1Ten years ago, my mother did all her shopping in the small independent stores along our high street.
2She knew every shopkeeper by name, and they knew exactly what she wanted before she asked.
3Today, most of those small shops have disappeared, replaced by supermarkets, chain stores, and empty windows.
4Like many people, I now do most of my shopping online, usually late at night from my phone.
5It is undeniably convenient and often cheaper, but something valuable has been lost along the way.
6Shopping used to be a social activity, a chance to chat with neighbours and catch up on local news.
7Now a parcel arrives at the door, and we barely exchange a word with the driver.
8Recently, I have deliberately started buying fruit and meat from the local weekend farmers' market instead.
9The prices are slightly higher, but the quality is better and the money stays in the community.
10Perhaps the future of shopping lies somewhere between the convenience of the internet and the warmth of the high street.