Coronavirus sends shoppers back to corner stores, but they're battling big supermarkets for supplies

They are the places local communities are increasingly turning to for their weekly shop, but now many corner stores say the dominance of major supermarket chains is making it difficult for them to serve their customers. Key points: A national survey found shoppers are turning to smaller shops for items they'd usually only buy in supermarkets Some small store owners say it has been impossible to get some supplies because they are being bought up by the major supermarket chains The ACCC has allowed major supermarkets to collaborate during the coronavirus crisis, but is now seeking feedback on the policy Small retailers say they are struggling to get supplies, and have questioned the extra powers afforded to major supermarkets allowing them to work together during the pandemic. "When you see the big people, the big supermarkets getting pallet loads and you can't get one carton, I find that extremely unfair behaviour," Ms Drennan said. "Convenience stores provide essential services such as fuel, but also necessities such as bread and milk, as well as a range of other grocery items … often in areas not serviced by large supermarkets and the like," Mr Rogut said. "This crisis does create an opportunity to reset the competition dynamic which, in a lot of ways, we'd probably argue has been heavily distorted towards the major stores," COSBOA chairman Mark McKenzie said.