It’s entirely up to each of us where we shop.

It’s worth taking note though of a huge body of research that’s been published over the past ten years. It’s complicated, but to distil it down for every £100 spent in a local independent shop, £45 gets recycled in amongst the local economy – spent and re-spent, keeping the money, jobs and the vibrancy of the high street in the local area.

This compares to only £14 recycled by the ‘big box’ chains. When you find places like The Yard which sells only local produce and encourages arts and community spirit – that must be worth even more than £45 for every £100.

It’s your money. Do what you want with it, but have a think about what kind of neighbourhood you want to live in.

Have a curious day.