The traditional, massive department stores may disappear as we know them to be. Even if they do, I expect a few to still be around. Nothing compares to being in the store with the crowds and all that merchandise. The experience is improved by polite, well dressed and knowledgeable Sales People.
All this adds to what often becomes a heightened state of excitement.
” I expect a few to still be around. Nothing compares to being in the store with the crowds and all that merchandise.”
You can’t have them in areas with ‘diverse’ populations that can’t behave themselves.
The history of department stores is really a very interesting one...from BON MARCHE is Paries, to the LADIES' MILE in Manhattan ( which later moved to Fifth Avenue, to Marshall FIELD'S and CARSON PIERRIE SCOTT in Chicago, to WANNAMAKERS in Philly.
And then there was SELFRIDGES, in London, brought to the fore, by the American, Mr. Selfridge, who had worked his way up and learned the business in Field's!
Today, most younger people aren't "social"; everything is on line, via their phones and/or computers...even "friendships".