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Original poster

To ask if you think all retail shops will be gone within 5/10 years?

38 replies

FryingPanWithJam · 29/08/2024 18:02

I ask because so many of them seem so dead. Or used mostly for collecting online orders

Maybe they will close 90% of shop and only have flagship type shops in places like London, Milton Keynes, Manchester Old Trafford, Blue Water, Lakeside etc

I went to pick up my M&S order today and as usual, it’s really busy inside! Seems people have yet to lose their love for the place

The John Lewis store not too far away is always quiet now. As is every other shop in my local retail park such as Matalan and H&M

Poundland just opened (yet another one) and they are always busy!

OP posts:
Original poster
FryingPanWithJam · 29/08/2024 22:15

Lavenderandbrown · 29/08/2024 21:59

I hope not. To me there is a real pleasure in looking at touching handling an item before purchasing. A more considered purchase. Marshall’s Tjmaxx and home goods always busy here in USA. A

Yeah. My local TK Max (UK equivalent) is busy too!

OP posts:
NoraLuka · 29/08/2024 22:09

I sometimes worry I’ll be the last person in the shops! I hate buying clothes online and never do it. DD thinks I’m old fashioned but I don’t care! I like trying things on and looking at them, you can’t really tell what clothes are like just from a photo. We don’t really have online grocery shopping around here but I don’t think I’d like it even if it was possible.

There’ll definitely still be shops in 5 years, but in 10, or 20? I don’t know.

Spomb · 29/08/2024 22:05

I absolutely hate shopping in person, it’s definitely the opposite of a leisure activity for me!

However, when I have had to venture to the shops (children’s shoe fittings etc), I have found it busier. I think with more flexible working it’s beneficial to high street shops. I have never understood UK high street opening hours - most people are at work during those times!!

OriginalUsername2 · 29/08/2024 22:04

I think so! There’s no point going to highstreet anymore unless you want a coffee or your mobile phone unlocked.

Middlenamespot · 29/08/2024 22:00

ILikeItWhatIsIt · 29/08/2024 21:52

Yes, I think slowly they will. Then, at some point someone will come up with a great new concept where, instead of buying online, you can go somewhere to look at the goods, try them on and take them away the same day...

😂😂😂 This, it will be retro too!

ThreeFeetTall · 29/08/2024 22:00

I was thinking this the other day, seems like less and less 'real' shops...but how can you try things out like smelling a perfume or feeling the texture of a fabric?

queenofthewild · 29/08/2024 21:59

Retailers need to step up. Going into store needs to be an experience.

Right now now it's like visiting a glitchy, dusty internet. Shuffling around, hoping you'll find what you need, scanning and packing it yourself.

Retail needs the return of the helpful, personal touch.

NormalAuntFanny · 29/08/2024 21:59

Shopping is the great leisure activity, sitting in your house clicking on some shite made by slaves in china just isn't the same and it won't die out, it might well come and go and brands will die and be reborn but there's nothing like in shopping person especially for clothes.

Lavenderandbrown · 29/08/2024 21:59

I hope not. To me there is a real pleasure in looking at touching handling an item before purchasing. A more considered purchase. Marshall’s Tjmaxx and home goods always busy here in USA. A

Newrumpus · 29/08/2024 21:56

Nah

AppleKatie · 29/08/2024 21:55

All shops in 5 years? Nope.

but yes more decline over the next 20 or so years seems inevitable.

LaPalmaLlama · 29/08/2024 21:54

No I think the switch to online has basically happened so the remaining demand for in person will probably stick. Our local shopping centre is always pretty busy- it’s not high end- basically H&M, Primark, New Look, Wilco, JDs etc but it does get good footfall. My teens are always keen to have a mooch around.

ILikeItWhatIsIt · 29/08/2024 21:52

Yes, I think slowly they will. Then, at some point someone will come up with a great new concept where, instead of buying online, you can go somewhere to look at the goods, try them on and take them away the same day...