Retail parks and out of town supermarkets killed off the traditional high street - local traders and craftsmen simply went bust as they could not compete on price and variety.
The internet, accelerated by Covid, is killing off what remains of the high street, with shopping malls and supermarkets not far behind.
We may regret their passing, but it is our behaviour as consumers which has initiated the changes - search and buy on price for most consumer durables, clothing etc..
Some supermarkets will morph into local distribution depots for delivery operations - many in store are now stock pickers for click and collect or delivery, not actual customers. Much more efficient and cheaper to have a warehouse type structure, no customer essential add-ons and more automation to pick stock.
Shopping malls will need to reinvent themselves - chain stores + a very average overpriced food court will not induce people to visit. Maybe arts, crafts, entertainment, special terms for small traders etc.
High Streets have the double whammy of closed retail and spare office space as people increasingly work from home - if not permanently, certainly several days a week. They need radical solutions t avoid total decay!!
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