I was up in the centre of Glasgow a couple of weeks ago. Looked out of my hotel window on what should have been a top end retail street and saw, in this order - pawn shop/loan shop, three bookies next to each other, bank. Presumably all under the same management.
I think the "is there really something called addiction?" discussion is for another time, but I agree that Macky-Dees products can become habit-forming. To my eternal shame, on the odd occasion that I take my 3 little Ubers there, I watch them consume the Gurgleburgers whilst I'll just have a coffee or bottled water.
Normal shops have gradually been squeezed out by supermarkets who rub it in with 'Sainsburys Local' and 'Tesco Express' shops putting the boot in at a very local level. I admire the handful of towns that have vehemently opposed all supermarket applications to preserve their High Streets but, sadly, they're often being stitched up at a higher level. Bookies, Banks, Pound Shops and Coffee Shops seem to be ubiquitous these days...
Their "salads" have more calories than their burgers as they are loaded with sugars which is a disgrace. Show them a picture of a year old meal from there and it hasnt rotted at all. Those fries could literally be years old as they are loaded with so much salt and preservatives. Of course certain things make you want more but most people think "Ive had enough" and stop. Its an easy get out to say you have no control over it.
Again, it's supply and demand, Soops. If we didn't shop with them, they'd go out of business. If we didn't use the out-of-town stores, the high streets would be preserved. As high street shops lose out to superstores and the internet, it is little surprise that the vacuum is filled in this way.
Trouble is the poorer people are being squeezed out so they have no alternative but to use supermarkets and pound shops. I buy 90% of stuff online these days. I bought a bed recently for £430 online and they were £1400-£2500 in shops. Youd be mad to buy in person.
