Tartan 'Tat' Empire Spreads Again

[Hamish]

Yes, the notorious Gold Brothers are at it again in Edinburgh as they snap up yet another Royal Mile shop:

http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1501352007

What, in the name of common sense, is wrong with the City Council, which should be putting a stop to this destructive, uncaring family?

[beloitpiper]

It's sad. I wish tourists (Americans) would better inform themselves.

Hey, ask Arlen about selling fake souvenirs! Haha!

[McClef]

I clicked the link but the page that came up didn't have any info on this.

[Jock Scot]

Yes, the notorious Gold Brothers are at it again in Edinburgh as they snap up yet another Royal Mile shop:

http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1501352007

What, in the name of common sense, is wrong with the City Council, which should be putting a stop to this destructive, uncaring family?

Hello Hamish,I, like you don't like what is going on in the Royal Mile,it seems that "tat" sells and whether we like it or not, we have to accept that unpalatable fact.

I am sad to say it, but I really don't think that the majority of locals care one way or the other and the visitors are voting with their "Dollars".The local council is only interested in getting their cut,so,what's to do?

[auld argonian]

Obviously the Gold Brothers pose an imminent threat to the character of the Royal Mile...that documentary about the World's Great Streets had EmmyLou Harris doing a very good tour of the RM and it may become a relic of a bygone age by the sound of things.

Money changes everything. A big threat to the culture and character of places all over the world is the homogenization of them by commercial interests; notably developers and world-wide chains of businesses that run out the native mom-and-pop businesses. Chicago has suffered because of this attitude. Sections of State Street, that "Great Street" in the song, have been torn down to make way for high rise condo buildings to accommodate the sudden influx of people who, after having avoided Chicago's Loop for years because it was "too dangerous", now want to live there so they can be in the center of the action. Believe me, they are paying DEARLY for that privilege.

Several years ago, I heard a reporter opine that it was no fun to go anywhere in the USA anymore because, thanks to Appleby's, Bennigan's, McDonald's and Starbuck's, everywhere looks the same and there are no unique shops or restaurants left to pique the curiosity.

This is the way the world ends...not with a bang...

We are trading charm for convenience.

Best

AA

[Rusty]

Several years ago, I heard a reporter opine that it was no fun to go anywhere in the USA anymore because, thanks to Appleby's, Benin's, McDonald's and Star buck's, everywhere looks the same and there are no unique shops or restaurants left to pique the curiosity.

This is the way the world ends...not with a bang...

We are trading charm for convenience.

Most eloquently put...... it would be funny if it weren't so depressingly true.

[Ayin McFye]

I followed the link also and didn't see the article and checked 5 pages of articles and couldn't find it. Could you possibly post a more specific link? Thanks!

[pdcorlis]

Link was working earlier - looks like its gone now...

[Kilted_John]

Obviously the Gold Brothers pose an imminent threat to the character of the Royal Mile...that documentary about the World's Great Streets had EmmyLou Harris doing a very good tour of the RM and it may become a relic of a bygone age by the sound of things.

Money changes everything. A big threat to the culture and character of places all over the world is the homogenization of them by commercial interests; notably developers and world-wide chains of businesses that run out the native mom-and-pop businesses. Chicago has suffered because of this attitude. Sections of State Street, that "Great Street" in the song, have been torn down to make way for high rise condo buildings to accommodate the sudden influx of people who, after having avoided Chicago's Loop for years because it was "too dangerous", now want to live there so they can be in the center of the action. Believe me, they are paying DEARLY for that privilege.

Several years ago, I heard a reporter opine that it was no fun to go anywhere in the USA anymore because, thanks to Appleby's, Bennigan's, McDonald's and Starbuck's, everywhere looks the same and there are no unique shops or restaurants left to pique the curiosity.

This is the way the world ends...not with a bang...

We are trading charm for convenience.

Best

AA

Don't forget Mal-Wart (Wal-Mart for those who don't do spoonerisms)... Last time I ever set foot into one was in 2001. Heck, when it comes to buying stuff from hardware stores, I will try to avoid Home DesPot and Lowe's as much as possible. Got a local chain in the Seattle area that usually has more stuff than either one of the big box stores. McLendon Hardware.

When it comes to buying photographic equipment, I avoid Ritz/Kits Camera like the plague. Better service and selection at the non-chain stores.

-J

[Splash_4]

Guys, as someone currently sitting in India, I can tell you that the experience listed by Hamish above and decried by others is not limited just to Scotland. I am most disappointed that the homogenization of the world is occurring. Having traveled the world and found a Dunkin Donuts in the old city of Prague and finding a McDonald's on Red Square in Moscow, to finding a Pizza Hut, KFC and McDonald's in Hyderabad. Local charm and flavor is disappearing to make way for ease of use and the quick dollar. It is a shame really. And to make matters worse, we do it to ourselves. As long as the consumer is looking for the cheapest price regardless of quality, we will continue down this long slide.