‘We are in danger of getting the High Street we deserve’

The juggernaut that is the internet continues to crash through our lives, taking many casualties on route. And the town centre is one of them.

Of course “The Death of the High Street” is beginning to look like a tired old story right now. But it’s no less real for that.

I read somewhere recently that British online shopping has risen faster than anywhere in Europe. That fact really resonated with me… then I think I clicked a button and ordered some socks online (they were cheaper).

And that’s the problem, right there. Are we just becoming High Street Hypocrites – bemoaning the loss of Wilko, Debenhams et al but still clicking for what we want?

No wonder (in many cases) our High Streets are looking tired, with empty buildings and boarded up facades.

Of course Covid didn’t help. A lot of people I speak to are still nervous about crowds. Then there’s the cost-of-living crisis – we need to get the cheapest price we can.

But can some of it be down to retail idleness? One click and the next day I get what I want (or maybe don’t want)!

It’s not all doom and gloom of course. New businesses are popping up. And does it matter that High Streets are changing shape - more nail bars, coffee shops, vape kiosks and barbers, and fewer places to buy our socks?

That’s your call – and mine of course. But if we want to influence the future then we need to change our shopping habits. Maybe it’s time to stop shedding crocodile tears, stop mourning High Streets and start supporting them.

I applaud this paper for its campaign encouraging us to support local businesses; the myriad of specialist shops that are out there, offering something different… not forgetting that thing they call human interaction.