IT has been a really tough time for many of Britain’s most renowned high street retailers.

In the past few years we have seen the disappearance of big names.

Shops such as House of Fraser, Mothercare, BHS and even Woolworths have all gone under.

Meanwhile former big hitters like Debenhams, Marks and Spencer and others are also feeling the pinch.

In Brighton and Hove, experts tell us that the city centre is bucking the trend.

Indeed we do have a great deal to be proud about, with boutique stores in North Laine and The Lanes complementing the big boys at Churchill Square.

But some areas, like London Road, are struggling, and the loss of a flagship store such as Boots could have an impact.

There are many shoppers who lament the loss and changes we have seen to our high streets and city centres.

It seems there are more charity shops, hairdressers, and nail or tanning salons springing up.

Retail is the ever-changing industry and it is clear that city and town centres cannot rely on a retail offering alone.

We should feel lucky in Brighton that we do have an eclectic mix of places to go and do our shopping and that overall our city still has plenty of life in it.

So while we may criticise the “out-of-town” experience, the city does offer an alternative.

Really the reason why traditional centres are struggling is because people have voted with their feet and got in their cars.

Perhaps worse, we are voting with our fingertips with online deals. If we want to keep our centres, we need to use them.