High Street 'clones'

The New Economic Foundation, an independent think tank, are voicing concerns regarding the 'sameness' of city and town centres.

They argue that small businesses are being pushed out by big name chain stores such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, House of Fraser, etc.

Well I fail to see what is so wrong here. It's simply the free market taking its course. Big chains can afford to provide products that people want at prices people desire. If people wish for more small businesses then stop shopping at larger stores. At that rate, larger stores would have to change and make themselves more attractive to customers.