ABSTRACT
Sheffield’s problems stem from the retail crisis in the 1990s and followed the completion of the Meadowhall shopping centre a few miles away. The story starts with the growth of retail chains, many dating back to the 19th century. The supermarkets had less effect on larger town and city centres with their clothes shops and department stores. In many places independent businesses are rapidly filling the gaps left by the multiples. Independent and creative businesses, artisan food outlets, vinyl record shops, vintage clothing emporiums and independent bookshops are all growing. One of the reasons for the enduring appeal of physical retail is the ability to experience products, to touch and feel, to sit on furniture and try on clothes. The UK’s planning response to the current crisis has been to relax planning policy. There are commentators like John Parmiter who see the main problem with town centres as fragmented ownership.
