I think the authorities are trying to push all commerce on to the internet. One of the reasons for this is, is reprovisioned retail units become homes of sorts

I think the authorities are trying to push all commerce on to the internet. One of the reasons for this is, is reprovisioned retail units become homes of sorts, which is useful when there is a global housing shortage. Add in trends like work from home and how covid forced many people to work from home, and you can see the trend for people spreading out beyond their borders to 3rd world country's and cheaper regions in the world to live as long as there internet access and servicing from couriers. Something that taxation could never achieve. So whilst these young people robbing shops, can still do this, the number of retail units shutting down still increases. Look at some of these fast food outlets operating out of industrial units and using the internet apps like Uber Eats and Just Eat to get their take away delivered. No need to have a shop front any more! Nearly all low end shops will be going like this, its just a question of time. The only high street stores which will remain will be high end one's that can allow people in, if they like the look of them like you see at night clubs. So these retailers are the one's slow to change their operating model. 100 years ago, shops used to be counter service, not self service like it is now, but there were less products to choose from back then, unlike a supermarket which can have anything from 20,000 to 100,000 different products on the shelf. Prices will have to go for counter services, or increased shop floor levels, if the business doesnt transition to the online sales outlet model. This is why inflation is running high. Online selling has not been adopted by everyone yet.