Change of retail structure

The MAIT system will allow smaller loads to be carried shorter distances economically and at short notice. This seems likely to cause a structural change in retail. Might it mean the return of something like the corner-shop?

The idea is that there would be an all-purpose retail outlet within short walking distance from every house. It would have very little permanent stock but would have space to receive and display goods cabins and to keep produce for customers until they can be collected. This outlet could be used in a variety of modes:

• Customers could order things for delivery to the outlet where it would be kept safe until convenient to collect.

• Particular goods could be on display and available to buy at particular times, for example the local bakery could send a cabin with freshly baked bread at particular times of the day or garden plants at particular times of the year.

• Customers could request special types of goods to be available at a time that suits them. For example, clothes in a particular range of styles and sizes.

• If there was a distribution centre for a particular product nearby, the outlet could include refreshments so the customer can wait while a range is sent.

The outlet has staff that is trusted by the customers and the suppliers and could fill other needs, for example post office, banking and Internet access. In small villages it could be combined with a public house or restaurant.