They came and boarded-up that giant temple to televisual pleasures yesterday. Yup folks, to quote Monty Python our local Blockbusters, purveyors of video, DVD, CD, games etc, “…is no more; it has ceased to be; it is an ex-blockbusters.”
The town centres of Britain have altered quite a bit in the last few credit-crunching years but here in Leicester the town centre now resembles a not-too-skilled bare knuckle boxer: lots of gaps where teeth once were. In other words it’s all gotten a bit ‘gappy’. I don’t think even Beirut in the height of its troubles suffered such a dearth of downtown retailers. First there was Woolworth, followed by Virgin (or whatever it was called in its dying days) and then a sad procession of household names all dragging their sad bottoms out of town.
It’s strange to reflect on our changing shopping habits and I suppose I’m as guilty as the rest for HMV’s departure. Back in the day (as people irritatingly say) I’d rush into town to buy the latest albums essential to my life but nowadays I’m happy to wait the few days, nay even a week, for Play.com or Amazon to send them to my door (and obviously, save a few coppers into the bargain).
It’s a reversal of the way we used to deal with our photography. Back then you’d be prepared to have to wait a few days for the developing of your prints (or a week if you used BonusPrint) but now we want our photos instantly. It’s a case of, “Quick kids in the car, let’s get down to ASDA and print this lot up.” As I’ve drifted onto the subject of photography, I think a moment’s respect is due to Jessop’s. Is it really only a month and a bit since they passed away? Another gap in the town centre’s mouth…!
I suppose you can blame it on the march of progress (e.g. phones that do almost everything except make the toast) plus T’internet and the rise of DIY shopping. Makes you wonder how the travel agents are managing to survive when you can book your holiday requirements from the cosy comfort of home. I bet even the CO-OP undertakers are getting worried that we might start DIY funeral arraigning next. Then there’ll be another gap in the high street.
Can you imagine it? “Tick if you require on-line check-in-and-out at the ‘crem’; tick for optional grave-digger or Bobcat machine or magics heavenly last journey with your ashes scattered to the four winds ( discount if you book early); tick if you require rent-a-priest; tick if you need a nice local taxi firm for ferrying mourners; tick for wake and buffet facilities. Sorry folks, I don’t mean to show bad taste but it does make you wonder, doesn’t it?
Well no news on the next meet or any ideas? Just push them through till next time
toodle pip Magic
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