Looks open when closed?

[Critique]

Okay, in my town centre, the council or some other bimbo has plastered over the windows of closed down shops (like Woolworths) and put images of thriving businesses on them so it looks like their still open. Occasionally people go up to them and realise it's only an image, and it looks quite real. What is the point in this? They've done it over quite a few shops, and is anything like this done anywhere else?

And, any reasons you think they've done this?

[Gavin Scott]

Okay, in my town centre, the council or some other bimbo has plastered over the windows of closed down shops (like Woolworths) and put images of thriving businesses on them so it looks like their still open. Occasionally people go up to them and realise it's only an image, and it looks quite real. What is the point in this? They've done it over quite a few shops, and is anything like this done anywhere else?

And, any reasons you think they've done this?

Really? What an odd thing. Like being on a movie set.

Take some pictures.

They're using the fascia of Woolies in Edinburgh to "celebrate" Leith - past, present and future. Something like that. Its got mugshots of Irvine Welsh, The Proclaimers and a lady called Mary Moriarty who runs a boozer I drink in sometimes.

[Critique]

Hmm, is odd. I shall take pictures if the snow eases enough for me to trudge about outside.

[Dr Lobster*]

hmmm.... i thought this was a discussion about apertures of a different kind, you got me all excited for a moment!

[m-in-m]

Isn't the point of making it look like the place welcoming and generally a nice area rather than abandoned and negative - particularly in a time when town and city centres risk a significant increase in vacant units?

[WillPS]

In Sheffield, they repaint window frames green, and either vinyl the windows with council advertising or lend the window space to one of the universities or colleges. Looks rather nice.