Why is the High Street in steep decline?

I APPRECIATE that High Street shops are suffering from high rates and rents, but this is not the whole reason for their decline. WHSmith has announced its shop revenue has fallen by 5 per cent. My recent experience suggests a lack of customer service may be a factor in this. I saw a £40 calculator prominently advertised in the store, but when I asked to buy one, the manager told me they did not have any in stock and did not know when or if they would have any in the near future. They only got them in occasionally and when they did they sold out immediately. When I asked if I could order one, I was told this was not possible. I was told my only option was to keep visiting the store in the hope one might be available to buy! Needless to say, I have bought a calculator from an online supplier. Just another lost sale for the High Street.

G. WILKS, Chesterfield, Derbys. I VISITED Daventry and was impressed by the way this historic town promotes its 100-plus independent shops. Instead of complaining about the decline in the High Street, it is doing something about it. In the car park, I looked for a payment meter only to be told it is free, unlike my area, where town parking fees are ridiculously high. We decided to stay longer than we planned and had brunch before looking around the local shops. The sales assistants were pleased to see us and we left with a warm feeling. If other towns follow Daventry’s lead, with a bit of luck the High Street will survive.

ELAINE BARROW, Stock, Essex.

I WENT to Hastings to buy flannelette pyjamas, but after trailing up and down the High Street, I discovered that M&S, Peacocks and Debenhams don’t stock them. I went online when I got home and Amazon delivered a pair within 24 hours.

Mrs M. J. BOUTELL, St Leonards-on-Sea, E. Sussex. SINCE they shut my local bank branch, I find I have little reason to visit the High Street any more. ROBIN HUNTER, King’s Lynn, Norfolk.