General   (General discussion, talk about anything.)

Without going in to a very lengthy debate about the demise of a thriving town centre, I would just say that our society has changed and some of those wants and needs of past decades are no longer in great demand. Additionally, some can be easily obtained via other sources than from a shop or a market stall in the centre of a town.

The popularity of cars brought about changes in shopping as it became much easier to travel to a supermarket outside of the town centre and to buy much more as it was easier to transport your purchases. With this, supermarkets expanded their range of products and ventured in to offering customers: wines and spirits, beers, books, magazines, cards, medical products, clothing, electrical goods and more - and, many times, cheaper than a shop in the centre of town.

As cars loss that luxury status and became a regular means of transport for many families, out-of-town supermarkets became even more popular and it was not surprising that retail parks began to appear and to grow. After all, a car allows the shopper to travel in a relatively comfortable way and to be warm or cool while in the car. Also, to be dry when it is raining and to be assured that there is no need to wait for the means of transportation. Additionally, trying to carry heavy bags can be avoided.

Will something happen to completely change the 21st Century shopping habits and the lack of interest in the shopping centres of our towns?
Possibly, there is no simple answer as there is no one reason for the "sad demise of town centres".