Death Of The High Street?

Do you think the demise of our High Street is a foregone conclusion?
My nearest, Oswestry, is akin to a ghost town these days.
Granted, it is only a small market town with absolutely no big named stores, it consists mostly of small specialist shops,(which most local people and visitors love.)
There are butchers, greengrocers, delicatessens, gift shops, hardware shops, florists, coffee shops, antique shops, banks, building societies, country-style public houses, a beautiful Park and plenty of outdoor parking at reasonable prices.

I personally love living here, especially now when all of these same small shops are offering free delivery within the local area during this pandemic, as long as one spends a minimum of £20. You would not get this wonderful service in many large areas of the country so I certainly count my blessings.

On Wednesday, for centuries the day known locally as ‘’Market Day’’, the busiest day of the week for trading with farmers market and the town normally packed solid, HWMO and I drove into town and were both surprised to see how quiet everywhere was and that we virtually had the main outdoor car park to ourselves! All that seemed to be missing from the scene was the tumbleweed!! It was so quiet!
HWMO was only visiting the bank but looking down the long high street, I could see how empty all the shops were. I really felt for the traders. Those that have not thought ahead and not joined in the free delivery scheme online or by telephone, surely cannot survive much longer? It’s so, so sad.

What is your town's High Street looking like these days? Do you think we are seeing the end of shopping by footfall? Is the future really one of sitting on our posteriors and pressing a button as a way of shopping?
Not sure I like that idea but the way things are. will we even have a choice?

Re: Death Of The High Street?

I believe that High Street shopping as we knew it is over. Not just because of this awful plague but because of the very foolish pedestrianisation that is being imposed in so many places, parking impossibilities and ridiculous fees, necessary high prices because of now huge overheads that shops have and the ready access to business parks where parking is a cinch and prices are lower because of reduced shop overheads.

Then there is tinterweb. Even lower costs, more choice, generally fast home delivery and without having to deal with grotty people and snotty kids.

It's a no-brainer.

Re: Death Of The High Street?

Too many selling identical goods. No choice, no large shops now that Debenham's store has closed. Stores that remain mostly cater for younger shoppers, nail bars, vape shop, tattooist, computer games, takeaways and wine bars.

Extortionate car parking charges, reduced buses also put us off unless it is absolutely necessary.

Re: Death Of The High Street?

You've been to our town.

Re: Death Of The High Street?

There are more and more empty shops here too, Shroppy.

Our High Street is getting a sad and dismal place now, and we can forget any 'window shopping' too, as most of the windows are empty or covered over.

I think it's a shame. People would sometimes go for a wander, then maybe meet a friend somewhere for a coffee or even a pint, now it's all changing.
Shopping online can be all very easy and efficient, but it's lonely too.

They were also saying on telly about the scammers now copying legitimate websites, and stealing your money.
One woman bought a new car from one of these car 'we'll deliver it' websites, the scammers copied every detail of the car she wanted too, but of course her nice new car never arrived.
I really loathe these evil, greedy scammers.

Re: Death Of The High Street?

It started here when all the banks pulled out. Some shops really make the effort whereas others have gone to the wall and will eventually be turned into accommodation. We hardly ever shop in Exeter these days because of the ridiculous parking fees. Councils seem hell bent on pricing everyone out and converting them to online shopping. Some car parks charge £3.30 for one hour.

Re: Death Of The High Street?

How awful Mups. It must be absolutely heartbreaking to be swindled out of one's hard-earned money when scammed. We all have to be so careful and savvy when online. HWMO and I don't even have an online Bank Account as we just don't trust the security. Probably an age thing. I am also sick to death of the constant telephone calls on the landline (we ignore them all but always look up the number online at ''WHO CALLED ME'', they will tell you whether it was a dangerous, harrassment, call etc.
With our Samsung mobiles every unknown call carries the same message automatically so easy to ignore them.
There are always cockroaches ready and eager to steal our money. Unfortunately, people aged 70+ who were raised in a trusting society have quickly had to learn that the world today is a very different place and they must take every precaution against the scammers.

Re: Death Of The High Street?

Yes I agree Shroppy. The scammers have opportunities like never before since internet shopping has gone mad.

I really resent having to try and be constantly alert anyway.
It is a bit like walking along and having to continually check over your shoulder all the while.

Re: Death Of The High Street?

Our main High Street car park (outdoor) with room for at least 300 cars is only 50p for 4 hours and free on Sundays.
Normally on a Wednesday before the plague, one would be driving up and down until you found a space, but on Wednesday there were only about 20 or so cars in all parking there. A true sign of everything shutting down.

Re: Death Of The High Street?

Apologies - that should have read 50p for 2 hours not 4 hours.