Real shopping is much better than virtual reality

“What’s wrong with the shoes?” the assistant asked politely. “They don’t fit.” They don’t fit? Didn’t she try them on? Has the lady had a night out wearing the clothes and shoes before returning them and has now chosen another outfit for the weekend?

It may have been an innocent transaction but it sparked in me an embryo anecdote that could launch a pub debate. Have you ever worn something and then taken it back?

My daughter took a duffel coat back when she was a student at Liverpool University only to be embarrassed when the assistant found a bus ticket in the pocket.

Even better, when my wife Maria worked in Burton’s many years ago a suit was returned after three weeks. Only after the customer had been reimbursed and left was an airline ticket found in the pocket. The only suit in captivity with air miles.

You get these stories from real shopping, not the virtual reality kind.

High Streets are in need of a rethink, particularly after a 10 year recession, because shopping habits are changing.

Property owners, retailers and councils have to adapt to the challenge of empty premises and the ghost ship that is the British Home Stores on The Shambles.

Could some be converted into affordable housing or accommodation for the homeless? Could BHS be split into units or turned into a boutique market? Could it be offered to the University so that it regains life and youthful vigour?

Town centres have evolved before and have to do so again. Where else can I go people watching to get my real life entertainment?