Sainsbury’s has denied its proposals to sell more non-food items will hit traders in Broughty Ferry.
The supermarket chain insists plans to sell more toys, clothes and electrical goods will have a minimal impact on local traders.
It follows the submission of a planning application last week to Dundee City Council by the supermarket, seeking to use more floor space for non-food products.
However, following concerns raised by the Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association, Jeff Wilson, Sainsbury’s town planning team lead, has claimed the company is encouraging people to shop in the community through the use of a subsidised bus link.
He said: ”I would like to stress that, if the council was to increase the permitted limit of comparison goods, there is no evidence to suggest the town centre will suffer as a result.
”The local shops have a distinctive offer, which will remain attractive to customers regardless of a small increase in the Sainsbury’s floor space, comprising much of our non-food offer.
”A recent retail assessment shows the vitality and viability of Broughty Ferry district centre is one of the strongest in the city.
”It has not been prejudiced by the current level of retail within the Sainsbury’s store and will not be significantly impacted by an increase to 30%.
”A bus service paid for by Sainsbury’s connects the store to Broughty Ferry district centre, thereby encouraging linked trips between the two destinations.
”The proposal will enable an enhancement of our current offer and allow fair competition with other supermarkets in the area.”
Last week Sainsbury’s submitted a planning application to Dundee City Council requesting its store at Claypotts be allowed to devote as much as 30% of its floor space to non-food items an increase from 10% as permitted when the outlet opened in 2001.
The Broughty Ferry Traders’ Association, which represents almost 100 businesses in the area, including some independent retailers, is worried its members will lose custom as a result.
However, stating it only seeks to compete on the same terms with other supermarket chains, Mr Wilson added: ”Retailing is a dynamic sector and one which is constantly evolving. All retailers must adapt to meet the needs of their customers.
”Sainsbury’s is simply looking to change with the times and respond to the needs of its customers.”
Councillors are set to meet today to discuss Sainsbury’s proposals.