Where does your 'divide & conquer' theory come into play because M & S is closing in Middlesbrough ?I've lived and worked in many countries too but unlike you I haven't been able to understand the language to compare media. Only in the USA could I do that. They too have weapons of mass deception which the populace fall for, hence the ridiculous Trump election success.
I get that you dont like Brits and Yanks, but you talk like a communist.Money in pockets. It's why the High Streets are doing ok in the big cities, wealthier areas and in more forward thinking countries across Europe.
We've opted for the dummy American model for society.
Money in pockets isnt changing the high street, habits are.