I still shop for food in those buildings, but many retailers are now incorporating a home delivery service and I don't think it's too far fetched to imagine this becomes the primary means for a lot of people.

Personally, my goal is to always go against the grain and plan for having as much cash as possible when everything is on sale. 

Nothing wrong with COS, just some food for thought.

That includes furniture, food, etc.

Many days without food or running water.

Food for thought for me.  

The rent would be over 60% of their take home leaving less than $600 for other basics like utilities, food/household and basic car expenses (gas and insurance only).

Someplace with food/dinner, or is food not a big deal?

@Lathea Morris The retail space is fitted for food use, and is occupied by a credit tenant that pays 1/2 of the taxes for the entire building, plus 50% of any increase over the base year.

And I would take any article by the Guardian with a tremendous grain of salt given their far left of center stances and belief in Keynesian interventions in markets.