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THIS WEEK IN SUPERMARKET HISTORY

The struggle for independents to survive in the face of strong competition from larger retailers is not a new story. In the world of purchasing, pricing and promotions there are always accessibility issues, but major initiatives have tried to level the playing field.es and voluntary groups, and bolstered by the Federal Trade Commission, is making itself heard in food-industry promotional circles,"

The struggle for independents to survive in the face of strong competition from larger retailers is not a new story. In the world of purchasing, pricing and promotions there are always accessibility issues, but major initiatives have tried to level the playing field.

es and voluntary groups, and bolstered by the Federal Trade Commission, is making itself heard in food-industry promotional circles," declared the article's lead.

An FTC ruling outlawed promotions where networks acted as go-betweens for suppliers and chains. Networks would offer free radio and television time to chains in return for the promise that the chain would run in-store promotions for some of the network's advertisers.

In response to the FTC action, NBC and CBS each came up with a merchandising plan that was more inclusive of independent grocers. The plans were specifically tailored to offer smaller firms equal access to the manufacturer relationships that chains already enjoyed.