I gave the example of Archers for that reason, as a good quality bakery the punter expects to buy a fresh loaf, croissant etc first thing in the morning.
Ahh, we're at cross purposes then. My contention is that over time, the retirees that currently make up the bulk of their morning/daytime trade, will literally start to die out over the next 10 or so years, being replaced by either younger families, or new retirees, who's lifestyle and habits will probably be substantially different
I don't have a great knowledge of bakery retailing but my observation is that they tend to be pretty busy in the morning and less so later on. Now for the likes of me, I will not have time (or the inclination) to go shopping at 7a.m. but it simply is not financially viable for them to be open the hours to suit me.
It's a bit of chicken and egg there with Archers though. Everyone knows that they sell out by about 2.30/3pm, so everyone knows that if you want bread from Archers, you have to get in early - thus a self-fore-filling situation.