[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by tweetiepooh

But there is and should be a place for real retail space.

When you need that item now, not tomorrow.
When you need something to exactly match something else either by colour, size, measurement - e.g. you need a bolt to fit nut and you don't know much about the nut, colours can look different in different lights.
You need something to suit you - knives/pans for example - I want weight, balance etc to suit me so try them out get it right first time.
You want to discuss with "experts" and get what you need not just what you want.
You need things to fit you - shoes are good example - I have wider feet and a high instep so shoes can be hard to find that really fit well.
Sometimes it's nice to have the social aspect of physically going out - the actual shopping is only part of the experience - enjoying lunch/coffee out as well.

Which, I suspect, M&S and John Lewis (plus possibly or two others like Wilko) are planning on a last man standing basis.

Imo, there will be a complete reorganisation of the high street. For example, convenience stores will continue, and they will serve converted accommodation. The likes of John Lewis could do what M&S have done - which is to incorporate Waitrose into their stores. Stuff like that.