Malls vs High Streets

THE decline of the High street has been blamed in part on out-of-town shopping centres.

As a former marketing director for several major retailers, I was partly responsible for these malls. shops here were more successful compared to other branches in towns because of cheaper rates and rents, larger areas at lower costs to display goods, free parking and easy access.

Congestion and parking charges in towns are a turn-off to shoppers.

In the U.s., you don’t see large stores in town centres — only coffee shops, restaurants and gift shops. Major retailers are in malls, where you can shop whatever the weather.

If councils don’t want to end up with boarded-up High streets, they need to reduce business rates and parking charges. NORMAN CRUSE, Eastbourne, E. Sussex. we CAN save the High street. Market traders should be given every encouragement because their stalls attract shoppers.

the only shops that will survive are those offering services, such as nail parlours, hairdressers and even dog groomers.

Most goods can be bought online, but a service is a personal thing and will always be needed.

KAREN RENE, Leicester.