How times have changed – I was talking with a group of rather senior ladies last week, we were at a fund raising event in the nearest big town.  We being of the country set, don’t you know . . .   were discussing the lack of proper department stores in our nearest town, now that two very long established independent retailers had recently shut their doors for the last time.  Two of our group were wailing and gnashing their teeth over the demise of a very popular dress agency they relied upon for all those really important frocks one has to have throughout a life time;  for the daughter’s wedding, the mother’s special birthdays, little Jonnie’s christening, tea out with the mayor at his parlour etc. etc.  Once we’d had a really good whinge about the lack of sources for good quality giftware and homewares, I reminded them all of the benefits of browsing dedicated online sources.