Indecisive people may have a different view of what choice really means. Deciding on whether to have a bagel or a baguette or whether to get the train or a bus are choices that individuals get. However, are having 4 Sainsbury’s, 3 Tesco, 2 Marks and Spencer, 1 Morrisons, 1 Nisa and 1 Waitrose too much of a big choice?

In total, Sainsbury’s has 1,200 supermarkets and convenience stores in the U.K. Recently, another one opened on Goldhawk Road in Shepherds Bush. Going out to pick up a carton of milk will now never be the same again. It used to be easy; nipping out to the only corner shop in the area would be quick and simple. Now it’s the case of which one to go to that is not far to walk to, that has good quality products, that is cheap, that is usually not busy, that it has friendly staff and the list goes on. The recently opened Sainsbury’s has brand new self-check-out counters, a bakery stall and a magazine and floral section. Do these features really make the whole shopping experience any more enjoyable?

The opening of more convenience stores may seem like a good idea at first to the customers but they do actually become a hindrance. For example, Shepherds Bush market has seen a decline in the numbers of visitors. Many more people used to go there for their grocery shopping, but now with the massive increase in branded shops, the market has become less of a feature of Shepherds Bush. The old fashioned ways of interacting with the market sellers and its local charm is disappearing in Shepherds Bush. Choice is not what it used to be! It has become something that is forced upon us by store branches that are competing for light. Overall, Shepherds Bush has far too many stores for shopping to be a pleasurable experience.

Jasmin Perreira

Gumley House Convent School