I wonder how much of this is the limited trading hours -- either by law or tradition -- of many high street retailers.
When you are open 9:00 to 17:30 (9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) most days -- the same hours that people work -- it makes it difficult to make sales. People turn to the supermarkets and websites which are always open and available instead.
This mirrors the situation that most US downtowns/central business districts face when competing against "big box" stores -- namely Wal-Mart. The local store owner is often reluctant to do more than operate the hours he/she/they have always done -- which are the hours when people are at work: generally 10 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. (10:00 to 17:00 or 18:00). Since it is not convenient for most people, they look elsewhere to shop.
Mike from Morgantown
 I am Mario.I like to jump around, and would lead a fairly serene and aimless existence if it weren't for my friends always getting into trouble. I love to help out, even when it puts me at risk. I seem to make friends with people who just can't stay out of trouble. Wii Friend Code: 1624 6601 1126 1492 NNID: Mike_INTV |
