There's something delightfully nostalgic about shopping in Wells at the moment - personal service, with a smile.

My visit today reminded me of my 1960s boyhood, when my mum would tell shopkeepers what she wanted and they would collect it from the shelves behind them and bring it to the counter.

This 2020 experience was a little different in that the counters were in doorways and no cash changed hands.

It was remarkably convenient - more so than a trip to a supermarket. I needed pet supplies, electrical goods, some groceries and bread. All were available from neighbouring stores - Natural Pets, Protec, Queen Street Deli and Burns The Bread.

Despite my having a chat with all the shopkeepers in turn, the time taken was probably less than on an equivalent mission to Tesco or similar. As a bonus there was no shortage of parking spaces right outside.

And given the precautions we all have to take in times of pandemic, it was reassuring not to have to go inside any of these stores.

Maybe this reminder of shopping as it was may point to a future for retail alongside the online revolution - personal, friendly, safe and proof against shoplifters.

By Paul Cannon

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