A sterile promontory
The week's news at a glance.
Stratford-upon-Avon, U.K.
Chain stores are ruining Shakespeares 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.
Recommended
Vatican slams Israel for attacking funeral of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh

Vatican slams Israel for attacking funeral of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
Ukraine says 264 'heroes' evacuated from Mariupol's Azovstal steel works

Ukraine says 264 'heroes' evacuated from Mariupol's Azovstal steel works
Most Popular
Russia's failed Ukraine river crossing has pro-Russia war bloggers griping

Russia's failed Ukraine river crossing has pro-Russia war bloggers griping
Watch Wynonna Judd and Brandi Carlile sing 'The Rose' at Naomi Judd memorial
