Stratford-upon-Avon, U.K.
Chain stores are ruining Shakespeare’s hometown, The New York Times reported this week. The streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, once home to quaint mom-and-pop stores, have been overrun by large franchises like Starbucks, Country Casuals, and the British clothing giant Marks & Spencer. The house where the playwright was born is one of the few remaining 16th-century buildings. Stratford and other small towns across Britain have begun searching for ways to reverse the homogenization of their main streets, offering tax incentives to help small shops compete with superstores. “Unless you take some constructive action now, it will resemble the U.S.,” said David Bishop, a spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses. “It is a real danger.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 low ratings cartoons about the Late Show cancellationCartoons Artists take on early warning signs, the Gen Z stare, and more
-
Connie Francis: Superstar of the early 1960s pop sceneIn the Spotlight The 'Pretty Little Baby' and 'Stupid Cupid' singer has died aged 87
-
Crossword: July 26, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
