Cities in the UK are the homogenised in the world. Each high street contains a Boots, WHSmith, Pizza Express etc. Each aspect of our public life has been catered for, packaged neatly into a theme. Each chain guarantees a particular product or experience. This encourages us to live in a world where few risks need to be taken. Even the pedestrianisation boasts the same street furniture and paving. What is it in our psyche that has led to this process of duplication? Is this the choice of the urban planners or is this a situation that we desire, a desperate need for conformity, reliability and reassurance? Do certain stores, bars etc, succeed because they are better or cheaper than their counterparts or because the public knows exactly what they are getting and derive some comfort and security from this?