Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand that an independent retailer is one that deals directly with a wholesaler and does its own negotiating. Where do independent retailers sit in the hierarchy of business models in the grocery sector? Are they all linked to franchises or collective buying groups whereby they all have the power to offer below-cost alcohol, or whatever they are selling? Are there any independent retailers left?