Weymouth, a picturesque coastal town in Dorset, is renowned for its vibrant independent retailers, but local traders are growing increasingly concerned about the surge of major supermarket chains encroaching on their territory.
Currently, Dorchester Road hosts several supermarkets including Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, and Aldi. Adding to this, an M&S Foodhall is slated to open in 2027 following its relocation from the town centre, intensifying competition in the area.
Deborah Strange, owner of Howells Butchers—a family-run business with almost a century of heritage—expresses alarm. She calls the supermarket presence “total overkill,” pointing out that from her shop window she can see three supermarkets.
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Strange warns, “There are too many supermarkets in such a small space, which is drawing customers away from the town centre and effectively killing the high street.” She believes that the combination of supermarket dominance, the declining appeal of the town centre, and prohibitive parking charges is deterring shoppers from visiting the heart of Weymouth.
Despite these concerns, Dorset Council remains optimistic. A spokesperson emphasized that attracting established brands will stimulate broader investment and benefit the town’s population of 54,000, along with the many visitors it welcomes each year.
They stated, “Energising Weymouth’s economy is a key priority. There is room in the market for businesses of all sizes—from large national chains to small independents—to thrive.”
As the debate continues, the future of Weymouth’s high street hangs in the balance, caught between cherished local businesses and expanding supermarket giants.