Consumerism thrives in Kent, sadly

Consumerism seems to be alive and kicking in Kent with almost 200,000 people visiting the shopping center last Monday. It also claims that 28 million people visited in 2010, which would equate to the entire population of Kent turning up there every 3 weeks.

Bluewater was the largest shopping centre in Europe when it opened in 1999, but has been relegated to fourth in Europe and second in the UK. Of course it is probably most famous for banning hoodies in 2005.

At some point consumerism will have to give way to the needs of the environment, out of town shopping centres will need to give way to shops being in towns for the sake of local economies and reducing congestion. Sadly, Kent has a way to go yet.