In those days only a lucky few lived close to an open-all-hours convenience store. Now we are inundated with Tesco Expresses and Metros, Sainsbury's Locals and M&S Simply Foods. I love it.

But once I got thinking about retailing, I realised things were remarkably similar. Ten years ago there was lots of talk about big brands selling directly to consumers via the internet to battle back against the punitive trading terms of the mighty supermarkets. Ironically, Tesco et al now rule clicks just as much as they do bricks.

Back in the late 90s there was constant debate about everyday low pricing compared to heavy-duty promotions, with the inference that one would prove more worthy than the other. But let's face it, Asda might have Roll Back and Tesco constantly hammers on about keeping prices low, but have you ever walked into a supermarket without seeing at least one BOGOF and dozens of other short term price cuts and two-for-ones? Didn't think so.

This year the business and consumer press have been full of Competition Commission stories, once again investigating whether or not the big boys have an unfair monopoly on the market, whether they are land-banking, and whether they're turning the screws on suppliers.

Less than 10 years ago the media was full of similar stuff. Namely that the supermarkets were scoundrels in their treatment of farmers, suppliers and anyone else who got in their way.

It's all so very similar and yet...

In March, UK pig farmers recorded a song entitled 'Stand by your ham', to tell the world of their plight, caused by rising animal-feed prices and the reluctance of supermarkets to pass on rising costs to their shoppers. It would be funny if it wasn't so true that our world isn't the same as a decade ago. Farmers are now competing with bio-fuel companies for crops, climate change is interfering with growing seasons - the old order really is shifting and farmers, supermarkets and ultimately, we the consumers must adapt.?

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