Can We Stop Retail Apocalypse Before America Loses More Jobs?

[thomhartmann]

Can We Stop Retail Apocalypse Before America Loses More Jobs?

Retail companies across the country are closing down. In the first three months of 2019, more than five thousand retail stores closed for good,

Is this evidence of a sick twisted monopoly, or is this the consequence of automation, or online shopping giants like Amazon wiping out the retail sector of the economy?

[Sherman A1]

1. No

Pretty much as simple as that.

[democratisphere]

2. Eventually we will see a vast brick and mortar retail wasteland.

Disposable income has been dramatically reduced for most Americans. Our 70% consumer based economy will be taking a real hit.

[Magoo48]

6. Perhaps we will turn these vacancies into productive community services or cooperation endeavors.

Now, they are sad reminders that vulture capitalism and our extraction economy is not sustainable. Amazon will die away as well as people continue to reassess their wants and needs in a circular economy more suited to our future survival.

[Merlot]

3. Does Craigslist count as online shopping?

I think lack of disposable income is the reason stores are closing.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

4. People's shopping habits change over time.

I doubt all brick an mortar stores will close.

I hope not. Take shoes. I absolutely have to try on shoes before I can buy a pair. I'm a fairly standard 7 or 7 1/2 medium width, but I have a nasty bunion on my right foot that means not all shoes in my size fit me. Sometimes I go to a shoe store, or shop the shoe department of a store, and try on 7 or 8 pairs to find one that works for me. So shopping my mail for my shoes simply isn't practical.

Same with regular clothes. I'm a standard common size, but I still find I need to try on clothes before I buy.

I have a niece who gets stuff from one of those mail-order houses where they take your measurements and then send you stuff. I've noticed what she gets from them never quite fits her properly.

[patphil]

5. Retail is where the lower class shops and works

As brick and mortar retail shops close, the lower class looses jobs and local shopping outlets.
This also has a negative impact on the middle class, but to a lesser extent.

[appalachiablue]

7. The US built 60,000 shopping malls since Reagan & the 1980s

so I read. Lately they're all peeling back as well as the larger consumer boom of the last 40 years due to effects of the 2008 financial crisis, stagnant US wages and lower income levels, online shopping and Amazon's expanding monopoly.

Never a fan of malls, I still dislike the dwindling physical world of brick and mortar. It's unhealthy and freaky to have so little interaction and sense of community with the actual world you live in, IMO.

The negative impact of the resulting retail job losses will be staggering, a continued death spiral for many and possible oblivion.

For 40 years, US economy and society has reeked of competitive, predatory, materialistic and 'get ahead at all costs' culture linked to dominanant male behavior, values and interests. That includes not shopping in stores as TH says. Think about it.

[rainin]

8. I've downsized. I am getting rid of stuff not accumulating.

My kids aren't buying like I did at their age. We don't go out to eat or go out to movies. Less money in my pocket means I'm spending less out in the world and everybody down the line is getting less.

My 5-year goal is to be in a tiny house living off grid. I can't afford to maintain the lifestyle I enjoyed in the 90s.

[erlewyne]

9. I no longer leave home.

If I need something I just go to Amazon. I discovered in retirement
that my costs were behind the steering wheel. Oh, sure, I go to the
retail grocery twice a week (8 mile round trip) and eat at home, but
if I need something I just go to Amazon. No driving, no parking,
no waiting in line.

I used to go bowling and golfing and loved it but I always tipped
a few (that's why I enjoyed it so much). But the cops started
ambushing the exit routes and just a few can end up costing
thousands. Now I enjoy having those few at home. Got a drive
thru a few blocks away and can buy a week's supply after a morning
jog.

And I get everything delivered in less than a week. I can get
anything I need except, maybe, lumber - yeah, I love my lumber
store ... but seldom go there anymore.