The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has warned that proposals to require supermarkets to release detailed pricing data could harm local shops.
The proposals made by Labour MP John Denham would require the 10 largest retailers in the UK to make available real time data about products and prices in every store in the country. The data made freely available could then be used by software developers to create price comparison tools for consumers.
ACS met with John Denham in advance of the Bill to set out the concerns of convenience retailers about his proposals.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the fact that following our intervention, John Denham has made clear that he does not intend for his proposals to impose legal requirements on small retailers forcing them to share data in this way.
“However, we remain concerned that by forcing the development of price comparison websites and mobile apps that only track the biggest retailers, the Bill could actually draw shoppers away from using their local independent stores.”
The proposals were introduced as a Ten Minute Rule Bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday 15th January. Ten Minute Bills rarely become law, but serve to raise the profile of an issue.
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