With all due respect Edward, the big stores employ low wage and minimum skill employee's who are more the willing to give the customers poor service. In some cases, they can barely speak a word of English
How do you think they can maintain there profit margins......... They con the suppliers (dairy farmers for example), import from foreign countries where standards arn't the same (meat for example) and generally bribe the local councils into being able to place stores wherever they feel (especially in the case of the big store starting T and ending O).
Let me ask you, when was the last time you actually went into a supermarket and they recognised you as a loyal customer? When did they call you by your first name?
This isn't about nostalgia as you mention, i think we're all in agreement that times are changing but realistically does that mean there is no longer any room for the small retailers? I'm sure there's profits out there for many retailers, it's just that the big'uns tend to want more and more and become greedy. Just like the bankers in many ways, take take and give very little back.
I think Britain has lost it's sense of community and many communities are losing there identity. I think in general we've all become to busy to spend time in our local community and want more quick fixes i.e. large supermarkets with everything under one roof.
I think your comments reflect the attitude of youngsters who have no understanding of what a community is.