Bruce Cotterill: Foodstuffs breakup plan - Why National’s supermarket policy is a disaster

The Four Square store has been with most of us for our entire lives. With its “Cheeky Charlie” Mr Four Square logo, complete with a grocer’s apron and a pencil behind his ear, excellent range and convenient location, it’s a New Zealand icon that has served us well.

Generations before mine would approach the counter at the front of the shop with a shopping list for the grocer, who would duly put together an order while the customer waited. Our generation saw “self-service” stores and an opportunity to wander the aisles and choose for ourselves.