a big problem in the UK is that a few stores have been allowed to stay open as 'essential', but they tend to be giant corporate franchises and chains. the small independent stores are dying a death, with only modest furlough/government largesse.
it's really kind of odious to see starbucks and pret-a-manger open in major city centres whilst all the mom-n-pop sandwich shops and espresso bars are boarded up. a huge amount of market consolidation is going on as a result of the pandemic. the UK in general already had a problem, pre-covid, with high streets/main street being a series of identikit franchises.
it's really kind of odious to see starbucks and pret-a-manger open in major city centres whilst all the mom-n-pop sandwich shops and espresso bars are boarded up. a huge amount of market consolidation is going on as a result of the pandemic. the UK in general already had a problem, pre-covid, with high streets/main street being a series of identikit franchises.