The economy urges the government to take measures to counter the inflation and l

Unless the government steps in with new supportive measures, the survivors nonetheless face a bumpy road ahead. Interest rates remain high, having been hiked in response to the economic crisis. This, together with galloping inflation and tumbling incomes, will continue to depress consumer sentiment.

Despite low unemployment levels, buoyant consumer confidence and, by many measures, a robust economy, analysts increasingly suggest a future is not far off when people will do nearly all their shopping online, visiting brick-and-mortar retailers mainly for comparison pricing and to partake of shopping spectacle.