Shopping

In England thee is a wide variety of shops from huge shopping centers to popular department stores such as Marks and Spencer, Selfridges or Harods, to small local shops.
Some people dislike doing the shopping in big stores. Although everything they buy there is carefully weighed out and wrapped up nicely, they feel anonymous. That is why they prefer to buy goods in small specialty shops which usually offer a wide assortment of articles of one kind. For instance, there are shops in which one can buy hats, umbrellas, toys, stationery, china,jewelery, ecords, flowers, cames or electrical appliances. Books, for example, can be bought in a bookshop, bread ? in a bakery, meat ? in a butcher?s shop, milk and cheese ? in a daisy, and so on. Many people like these shops because the atmosphere is friendly and the shop-assistants are polite and helpful.
However, doing the shopping in big MALLS is convenient for drivers. They are usually situated in the suburbs, and department stores, many specialty shops, at least one supermarket, confectionery, fast food outlets and even a filling station. There is also a parking space for cars outside. In Britain it is possible to pay for goods by credit card but for food, customers usually pay cash.
Shopping is a part of our everyday life. Some people love doing it and they are happy if they can pick up a bargain in the sales. Many department stores regularly organize clearance sales where high-quality goods can be bought even at half-price. However, many people get nervous when the shops are crowded or when they have to stand in long queues. They prefer to stay at home and choose articles form catalogues. It is a very popular way of shopping, the more so as the goods offered are sold at discounts and especially fruit and vegetables are concerned, they can be bought cheapest at the open-air markets.
Most shops are open for the whole day but some close or lunchtime. However, on Sundays almost ll shops are closed.