I live in a fairly unexciting town that had one sole industry – literally, they made shoes. Thousands, in fact, probably millions , including for the army in the first and second world wars. The whole of the town seems had connections with the industry the huge numbers of factories connected with shoe making meant that very few other things have taken off. The high street is dire now, the only gift shops of note, two family run ones, closed a few years ago, to be replaced by mini supermakets and a gym.
However, this state of affairs has strangely brought a new way of organising my life. Whenever I need anything for a present or to replace my own goods, I automatically browse online now. The sheer joy of being able to look and compare, read up reviews, find bargains and pay in the calmness of my own time. Sheer magic!
