"There's so much vanity everywhere!" commented my friend and colleague Eldad Brid while walking with me on Voukourestiou street about six years ago.
Though I remember his words like it was yesterday that time seems so far from now. At that time almost everyone lived like rich and famous and looked so proud of being able to show off such a luxurious lifestyle.
As Greek income was getting higher, greek market grew bigger. By mid 1990's Athens had turned into one of the hottest spots in the world for shopping. There were all kind of stores not only on main streets but on local ones as well. Everyone needed everything and shopping became something like a national sport with rules and must-haves.
Today things are different. The can't-haves are certainly more and Greek market is back down on earth. Since the beginning of 2012 more than 2500 stores closed in Athens. The picture is so sad.
Below you see what's left from Manolo Blahnik's shop on Skoufa street.
Danos and Haralas were two of the oldest and most well known shoe shops in Athens. Nine West shop closed too. All three are located on Kolonaki Square.
Wherever you turn your head to you see empty stores. And that's right in the heart of the once glamorous city.
How much worse can it get?
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