What are the pros and cons of Consumerism?

Advantages (to the customer) :-

Multiple shops in one place - much more convenient.

Better parking facilities (normally)

Ability to shop around for prices more easily

More competition

Potential for lower prices given the number of customers - economies of scale

Usually bigger stores with wider range of products

Larger stores have better facilities (eg better changing rooms)

Disadvantages (to the customer) :-

Prices can be inflated as people are prepared to pay for convenience.

Price fixing - easy for similar companies to check each others prices and both keep high prices.

Usually busy - some people don't like fighting for their personal space.

Niche shops are usually not available in large retail parks.

Doesn't benefit local trade (some high street shops will) - tends to be big corporate wholesalers