(guardian.co.uk)
GAME, the video game retailers are the latest high street store to have financial troubles, with credit issues leading to the closing of 35 shops as well. EA games, a leader in gaming, are now stopping distributing its Games to the GAME Group. EA are famous for some of the best games including, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, the FIFA Series and Mass Effect. This is likely to have dramatic repercussions for the store and over the last year has seen a share drop of 90%. This isn't a unfamiliar scenario, in 2010, HMV had to shut down 40 branches. It's sad to see some of the well known "faces" of the High Street get into trouble but sadly it's so often the consumer's fault.
Out of Town Shopping Centres
Walking around the Trafford Centre I still can't believe the decor. It's practically palatial and reminds me a lot of the shopping malls in America, especially Las Vegas. Located outside of Manchester, the Trafford Centre has grand staircases, extravagant statues and a food court designed as if you're on a ship. The Trafford Centre is a shopping mall. The concept of a mall itself is very American, lots of shops and restaurants under one roof. It sounds great and thats why people flock to these places. There is ample parking, every shop you could want, cuisine from countries around the world and entertainment facilities as well. Additionally, a perhaps most importantly with the British weather, there is a roof. Leave the umbrella at home, no need to venture down the grotty high street anymore. This is arguably an Americanisation of British culture, the traditional British High Street has been replaced by the comfortable and convenient shopping mall. The out of town shopping centre offers an experience without the wind and rain but at the detriment to some High Streets.
Trafford Centre (edwud.com)
Supermarkets have also had a negative impact upon the High Street. Tesco's, ASDA and Sainsbury's have got huge stores that sell absolutely everything, ranging from Groceries and Clothes to Mobile Phones and prescription glasses. Like the out of town shopping centre, there is no need to go to the High Street, when you can get it all in one place.
A Trip to the Amazon
One of the greatest obstacles to the High Street is without a doubt, the internet. Amazon, Play.com and even eBay offer a phenomenal range of items online, meaning you don't have to leave your home. Internet shopping is brilliantly convenient but also often represents the best value. I'm a victim of internet shopping because it is so easy and usually cheaper. Sites like find-dvd.co.uk allow one to compare DVD prices to get the best deal, not-on-the-high-street.com lets one buy unique items you cannot find in the centre of town. You can created wish lists, fill virtual baskets with books, mp3 downloads and groceries. The internet has revolutionised the way we shop, it's convenient, quick and only a click or two away. The world wide web is the world's biggest department store but this is bad news for the High Street. Transport costs and often higher in-store prices means a trip to the High Street burns a greater hole in your pocket; especially in an era where one needs to financially tighten the belt; the internet is far more attractive. To shop on the internet its warm, convenient, cheaper and often addictive but to shop on the High Street it can be cold, time consuming and expensive.
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| (14clicks.com) |
I certainly don't want to see the High Street die. I like the tradition of window shopping, the music at Christmas times and the January Sales. Nonetheless, with opponents like the Mall, Supermarkets and the internet it is going to be difficult for some High Street's to compete.
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