Originally Posted by kraftwerk

Since you asked how I really feel.... Internet shopping is just part of the problem and not always the best way to shop,
but sometimes it is,
in most cases it's what we have so there it is. I am more concerned about the real estate land-grab
that these empty store fronts' represent.
The landlord will claim the rent is now $22,000 a month when in reality it should only be $2,200. Knowing full well he could get between $1800 and $3300 for it, he would rather claim a $22,000 loss, which puts more money in his pocket as a tax write-off and THEN the value of the building itself can be inflated,
" Look how much that store front is worth: $22,000 !!"
In turn he can borrow MORE money on this ( inflated ) property value and buy MORE buildings. What we are seeing when a small yet successful independent shop closes it's doors is just what I have described above.
The actual story here may vary, but that is the basic out-line.
Developers are ruining the market landscape and making a lot of money while making others miserable.

Yep, that's how I really feel.