About 25 years ago - before the internet - I fancied a camcorder seen in an Argos catalogue for £820. I couldn't make my mind up whether to get it or not. Then I happened to be in W H Smith's one day searching for some mag when I happened upon one wholly dedicated to camcorders. It was packed with adverts from mail order firms, and of the dozen or so who had the model I was pondering its price ranged from £450 to £650 for the exact same thing Argos sold.

I doubt whether they can price gouge to that extent nowadays, but with purely online competitors who have no rents for premises and business rates to pay then I continue to be surprised that any of their stores still exist. Ditto for Currys, Boots, etc.