I bumped into an old friend in the fruit and veg section the other day. He was swooning at the mushrooms - six different kinds, all attractively displayed. "I think we'll all be winners," he said.
That's the first person I've heard describe the imminent arrival of Tesco in such terms, and I can see what means. No recent visitor to Palm 2 can fail to have noticed that Abdullah and his team have been sharpening up what I imagine retail gurus would term their "customer offer". The delicatessen has broadened its range and the fresh produce is looking fresher. Home made soup has been available since (I think) before Christmas and the front of the shop has been reorganised to be more spacious. Now they're offering to refill your Ecover bottles and even to look after parcels delivered to your home when you are out. They've also revived the home delivery service they tried out a while back (text your orders to 07889935310. Must be for £15 or more).
Naturally, I consider it a duty to tease Abdullah about what is in some ways a move upmarket but I know that he is completely sincere when he insists that Palm 2 will remain a shop that strives to serve everybody in the neighbourhood. I'm full of admiration for the measures he is taking to meet the challenge of the retail giant soon to open just down the road. He's playing very shrewdly to his strengths: local knowledge, distinctiveness, a personal touch and the deep loyalty of many of his regular customers.
It's important to remember that many local people will welcome Tesco's arrival as an improvement to this part of Clapton. They might turn out to be at least partly right. But to lose Palm 2 as a result would be a disaster. Its friends know what they must do: visit frequently and spend, spend, spend. That way, the optimism of my friend the mushroom fan may turn out to be fully justified.
Abdullah said to me : 'The world changes and we must adapt and be better.' Pretty impressive attitude I think...
Posted by: James Cherkoff | January 20, 2011 at 09:51 AM
In an area that is so full of delicious and diverse foods, I wonder if the Tesco Express on Kingsland High St has been purposely pitched at those shoppers just looking for boring staples? I never shop there because the large Sainsbury's and Basak (Turkish 24 hr supermarket) in tandem offer me everything I need. Tesco Express is so small and dull. I wonder what boring products they will push on you guys in Clapton?
Posted by: Wendy Hoske | January 24, 2011 at 02:42 PM
Finally a bit of pragmatism coming into the debate, eh? As a 'north of the roundabout' Clapton resident, I've only ever been to the Palm 2 once, and have to say the piece of chicken i bought on that occasion was off. That said, it did appear to be an impressive operation and I'm sure will up its game further when Tesco arrives. Which should be good as its going to get some extra people visiting who would have avoided lower Clapton altogether in favour of going to Stoke Newington or Hackney. So, yeah, everyone is a winner in a way. Welcome to the free world.
Posted by: Gavin | February 01, 2011 at 04:38 PM