UK High Streets are increasingly characterised not only by the similarity of constituent shops in different towns but by a reduction in diversity, and therefore mirror each other with a relatively small number of national retailers. This contrasts sharply with the large number of independent local retailers in town centres 100 or even 50 years ago and which created the impression of substantive differences between towns. This paper reports findings from a single town study of the contraction of retailer diversity – especially in relation to food shops. Unlike many UK towns, Dundee has a central nexus of shopping streets that is relatively unchanged over the years. Using photographic evidence and street directories for 1908/9 and 1958/9, as well as reporting the current situation, features of the contraction are analysed and illustrated. In discussion, data are related to the frequently-voiced contention that consumers are now offered a greater choice of products.