File it under "too good to happen". Most writing jobs are proofreading AI-generated shit these days. We'll need to wait until there's real money in writing scripts to de-pollute content.
I love using my local high street. I like looking at things before I buy them, to see what they are made of and how well. The keepers of specialist stores will absolutely help you to buy the right product and not waste your money. I like having an errand to run on my bike.
Sounds like the boss wanted a grid layout of some kind. Honestly, if they can express themselves in Excel, and they can be made to understand the limitations of responsive Web design, then it's not so bad. At least it's a requirement and you don't have to guess.
What I don't get is when people who will never ever own a business parrot this. Humanity has been hacked.