What is the future of market towns?

This is the back of Beales department store in Hexham. It was previously Robbs and a much loved institution in the town.

I went in today to see what was on offer. It was a miserable experience. There are loads of things for sale, but much is previous season's clothes, brought in from other stores. It has the air of a jumble sale about it.

The more expensive, higher quality goods are not marked down. The store does not close until September. There were quite a few shoppers, but I did not see anyone buying anything.

On the other side of the main road is an empty bakers and an empty greengrocers. The town already has several charity shops. Quo vadis?

I bought t shirts for Mum in EWM and then did a food shop in Tesco.

I spent ages on the phone this morning, trying to complete the order for the new oven, hob, fridge, freezer etc for the new kitchen. It was exhausting and not as straightforward as I expected. 

Tonight we watched the final of Only Connect and will now wonder what to do on Monday nights for a few months. We will enjoy the quiz more after a hiatus.