I NOTE your recent report on further major job losses (“Sainsbury’s to cut 35,00 jobs and close 420 Argos stores by 2024”, The Herald, November 6).
Whilst one is concerned and disappointed at any job losses one must remember the introduction of Argos to the market some 30 years ago. Before that customers acquired household goods, toys, electrical items, furniture, jewellery, gifts, and the like from departmental stores such as Frasers, Copland & Lye, Debenhams, John Lewis and others, or from High Street retailers such as Woolworths, Mothercare, BHS or Habitat.
Most of these names gradually disappeared from city centres as edge-of-town retail parks and covered malls were established, generally containing an Argos store. Customers found this new shopping arrangement convenient, easy and without parking problems.
Now, with further changes in shopping habits, it is interesting to observe that Argos-style shopping is being heavily squeezed by ever-increasing online shopping with its own major players like Amazon, eBay and Google.
It could be argued that the advent of Argos stores contributed to the loss of some of the big-name city centre shops.
After three decades of dominance Argos and others are receiving a taste of their own medicine.
Robin M Brown, Milngavie.
PANORAMIC VIEW
IT was reported recently that before any BBC Panorama programme can be cleared for viewing, the producer must have it signed off by the deputy programme editor; then the programme editor; then the deputy head of the department; then the director of news and current affairs; before being finally approved by the Director-General.
While this level of auditing is impressive, the casual observer might feel that there are far too many levels of administration involved, perhaps one of the reasons why the BBC's running costs are so high?
John F Crawford, Lytham.
THE GONG SHOW
IT is well known that members of SNP and the current Scottish Government do not accept honours such as membership of the House of Lords, but perhaps it's time for Nicola Sturgeon and her SNP Government to institute a system of civic honours to recognise outstanding contributions to our civic society here in Scotland.
Maybe a good place to start would be the SCM (the Scottish Civic Medal) for outstanding contribution to the welfare of the Scottish people. Obviously, the medical professionals, NHS staff, and welfare services who have been at the forefront of our struggles with Covid would be first in line for the award.
John Jamieson, Ayr.
JUST SO
I AGREE with the irritation of "so" being used to commence a sentence (Letters, November 9). Conversely, when used in conjunction with other words it brings brevity to a statement (for example, just so, quite so, so be it ). On that so-so note of relevance this so and so will sign off with a salutary so long.
Allan C Steele, Giffnock.
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