Retail detail

Abstract

Woolworths is gone; Habitat has almost been wiped out, and many others are to follow. Some of the most famous names in retail have been forced to pull up stumps. Others — often with help from very specialized gurus — have reinvented themselves: transformed into contemporary, dynamic, even fresh, companies. Some are doomed by changes in technology. High Street travel agents now hardly exist, whatever the customer experience they provide, the internet alternative is cheaper and easier. Bureau de change might revive after the collapse of the euro, when all those European currencies will reappear. All those associated with certain technologies — film, video-tape, hot metal linotype — are no longer needed.