SCENARIO
SUPERMARKET SUPERPOWER
82
8.4
SITUATION
1
Read the extract from a TV guide and discuss the
questions with a partner.
1
Do you prefer shopping in a supermarket or smaller
stores? Why?
2
What do you expect to be able to buy in a supermarket?
Discuss your ideas with a partner.
3
Do you think supermarkets are generally good or bad for
the communities they serve?
2
Now read the newspaper report and answer
the questions.
1
When was Smithsons founded?
2
What does it sell?
3
Where does it sell?
4
What sort of stores does it have?
5
What is happening in the near future?
3
a
8.4
Bob Craven, the Chief Executive of Smithsons, is
on the hard-hitting radio programme
In the Hot Seat
. Listen
and tick the topics that are mentioned.
1
environmental damage
2
staff unions
3
consumer choice
4
competition
5
fair trade
6
treatment of staff
3
b
Listen again and take notes on the topics in Exercise 3a.
English language channel
Thursday 10 p.m.
VISTA
Live debate
This week the panel discusses the plans of Smithsons,
the international supermarket giant, to open branches in towns
and cities all over the country. Opinions on the company and
its activities are sharply divided so this will definitely be one to
watch.
Supermarket plans further expansion
S
MITHSONS, THE SUPERMARKET giant, is on the
move again, as it looks at entry into a number of
new markets around the world.
From its small beginnings as a market stall over eighty-
five years ago, Smithsons has become one of the world’s
biggest companies and employers. Growing out of its
bases in the USA and UK, it now has around 5,000 stores
around the world. From out-of-town superstores to
small city-centre convenience shops, it claims to offer
something for everyone.
Today it sells a vast range of goods and has seen huge
growth since it entered the non-food area. It now sells
everything from clothing, household items and electrical
goods to financial services, fuel and insurance. The larger
stores can now organise weddings and funerals. The
company’s slogan, ‘Smithsons – for everything in life’, is,
it seems, becoming a reality.
