On-line retailing is part of this.
When you don’t walk through a store, you are uninspired, don’t see new ideas, and don’t act impulsively.
Hence the economy contracts.
The only store I go to any longer is Costco, and routinely return with more than just essentials. But I never go to the mall, Lowes, Home Depot or even Trader Joes. I get specialty groceries from Amazon also.
I just ordered new clothes and sandals for summer online. I can return what I don’t want or what doesn’t fit in store. I love Nordstroms Rack! My main store for clothing purchases for that reason.
Now I’m done til probably next summer since I have plenty of boots and sweaters for winter.