挑战版《闲话英伦》－垂死的“高街”？（正常语速）

Britain under the Microscope – Shopping in the UK (Advanced)

·      The death of the High Street

-Many shops aregoing out of business

 -Well-known chain shops like BHSand Woolworth have closed down –    these high- street names have been in the UK

            -The effect of the Recession

            -Relying on sales events

            -Mostly coffee shops and cafes

·            The corner shop

o   Used to be very common –mostly run by immigrant families (willing to work longer hours)

§  Becoming less common asquite expensive with a limited range

o   Supermarkets now have anexpress version – smaller for people to go in after work

·      Other Possible causes

-Transport policies andtrends

-Rising land prices/rents

-Rising consumerexpectations – convenience, service, quality/variety  

-Internet and NewTechnology   

·      The growth of the internet

  - Online shopping is increasingly becomingmore common

§  Names like Amazon and eBay (for books, electronics and pretty mucheverything else) and ASOS for clothes

                -Not as developed/widelyaccepted as in China, lack of trust in AI

               -Mobile payment: Apple Paybut many people use Chip and Pin

                -Nearlyall shops have their own website – able to buy through the website and havegoods delivered or pick them up in shop (especially for clothes)

·         The impact of globalization andmass tourism

-e.g. travelbrings new and different expectations (greater variety of food, products)

-e.g. Chinesetourists in the UK