Wyle, chairman of the National Association of Village Shops, said: "If you're a commercial shop you'll not make it on delivery by Somerfield." He added non-profit making community stores would be most likely to benefit.

Despite the reservations he welcomed the Somerfield scheme. He said: "I really think it's a positive move." Many shopkeepers doubted whether the scheme would make money for Somerfield.

Don Mathieson of the Post Office Stores in West Chiltingdon said it would be difficult for the company to make a profit even if it made a 15 per cent mark-up on delivered goods. "I can't see what's in it for Somerfield," he said.

Steve Denham, manager of the Cherilyn store in West Chiltingdon, said it was unlikely Somerfield understood the details of small scale distribution. He said: "My initial reaction was 'Somerfield is getting desperate'.The other side to the caution is will Somerfield be here next year?"

Somerfield announced half-year pre-tax profits down 47 per cent to £60 million in January.

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