FabSwingers.com forum: Future of Retail

By *exy_Horny OP Couple
over a year ago

Leigh

How do people feel about non essential retail reopening next month? Not bothered, or desperate to go out shopping?

We aren't bothered. We have only been shopping for non-essentials once in the past 12 months, and that was only because we had cheques to pay into the bank. We didn't buy much else.

Now the bank has an app to scan the cheque, we don't need to go to town at all. The retail parks and shopping centres don't interest us so we may not need to go for months.

We haven't bought much online either, we have just decided to use less stuff.

On this basis, does non-essential retail have a future?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

People still treat supermarket shopping like a day out.

Although to be fair, it is the most exciting part of the week at the moment.

I think many people will still go. Many won't bother anymore as they didn't miss it.

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By *RF12Couple
over a year ago

Colchester

I think it all depends on interests and habit.

I (L) quite enjoy fashion, but because of how I'm put together, I find it very difficult doing clothes shopping online because sizes are pretty hit & miss and returns can be a real passion. I'll be looking forward to being able to go and try stuff on and see how I feel in it, without the worry of having to send it back.

There's also the social side of shopping to consider as well.

Not to mention having the chance to go anywhere else than work.

In the same thought though, I'm not in any rush to get back to it, as I work in essential retail, and don't want to put that stress on any one.

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By *ap d agde coupleCouple
over a year ago

Broadstairs

Don’t like buying online especially clothes ,soo will be out shopping soon as they open

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Good point about clothes! I always try stuff on. Sizes on labels mean nothing.

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By *lik and PaulCouple
over a year ago

cahoots

I'm a big supporter of small independent shops so will continue as normal when everything is back open.

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By *exy_Horny OP Couple
over a year ago

Leigh

How many clothes do people need though. We are just buying less. Not bought any new clothes for a year & don't need any soon.

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By *achel SmythTV/TS
over a year ago

Farnborough

I think the face or retail has changed forever ... and certainly in the short term will be much quieter.

In female mode, I have always loved browsing round the shops and lovely girly shopping trip. As others have alluded to, trying on clothes and sizes is important as they are not all the same. Similarly, it’s good talk to make up advisors and look at colours when buying cosmetics.

Many of the clothes shops I visited have gone, and with the demise of the Dept stores, this makes it that bit more difficult.

All the same, I’m looking forward to girly shop when I can, just to see the actual difference it does make.

R xx

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By *mmabluTV/TS
over a year ago

upton wirral

I love shopping hate shopping online love the buzz and the atmosphere.The high street is dying anyway and it saddens me.

On the bright side my locaL village has four new shops opening up in April,shop fitters busy in them all so the small areas that had died may open up again so things will change but shops will not die.

two of the new shops are beautiques do not know what the others are but it is exiting

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By *ostafunMan
over a year ago

near ipswich

looking forward to buying a nice pair of shoes.

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

I appreciate places to browse and the benefit (jobs) they provide to the UK economy, but I might have been non essential shopping three or four times in the last year? I won't return any time soon.

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By *stbury DavenportMan
over a year ago

Nottingham

I hate shopping and won't miss it. A once-a-week grocery dash is quite bad enough. I'm lucky that I live close enough to the supermarket that diving in there is currently more convenient than having it delivered.

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By *ovebjsMan
over a year ago

Bristol

I have always hated shopping so will not miss it, I only do food shopping anyways and will continue to do that

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By *ackandtheunicornCouple
over a year ago

liverpool

I haven't missed any stores at all. Did everything except food shopping online before covid so it's no loss really.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Can’t wait.

Il be out shopping. Buying lots of clothing I don’t need but may wear. Iv already booked a few events in for after the reopening in June.

A few birthdays coming up so il go out and look around for presents.

Hotel chocolat may be one of the first stops.

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo

"People still treat supermarket shopping like a day out.

Although to be fair, it is the most exciting part of the week at the moment.

It is, I even put make up on and dressed up last week, for a minute it felt like I was going somewhere exciting

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

"People still treat supermarket shopping like a day out.

Although to be fair, it is the most exciting part of the week at the moment.

It is, I even put make up on and dressed up last week, for a minute it felt like I was going somewhere exciting

I definitely put makeup on

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By *ugby 123Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

O o O oo

To the OP, I am a hater of shopping, I really have to be in the mood to go into town or a shopping centre so it won't affect me much but I am hoping it will all bounce back with the people who do like shopping once it is all open

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By *amissCouple
over a year ago

chelmsford

I quite like browsing and shopping hopefully we will be able to try clothes and shoes on, when the shops open up

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By *achel SmythTV/TS
over a year ago

Farnborough

The comments here are interesting.

In male mode, I too hate shopping. I decide what I want, most likely where in going to buy it and get in and out - job done.

In female mode, I like nothing more than browsing the shops, endlessly and sometimes come away with very little!! ... or was sold even more cosmetics I don’t need by the ladies on the make up counters, cos they were very helpful with advice! - lol.

R xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"People still treat supermarket shopping like a day out.

Although to be fair, it is the most exciting part of the week at the moment.

It is, I even put make up on and dressed up last week, for a minute it felt like I was going somewhere exciting

I put my make up on even when I stay indoors. Caught the sight of my face in the mirror and scared the heck out of me.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'm a big supporter of small independent shops so will continue as normal when everything is back open."

I have been window shopping the small local shops when I've been out on my mandatory exercise walks. There's a few I plan to visit when they open.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Can’t wait to hit the shops , need clothes so bad , won’t buy them online as you can’t feel the material etc plus you don’t know who’s homes they have been in before you get them ( returns) 50% of clothes get returned according to watchdog on the one show

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By *rHotNottsMan
over a year ago

Dubai & Nottingham

Love shopping whether it’s food, clothes, gifts, house stuff, books, try not to buy too much for me these days but love the activity of browsing still. Love weekends away shopping for clothes then out partying

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By *atEvolutionCouple
over a year ago

atlantisEVOLUTION. Stoke

I'm a physical shopper. Always have been, always will be.

While shops are shut I have used online lots and when they open again I will use online less.

I have an X-ray booked for the very day the shops open and while I was pleased to get an X-ray done quite quickly it also annoyed me that I can't hit the shops lol.

I love a great day out wandering around and browsing, stopping for lunch and just the vibe of being out and about with people. You don't get that from an Amazon trolley.

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By *tace 309TV/TS
over a year ago

durham

I'll be, back out shopping. i like to see before I buy. That's, impossible to do properly online. You can keep online for all I care.

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By *atssleepanywhereTV/TS
over a year ago

Wolverhampton

Go shopping, enjoy being free to do so again. Such simple pleasures keep our economy alive. Fail to shop and prepare to lose more and more as the community picks up the cost of the jobless

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By *he Ring WraithMan
over a year ago

Bradford

"I'm a big supporter of small independent shops so will continue as normal when everything is back open."

Totally this, support the local small businesses that do not have an online presence.

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By *iddle ManMan
over a year ago

Walsall

I'm not a big shopping fan, also I thought. Turns out I've really missed going to the shops to buy stuff. Fed up with waiting a week for next day delivery

and it doesn't fit or its the wrong colour. We all took shopping for granted and now I will forever savour the joys of a packed shopping centre

I do think it will be a struggle for retail along with many other industries to recover.

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By *ig1gaz1Man
over a year ago

bradford

I love shopping yeah im the rear one

Just not always the lover of the price though.

Id rather go retail shopping and get to try on stuff or see it on those that im with.

Internet shopping, VR shopping or catalogues never shows how it would look on you

As we all have different curves or figures

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm not bothered about shopping at the best of times. However my clothes are threadbare I need new ones.

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By *reyyaMan
over a year ago

North Yorkshire

"How do people feel about non essential retail reopening next month? Not bothered, or desperate to go out shopping?

We aren't bothered. We have only been shopping for non-essentials once in the past 12 months, and that was only because we had cheques to pay into the bank. We didn't buy much else.

Now the bank has an app to scan the cheque, we don't need to go to town at all. The retail parks and shopping centres don't interest us so we may not need to go for months.

We haven't bought much online either, we have just decided to use less stuff.

On this basis, does non-essential retail have a future?"

If you get to the point where you can do all your shopping without going to the Town then one day there will be no Town to go to.

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By *reyyaMan
over a year ago

North Yorkshire

"I'm a big supporter of small independent shops so will continue as normal when everything is back open.

Totally this, support the local small businesses that do not have an online presence.

Really important to support local small business. Otherwise the town centres will all end up like Stockton on Tees which is knocking down the widest High Street in Britain making the High Street a country park.

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By *reyyaMan
over a year ago

North Yorkshire

[Removed by poster at 20/03/21 03:13:31]

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By *reyyaMan
over a year ago

North Yorkshire

A big problem for small business in or out of the High Street is the fact that they are charged extortionist business rates. These business rates crucify small business. I am not knocking charity shops.

They do a great job. They are an asset. Especially for people on a reduced income. And I believe they should have remainded open during this ridiculous lockdown.

Charityy shops pay a reduced business rate. This means the business paying the full rate is picking up the tab for the charity. I have not heard of many charities going bust. I have knowledge of the inner workings of charity shops. Some of

the 'management' are on huge salaries while volunteers give their time for nothing.

Really, when you think of it, how many years do you need to spend at University to prepare you to run a chain of shops?

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By *arakiss12TV/TS
over a year ago

Bedford

Time to give Amazon a kicking, get out and shop I say. Yeh that's Amazon who were wrongly selling lanyards that showed the person wearing it they were exempt from wearing a mask when they weren't. Amazon, bringing in all those cheap Chinese made sex toys and goods probably not clean or vetted.

A family friends niece lost her job at Debenhams partly because of corona and partly because of online shopping.

Even without the virus the high street was decemated by on line shopping.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We all need to get out and spend money in shops pubs cafe etc without this , we won’t have any business left to shop in plus it’s our family and friends who will lose there jobs whist big internet companies get richer and pay hardly any tax back , REMEMBER we choose where we spend our money , yeh you may get it cheaper on Amazon but at what cost to our high street and families

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By *ove2pleaseseukMan
over a year ago

Hastings

Shopping for us has changed in to a day out probably about 4 times a year travel to a bigger center shopping food etc. The small high street area in Hastings very pore parking is over priced and there is nothing to draw us there so it will get smaller. But I hope some Shopes can be turned in to housing.

Shopping changed with supper markets.

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By *exy_Horny OP Couple
over a year ago

Leigh

Interesting replies. It seems that people who enjoy shopping do so mainly for clothes. As clothes don't interest us at all, we dislike shopping.

We find we haven't used Amazon more than usual. We have just bought less stuff. When we do buy online we look for best overall value, this is quite often not Amazon.

Knocking down the high street and creating a park sounds like a brilliant idea. It won't happen in many places though as it will get rid of the Council's cash cow (business rates and car parking charges).

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By *stbury DavenportMan
over a year ago

Nottingham

Shopping will always change. Markets, then little shops, then big shops, then giant out-of-town shops that excluded people who can't afford cars, now the internet.

The high street has been doomed since the invention of "big box" stores. The internet just accelerated the decline, and the pandemic is the final stake in the corpse. The repositioning to leisure (also threatened by the internet) or residential (something we actually need) use is inevitable. This is GCSE Geography stuff, folks.

I dream of a day where cities consist entirely of sex clubs, affordable housing and historic attractions.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Shopping will always change. Markets, then little shops, then big shops, then giant out-of-town shops that excluded people who can't afford cars, now the internet.

I dream of a day where cities consist entirely of sex clubs, affordable housing and historic attractions. "

Have you been to Manchester recently?

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By *stbury DavenportMan
over a year ago

Nottingham

"Shopping will always change. Markets, then little shops, then big shops, then giant out-of-town shops that excluded people who can't afford cars, now the internet.

I dream of a day where cities consist entirely of sex clubs, affordable housing and historic attractions.

Have you been to Manchester recently?"

Only the crematorium.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Shopping will always change. Markets, then little shops, then big shops, then giant out-of-town shops that excluded people who can't afford cars, now the internet.

I dream of a day where cities consist entirely of sex clubs, affordable housing and historic attractions. "

It probably urban land economics but I get your point.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Shopping will always change. Markets, then little shops, then big shops, then giant out-of-town shops that excluded people who can't afford cars, now the internet.

I dream of a day where cities consist entirely of sex clubs, affordable housing and historic attractions.

Have you been to Manchester recently?

Only the crematorium. "

Would that be whilst it’s open?

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By *ovebjsMan
over a year ago

Bristol

I do think it will get more and more online as time goes by.

You can get stuff most tims the next day or even the same at a premium.

You will see more and more local drop boxes for returns ect.

It's happening already so will just increase.

Food shopping many will always preffer to do that themselves for fresh stuff but dry and tinned goods more then likely deliverd by ubber, amamzone and the like.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Just being able to get out and go into a different shop from a supermarket or DIY store will be great. Independent shops need a boost so I hope people do

get out and splash some cash It’s people’s livelihoods.

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By *uliaChrisCouple
over a year ago

westerham

"Shopping for us has changed in to a day out probably about 4 times a year travel to a bigger center shopping food etc. The small high street area in Hastings very pore parking is over priced and there is nothing to draw us there so it will get smaller. But I hope some Shopes can be turned in to housing.

Shopping changed with supper markets.

Hastings shopping is lovely. You have a brush shop for heavens sake, what more do you want?

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By *stbury DavenportMan
over a year ago

Nottingham

"Shopping will always change. Markets, then little shops, then big shops, then giant out-of-town shops that excluded people who can't afford cars, now the internet.

I dream of a day where cities consist entirely of sex clubs, affordable housing and historic attractions.

Have you been to Manchester recently?

Only the crematorium.

Would that be whilst it’s open?"

Yes.

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By *estivalMan
over a year ago

borehamwood

"Just being able to get out and go into a different shop from a supermarket or DIY store will be great. Independent shops need a boost so I hope people do

get out and splash some cash It’s people’s livelihoods. "
splash some cash? I should imagine a fair chunk of people will be trying to clear debts after a year of having a20% pay cut

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By *os19Man
over a year ago

Edmonton

I prefer to go into M & S try on a pair of trousers see how they look and then pay for my goods.For people of a certain age that can remember catalogues like Peter Craig where you could buy clothes as well as other items when the goods arrived somehow they didn’t look as nice in the pictures or the clothes were the wrong size or didn’t look as nice as the picture. I am guessing that internet shopping has improved since the days of the catalogue.

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By *omerset tvTV/TS
over a year ago

Weston-super-Mare

"Just being able to get out and go into a different shop from a supermarket or DIY store will be great. Independent shops need a boost so I hope people do

get out and splash some cash It’s people’s livelihoods. splash some cash? I should imagine a fair chunk of people will be trying to clear debts after a year of having a20% pay cut"

You would have thought that but its actually the opposite house sales are up massivly and saw on news couple days ago something like £5 billion has been saved by people through either working from home or not going out so there is lots money out there to be spent

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

With online players like Amazon prepared to ship just about anything we want in a matter of a day or two, our dependency on physical stores for mere distribution will continue to wane rapidly. Smart brands will have no choice but to, focus increasing amounts of attention on making their store spaces experiential brand starting points, with high production value. Stages where magic happens. Canadian sporting goods retailer Sport Check recently unveiled a concept store that might better be described as an adult amusement park for the sports enthusiast.

In addition consumers tend to go for the easy option which at present is sit on your arse and place an on line order. The high street as I knew as a kid is in its death throws. Major out of town shopping centres will become retail theme parks.

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By *ealthy_and_HungMan
over a year ago

Princes Risborough, Luasanne, Alderney

"Interesting replies. It seems that people who enjoy shopping do so mainly for clothes. As clothes don't interest us at all, we dislike shopping.

We find we haven't used Amazon more than usual. We have just bought less stuff. When we do buy online we look for best overall value, this is quite often not Amazon.

i had to do a walkround in amazon last august as one of my companies was doing an install in a mega-warehouse of theirs. it was depressing to be quite honest, specifically the amount of cheap plastic crap, absolute mountains and mountains of the stuff, all destined to end up bobbing about in the oceans and generally polluting the globe. it was a truly horrible sight. i won't be accepting any more work from them ever due to how uncomfortable it has made me feel.

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By *stbury DavenportMan
over a year ago

Nottingham

"Knocking down the high street and creating a park sounds like a brilliant idea."

The city centre here in Nottingham is blighted by a derelict, half-demolished shopping centre. One of the schemes to replace it is to flatten the whole thing and create urban green space to provide another link in the area's wildlife corridors.

It almost certainly won't happen – too many people are still fiercely clutching on to the idea of retail, despite the writing on the wall – but it would be amazing if it did.

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By *reyyaMan
over a year ago

North Yorkshire

"Shopping will always change. Markets, then little shops, then big shops, then giant out-of-town shops that excluded people who can't afford cars, now the internet.

I dream of a day where cities consist entirely of sex clubs, affordable housing and historic attractions.

Have you been to Manchester recently?"

What is happening in Manchester?

What I did notice in a large seaside resort on the east Yorkshire coast while I was surveying the 'bomb sites' that had just been created was the fact that quite a few massage parlors had sprung up. Also here and there women hanging about on street corners.

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By *reyyaMan
over a year ago

North Yorkshire

"I prefer to go into M & S try on a pair of trousers see how they look and then pay for my goods.For people of a certain age that can remember catalogues like Peter Craig where you could buy clothes as well as other items when the goods arrived somehow they didn’t look as nice in the pictures or the clothes were the wrong size or didn’t look as nice as the picture. I am guessing that internet shopping has improved since the days of the catalogue."

No, it is no different. Still a problem with stated sizes.

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By *iddle ManMan
over a year ago

Walsall

No, it is no different. Still a problem with stated sizes. "

Yes, clothes and footwear are especially bad when it comes to online shopping. The same kind of problems that if you buy one size from one shop or brand you would need a different size from another. Even then its not an exact science. That's why they have fitting rooms in clothes shops.

Also as mentioned, they have a habit of looking different in online pics than in real life.

Call me old school but I prefer to buy and get it that day from a shop, and not just talking clothing either. The pandemic will have only sped up the demise of retail but I for one have realised how much I will miss it.

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By *olly_chromaticTV/TS
over a year ago

Stockport

The high street died when Woolworths closed down...

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don't really like shopping and normally go first thing in the morning when there quieter but theres certain things bras and stuff I need to try on and can't just order online

I will be going as I'm not really bothered about social distancing now my kids are back at school if they wasn't I wouldn't go but I'm continuing to do my grocery shopping online

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By * and M lookingCouple
over a year ago

Worcester

If we want to keep it then we need to get out there and support them.

If not is online really that good.....not!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Unfortunately we could loose a lot of our high street shops as everyone shops more online.Heard yesterday that Thornton’s are closing all their sweet shops,love their toffee and ice creams.

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By *uliaChrisCouple
over a year ago

westerham

"The high street died when Woolworths closed down..."

Not been the same since the Berni Inns shut

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

"Shopping will always change. Markets, then little shops, then big shops, then giant out-of-town shops that excluded people who can't afford cars, now the internet.

I dream of a day where cities consist entirely of sex clubs, affordable housing and historic attractions. "

Lol

But this is a trend that's been going on for awhile. It's just another thing that people are latching on to, to blame on restrictions.

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By *oubleswing2019Man
over a year ago

Colchester

"How do people feel about non essential retail reopening next month? Not bothered, or desperate to go out shopping?

We aren't bothered. We have only been shopping for non-essentials once in the past 12 months, and that was only because we had cheques to pay into the bank. We didn't buy much else.

Now the bank has an app to scan the cheque, we don't need to go to town at all. The retail parks and shopping centres don't interest us so we may not need to go for months.

We haven't bought much online either, we have just decided to use less stuff.

On this basis, does non-essential retail have a future?"

After a year of exclusively ordering everything online, it's made me realise that there is nothing of interest to me in the High St. anymore.

+ Ordering online is easy and convenient

+ I plan purchases, so no impulse buying

+ No parking fees

+ No people to contend with

+ More cost-effective

"Browsing" is not something I do. If I want a new item, eg, cooker, I'll do due diligence reviews on multiple websites to narrow down to a few models, then prune them down to 1 after getting the manufacturer's technical specs. I'll cross reference to confirm the specification, then order online.

For clothes it's a bit more complicated as it involves an overseas trip, and that's not really possible in these times. However from previous trips, I have more than enough to keep me going for many years. I can infill with online ordering and make do, until travel resumes.

So yeah, not interested in the High St.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Owing to lockdown I am totally converted to doing everything online and am not likely to rush back to the high street. When I work out how much time and money I’ve saved it’s a no brainier really.

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By *tace 309TV/TS
over a year ago

durham

"Owing to lockdown I am totally converted to doing everything online and am not likely to rush back to the high street. When I work out how much time and money I’ve saved it’s a no brainier really. "
the thing is, you dont actually save that much shopping online as, I found out last Christmas. At least nine items, I bought online I later found out were selling much more, cheaper in the shops eg 1)an illuminated mirror at boots, online price was, £24,99.two days later shop price £14.99

2)child's trycycle at Costco, online price 69.99, actual price in store was 49.99.some online prices, are a con. And you dont always get what you expect online. For me, online shopping is a lazy persons way of shopping. get out into the real world to find bargains.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Owing to lockdown I am totally converted to doing everything online and am not likely to rush back to the high street. When I work out how much time and money I’ve saved it’s a no brainier really. the thing is, you dont actually save that much shopping online as, I found out last Christmas. At least nine items, I bought online I later found out were selling much more, cheaper in the shops eg 1)an illuminated mirror at boots, online price was, £24,99.two days later shop price £14.99

You can find bargains online if you do your research and shop around. It’s easier than walking around the shops plus you’re saving money by not having to drive so saving on fuel and car parking charges. The high street for me is so yesterday. In all I’ve saved over £1k over lockdown so it just goes to show how society is geared to get us to part with money. Obviously we need to support the economy but we can be savvy in how we and where we spend. My money is better in my pocket than there’s.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

human contact in the high street.. friendships with shop owners.. People will miss what they've lost i worked on many different High streets for twenty years and I really miss Sandwich shops... a, lot.. often some of the greatest peeps ever... enjoy your future bubbles people

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By *exy Pretty FeetCouple
over a year ago

Live in Scotland Play in England

"How do people feel about non essential retail reopening next month? Not bothered, or desperate to go out shopping?

We aren't bothered. We have only been shopping for non-essentials once in the past 12 months, and that was only because we had cheques to pay into the bank. We didn't buy much else.

Now the bank has an app to scan the cheque, we don't need to go to town at all. The retail parks and shopping centres don't interest us so we may not need to go for months.

We haven't bought much online either, we have just decided to use less stuff.

On this basis, does non-essential retail have a future?"

I don't miss it and won't be in a hurry to waste time in shopping centres.

Im all for a new normal which doesn't require us to be buying more stuff we don't need...we can't just keep producing stuff without caring where it all ends up.

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By *ustBoWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere in Co. Down

I don't like shopping anyhow so always try and buy online anyhow if I need something.

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By *reyyaMan
over a year ago

North Yorkshire

"How do people feel about non essential retail reopening next month? Not bothered, or desperate to go out shopping?

We aren't bothered. We have only been shopping for non-essentials once in the past 12 months, and that was only because we had cheques to pay into the bank. We didn't buy much else.

Now the bank has an app to scan the cheque, we don't need to go to town at all. The retail parks and shopping centres don't interest us so we may not need to go for months.

We haven't bought much online either, we have just decided to use less stuff.

On this basis, does non-essential retail have a future?"

All shops pubs cafes gyms libraries everything should be open now. Johnson and his cabal should be arrested for high treason.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm neutral on it. At some point, I do need to go clothes shopping - clothes are the one thing I hate buying online - but I won't be rushing out.

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By *htcMan
over a year ago

to me means nothing to me, havent visited a shopping centre in over 12 years same with cinema's.

only ever visit a supermaket for food, everything else i buy is online.

i really dont see any need for any high street or shopping centre, rip off prices, overcrowding, dirty, long queues, parking prices, can be all purchased online cheaper and easier

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"to me means nothing to me, havent visited a shopping centre in over 12 years same with cinema's.

only ever visit a supermaket for food, everything else i buy is online.

i really dont see any need for any high street or shopping centre, rip off prices, overcrowding, dirty, long queues, parking prices, can be all purchased online cheaper and easier"

jobs!!!

not all people work behind a computer

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By * and M lookingCouple
over a year ago

Worcester

There is a simple solution.

They could turn off the Internet for a couple of months.

Good luck doing online then.

All your eggs in one basket and all that.

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By *naswingdressWoman
over a year ago

Manchester (she/her)

"How do people feel about non essential retail reopening next month? Not bothered, or desperate to go out shopping?

We aren't bothered. We have only been shopping for non-essentials once in the past 12 months, and that was only because we had cheques to pay into the bank. We didn't buy much else.

Now the bank has an app to scan the cheque, we don't need to go to town at all. The retail parks and shopping centres don't interest us so we may not need to go for months.

We haven't bought much online either, we have just decided to use less stuff.

On this basis, does non-essential retail have a future?

All shops pubs cafes gyms libraries everything should be open now. Johnson and his cabal should be arrested for high treason. "

On what grounds do they meet any of the criteria for treason?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I very rarely go shopping for anything anymore

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By *ushcrushMan
over a year ago

liverpool

Its so frustrating buying online having to wait a day or two even weeks for things from abroad. Only to find they are the wrong thing, wrong size, don't like the colour etc etc.

Much more fun to go to you local shops

( yes local and support them before you loose them forever )

See touch feel and try on the items if possible before you buy and you know you are taking home exactly what you want. You don't have to rewrap it and take it back to the post office or wait for a courier to collect it.

You can go out to you shops and support jobs and businesses in your area and in turn boost the local economy. Once the shopping has been done then go for a coffee or a bite to eat. Make a day of it and make it enjoyable.

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By *ushcrushMan
over a year ago

liverpool

Plus yes there is always a need for online shopping sometimes but local peoples jobs and local businesses are at risk. As the saying goes....

use them or lose them.

People should have a choice to do either but remember the consequences further down the line.

Boarded up high streets are not pretty.

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By *ushcrushMan
over a year ago

liverpool

Phones, tablets apps etc have taken over our lives and although its great to have a connection or convenience, its much better to have human connections with real people. After all that's what this past year has has pointed out to us. Yes its great to talk online on different social platforms but most of us would prefer to see our friends and family. Hug hold hands etc its what makes us human. So get out there when we can, catch up with family friends etc go to the shops pubs cafes restaurants and lets get us all back in touch.

Ps...... I'm sick to death of zoom calls now lol

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By *ap d agde coupleCouple
over a year ago

Broadstairs

"Plus yes there is always a need for online shopping sometimes but local peoples jobs and local businesses are at risk. As the saying goes....

use them or lose them.

People should have a choice to do either but remember the consequences further down the line.

Boarded up high streets are not pretty.

"
So true John Lewis shutting another 8 shops announced today , TUI giving up more shops as well

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By *lym4realCouple
over a year ago

plymouth

The whole High street thing needs a big rethink and should have been done years ago and this whole lock down has sped things up but "Easy" money and the likes of "British Land" etc etc charging ever increasing rents and the whole rates systems has put most high street shops on notice and most cities are suffering and when the main culprits ( who don't pay tax or silly amounts of it compared to sales) have the whip hand where or how are going to fill in the lost tax revenue hole ??

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By *ushcrushMan
over a year ago

liverpool

See what I mean. If the shops close, people lose jobs, less money in the area and the knock on affect will hit everyone.

I'm sure big massive multi billion pound companies such as Amazon etc will cope if you don't use them for 6 months but your locals businesses won't.

My god I should run for council lol

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By *ushcrushMan
over a year ago

liverpool

If I/we don't shop on the local high street then Rita who runs the lovely warm welcoming family run cafe will have to close. Which means she won't be able to afford to pay Alison who is the mobile dog groomer to trim her dogs.

Alison will lose some business and won't be able to afford her van which she relies on for her job.

No van means less business for the local garage she gets it serviced at. So the staff at the garage wont be able to afford food every day from Rita's cafe but .....oh yeah

Rita's cafe has already closed .... and it goes on and on

SEE THE POINT.

its called Local economics.

Do you really think Amazon and co care about anyone locally....no they make billions and don't pay into our economy the way they should

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By *ushcrushMan
over a year ago

liverpool

I think this is a swinging site .... isn't it? Lol

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By *lym4realCouple
over a year ago

plymouth

Like watching the 80's all over again and scary we don't seem to have any kind of learning curve ?? and no easy answers if we are honest !!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"If I/we don't shop on the local high street then Rita who runs the lovely warm welcoming family run cafe will have to close. Which means she won't be able to afford to pay Alison who is the mobile dog groomer to trim her dogs.

Alison will lose some business and won't be able to afford her van which she relies on for her job.

No van means less business for the local garage she gets it serviced at. So the staff at the garage wont be able to afford food every day from Rita's cafe but .....oh yeah

Rita's cafe has already closed .... and it goes on and on

SEE THE POINT.

its called Local economics.

Do you really think Amazon and co care about anyone locally....no they make billions and don't pay into our economy the way they should "

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By *ap d agde coupleCouple
over a year ago

Broadstairs

Santander closing 100 branches,

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By *luttyLaylaWoman
over a year ago

North West

I hope so. For the sake of the jobs in the sector.

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