Competition has become the double-edged sword of the retail game that, depending on your viewpoint, has either kept the market healthy or transformed the high street beyond recognition into a cut-throat environment, clearly dominated by the big four.

The news that the Competition Commission has stepped up pressure on the supermarket giants by proposing a revised ‘need’ test (p1) has stirred up another instalment on an issue that has gone back and forth more than should have been necessary.

Tesco’s claims that the commission has “made the wrong decision” that will put a “brake on growth” hardly seem proportionate, given that the retail giant has just reported that its total sales have reached more than £1 billion a week (p5).

However, the UK grocery market is known for its competition both among the big four and between the major multiples and the rest of the high street, including independent and convenience retailers, foodservice, markets in all their forms and more recently, the discounters.

This means that regardless of the need test, consumers will retain their right to shop where they please, whether at their local shop or at an out-of-town superstore.

Those beyond the big four should take the opportunity to focus on what sets them apart from the multiples and make this known, to find a new way of coming into their own.