Question
In recent years, many small local shops have closed because customers travel to large shopping
centres or malls to do their shopping.
Is this a positive or a negative development?
Answer
During the twentieth century, as populations expanded and more people moved to the city, life
changed in many ways, including how we go shopping. While previously people would purchase
what they needed at small, local shops, by the end of the century people were primarily shopping at
larger malls and superstores. This essay will argue that it is neither a positive nor a negative
development; in fact, it is simply a natural change.
The main argument against this sort of change is that smaller shops were run by individuals or
families, whereas large malls and supermarkets are operated by huge national or multinational
conglomerates. Small business owners are being squeezed out of the market by these huge
corporate entities. This also causes a situation where the personal aspect of smaller stores is lost,
and the high streets lose their character as shops that have been around for decades or longer
suddenly close. Each town begins to look more like the next.
However, it is not all bad. These vast stores offer far more choice and better prices than smaller
shops could offer. In addition, they specialize in customer service and so although they may not be
entirely personal, the staff are well-trained to deal with a wide variety of situations. These shops can
offer a greater level of convenience for customers, and cater to people with disabilities more easily.
In conclusion, it is understandable that many people are upset by the phenomenon of small shops
closing, but in reality it is not necessarily a negative development. There are some positives to this
situation as well.
