Locals are concerned that a new Whole Foods in Angel could exacerbate wealth inequality in Islington.
The supermarket branch, due to open on 2 April, has frustrated residents who feel they do not have enough affordable grocery shops in the area.
“I think Islington is a great example of people mixing together, but if every shop becomes unaffordable for lower-income people, we risk losing that social cohesion,” said Richard John.
He continued: “There needs to be a mix of shops, so people aren’t priced out the area.”
Parminder Chadha, who uses a wheelchair which limits her access to the large Sainsbury’s on Liverpool Road, praised the size of the new Whole Foods’ site and the fact that it “stocks not everyday cooking items”. But she is worried that the opening could “socially continue the polarisation of people in Islington”.
She said: “People simply cannot afford to shop there. It feeds the class divide that exists in Islington. If there’s going to be better and healthier food, that’s a plus, but the big question for the market is how do you make it available and accessible for everyone? It upsets me because I know more people are having to make choices about where they shop.”
Andrew Latto said he “hoped” to get “an Aldi or Lidl” and noted the grocery prices in Islington had risen.
“Chapel market is where you have lower prices, but even that’s not cheap anymore. There used to be lots of independent shops near Angel, now it’s all become chains, and it’s a bit depressing,” he said.
Mr Latto explained that the area already has a lot to offer. He said: “In that area there’s a lot of choice. You’ve got Waitrose, M&S, Planet Organic and Sainsburys. Do we need another high-end supermarket? Probably not. I can’t see what it’s going to add.”
Whole Foods “coming soon” signs have been installed at 359 Upper Street. This is one of the six new branches opening across London.
Martha is a MA Newspaper Journalism student with a desire to craft well-reported, insightful and original stories on cultural, environmental and local issues.