Supermarkets are, of couse, a public enemy these days. However I do remember those local shops from childhood when my Grandmother used to shop every day. She could: women rarely worked then, even those from the poorer families. Now both partners have to work, not for extras, but just to pay the ever rising bills. So shopping daily is rarely possible. How wonderful was it for the grocer etc to actually serve you rather than pick your supplies yourself from the shelves? Well, fine if you came from the 'right' side of town, were a member of the local Conservative Assocaiation or the Masons: you were given the best. If you came from the council estate you received what was left.
I am becoming more and more convinced that green issues are a middle class indulgence and a useful bandwaggon for politicians and the like to jump on.
Doc John