I like the people in this photo. They make the shot for me. They're a critical part of the composition that keeps my eye moving when it hits the bright lights of the shop. I think that without the people, my eye might get stuck in that doorway. I also think they bring some life to what might otherwise be a somewhat lifeless photo - a sort of ghost town. And I also wonder what they're doing so they add some emotional depth to the photo - something that makes me think more about it.
As most of you probably know, I'm not really an HDR fan. I think it's mostly abused. But in this case I love it. It's applied somewhat subtly and doesn't take over the content and make the image *about* the HDR processing. It does what all stylistic touches should do - it compliments and adds to the content.
Very nice and well-deserving of Featured Status, LeeIs