Both staements are mainly wrong.
The main problem with retail (shops) is the supply chain. If you buy your stock from,say, Bookers (a large independant shop wholesaler) then you very often find your four cans of Guiness or whatever can be gotten cheaper retail at Tesco's or one of the other supermarkets. This problem is repeated over and over.
As regards the statements, look at what houses have the gig tellys and satelite dishes. Look at the demagraphics of who buys the most expensive mobile phones or trainers.(this is often poorer younger people)
We are in service, not retail, and are the beneficaries of several social trends. The dual income syndrome, they don't regard themselves as well off but both bring in 30k, thats 60k per couple.As a consequence they have takeaways delivered, use an ironing service,gardening and window cleaning hopefully.
The better off people tend to be older, and do not have high school fees mortgages etc.
If you need a stategy Rosy I can help.