But at the same time they are strangling and putting out of business smaller, locally owned shops located in the centre of towns.

Shoppers are enjoying cheaper prices, greater variety of goods and free parking.

But the balance between the demand for and supply of goods is becoming disturbed.

Hard pressure selling techniques are being used and advertising is going overboard.

But attracting customers from other communities is not the right way to go.

Instead the number of businesses should be matched with the demand for goods.

Many of the big stores that are moving in are either partly or fully owned by foreign cartels and profits are going overseas.

Also, the amount of goods that have been produced in other countries keeps increasing.

This is adversely affecting local producers and industries, which are either closing down or moving overseas.

The government is under pressure to subsidise the ailing industries, for the sake of jobs.

With the increase of foreign ownership and advancement of electronic media, freedom of speech is being gradually whittled down.

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