Building John Lewis in Cheltenham

Many years ago I dreamed that I was about to marry a man called John Lewis McCarthy. JLM, if you're out there ...

So, John Lewis, which already has a large store at Waitrose in Cheltenham, is building a new store on the high street. The Beechwood Arcade has been knocked down and Debenham's has gone, along with many small independent stores, to make room for this megalith.

Meanwhile, in the Regent Arcade, the British Home Stores space has been empty since the collapse of the chain in 2015/6. This week, it's Monarch Airlines that has hit the headlines for going under. I hope all the travellers get home, one way or another.

Closer to home, the bus I was on smacked into a bus shelter outside Cheltenham and knocked off its own wing mirror. Apart from being a little startled at the loud bang, we were all fine, and immediately decanted on to the bus behind. Coming back was also a little eventful. For these two events, I believe the full moon may be responsible.

As for the changing face of Britain's shopping experience, the collapse of the pound and Monarch Airlines, and the mysterious lack.of detailed pricing in the new Shearings UK holiday brochure, I'd have to be Dominic Sandbrook to pronounce on it. But, speaking as me, I can only say,
Something's no' right. Dinna be fooled by blue sky.




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