Clone Town Flashcards
Why are people protesting about having a ‘chain store’ on there high street?
As it will mean the town will turn into a clone town, without the local businesses on the high street, ruining its unique sense of character
Case study: Totnes, Devon - fighting against clone towns
What are 3 facts about Totnes?
-historical market town
- 80% of shops are local (higher than national average for towns)
- local people protested against new costa coffee
What do big brands to do get cheaper products?
Bulk order so they get discounts “economies of scale”
What was the mix of local independent shops and chain shops in Totnes ?
It has 42 places which sell coffee, ranging from a hotel to vegan and Middle Eastern cafe
What are some arguments against costa coffee setting up in the town?
“We have a tradition of independence and history of being different. We had to protect the special ambience that visitors enjoy and stop Totnes from becoming just another clone town, with identical shops and cafes”
- shop may ruin the local economy and loose its historical charm
- threat to local businesses
What are some arguments for costa coffee?
- costa said it would not threaten existing coffee shops and would add to the vibrancy of the town. The local residents had no need to worry about other companies following costa because they would not like the small size of properties available in the towns
- would provide a sociable place and would create new jobs
How could local shops have a positive knock on effect for the economy?
Small local businesses spend their profits locally where they live and they send their children to school. It seems like a good system; that’s the beauty of the town high street. Local shops bring in tourists and also small businesses buy their products from others
What are ways in which towns could keep their identity?
- food stalls/market
- loyalty cards
- have social media platforms
- historical events
- ‘Bristol pound’
