A sign of the times?

So Cash Converters is soon to open a new store on Dalton Road. *Sigh* 'Not another one' most of us say...but is it really bad news for Barrow?

Well, yes and no. When I first heard, I thought (probably like most) 'Oh no, not another glorified pawn-shop.' We already have a few and now another is on the way. Yes I suppose it's good for business and Barrows empty shops, and will bring some much needed moolah into the local economy, but really, another?

 I guess it's the sign of the times. Although I may be slightly biased, I'm just getting a bit sick of them now. Any new business is good business, but we need variety. And I'm not talking about the kind of variety where one shops around to find an extra 10p for our old video collection.

 Sure, like most people say, we need a Primark or HMV, but we also have to be sensible. Primark probably wouldn't be sustainable and even if it did manage to, there's questions about its ethics, and the effect it'd have on all the other clothes shops between here and Preston. Likewise for HMV-constantly struggling and will soon go bust within 3 years I predict.

 Maybe the council could give some rate relief or lower rates to DIFFERENT shops...if a national chain wants to add another Cash4Gold, or whatever, then fine...but at least give the new, upcoming, unusual and refreshing shops a fighting chance. Personally I think it'd have a big positive effect upon the local area. Let's face it-the future is online-we will buy virtually EVERTHING online within the next 5-10 years, so the only shops that will entice us into Barrow will be unusual shops and stores that sells interesting products we can look, touch, smell etc.

  We need a good mix, a few well-known stores, but not too many. And a few more unusual, different shops and stores. Instead of seeing who will exploit Barrow, why don't we see who we can attract, or even poach (hey, all's fair in love and business!) Obviously the more shops we have, the better, but we simply can't keep going by having basically a main shopping area full of charity shops, pawn shops and mobile phone stores.
What many don't also seem to realise is that these aren't sustainable...all it does is make the very exploitative pawn shops very rich, and the poor it preys upon, even poorer. And that's not even mentioning the fact that half the time the goods are faulty in someway or stolen. No. We need to think outside the box, get creative and other business-speak shenanigans. Support your local shops and they may survive or even thrive. Don't and hey, I guess none of us can really complain. It is supply and demand, but does that make it right? Maybe we should try things differently...

What does everyone think? Join the debate!

Ciao!