ONLINE SHOPPING AND TOWN CENTRES

It is bizarre how online shopping may result in having more interesting town centres.

The struggles of some retailers to adapt to new shopping habits, is resulting in a drop in the value of retail assets. As a consequence private investors are reducing their exposure to these types of assets.

Some local authorities have decided to intervene to save their town centres. They not only consider these assets as profitable financial investments, but they also acknowledge the social worth to their communities. Therefore, they are more open to turning their town centres into community hubs promoting; education, health and leisure. Here independent retailers can present their original products while people interact with each other.

The impact of online shopping is forcing us to reinvent the high street. We are currently witnessing anonymous, lookalike high streets turning into diverse town centres with a character.