Across much of Europe and North America, the independent high-street shop is struggling to survive. Fierce (0) COMPETITION (COMPETE) from online retailers and large supermarket chains has left small 1TRADE with slim margins and few easy options. Customers, understandably, are drawn by prices that local shops cannot always match, and by the undeniable 2CONVENIENT of home delivery. Where once a butcher, baker and greengrocer stood on every corner, more and more streets now display the sad sight of shuttered shopfronts. Some independent shops have managed to adapt, positioning themselves as providers of products that are distinctively local or ethically 3AFFORD, though for many the economics simply do not add up. Customer 4LOYAL can postpone the inevitable but rarely prevents it, and the long-term 5SURVIVE of many beloved shops is far from assured. Campaigners point out that the loss is more than commercial: thriving shops form the heart of any 6COMMUNE and their disappearance is felt keenly by neighbours. Some towns have attempted a modest 7REVIVE, offering tax relief and grants as financial 8INCENTIVE to would-be shopkeepers.