Leeds locals reflect on shop closures and what needs to be done to boost our high streets.
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00:00 I think it's kind of sad that we're losing some of the more independent shops.
00:03 It tends to be quite sort of franchised and chained these days.
00:07 And I think that's difficult.
00:09 I think what makes Leeds very good is that we still have that a little bit
00:13 in terms of the Corn Exchange and the little arcades.
00:16 And I think in more cities we still need to retain that
00:19 so it's not just the big chains.
00:22 I think you want as many kind of local and independent businesses as possible.
00:25 Again, obviously with business rates and stuff that's probably pretty difficult
00:28 but any time shops leave a high street it's always a bad thing.
00:33 You can always tell, I think, the health of a city and a high street
00:37 by the amount of shops that are either taken up or left abandoned.
00:42 I would like to see Gap back.
00:45 Gap was a really affordable and quality clothing shop that closed down.
00:52 But I doubt if they will because online shopping is booming, I think.
00:57 I think even I use online, so.