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Retail Closures
Topic Started: Jan 14 2013, 09:58 PM (1,578 Views)
Lurkalot

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21021073

Comet, Jessops and now possibly HMV ...

Internet / online are perhaps to blame.
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Norm Deplume
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Just heard that HMV has called in the Administrators. That is a company older than I am. When my family moved from Wales in 1936, some of them found employment at HMV in Hayes, Middlesex.
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Lurkalot

"The company's administration also means that vouchers and gift cards, many of which were given as Christmas presents, will be worthless." <yikes>
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Lurkalot

Anybody who buys anything from shops in administration should do so with a credit card espeically as regards after-sales problems. i had a bad experience with comet but my purchase was <£100 <steam>
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tafkaj

Lurkalot
Jan 15 2013, 01:24 PM
"The company's administration also means that vouchers and gift cards, many of which were given as Christmas presents, will be worthless." <yikes>
It transpires that HMV head office executives had been asking their store staff about how much cash they had in the safe, etc., over recent weeks. Those executives, then, clearly knew something major was about happen in their trading circumstances.

I'd like to know if they had stopped the sale of gift cards and vouchers to customers long before they actually went into administration, or if they were selling them right up to the end of trading on the day before they announced administration. If the latter is the case, I suggest that it amounts to little more than theft. Given that they've benefited already from the profits of those gift card sales, they MUST honour the value of those cards while they remain trading. Imagine Royal Mail saying: "Ok, you've all bought your stamps weeks ago and in large quantities, but we're no longer accepting them so you'll have to pay again if you want to use our services/products."
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Lurkalot

I agree with you about knowledge of management as they already had a 25% discount on all products since december to date.

Funny how things always happen around christmas, I'm missing my woolworths still. lol
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caissier
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Pictures of HMV in Oxford Street ...... 1938 - 73

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/gallery/2013/jan/15/hmv-oxford-street-store-gallery#/?picture=402391606&index=0

Robert Peston this morning was saying that it's felt HMV will survive in some form ..... fewer shops though.
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Mobson
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Yes I heard on one of the R4's news broadcasts today that there is a Plan..... <whistles>

...but I'm sorry I really feel it will be like flogging a dead horse if they just reopen in its present format....perhaps what I'm gonna say is wrong but it's the truth, I haven't shopped at HMV for ages; I have two branches very close to me and might pop in...but for a browse only.

This is because I buy my film dvd's and music cd's from Amazon on line and other music is downloaded via iTunes...I'm not unhappy about this for two reasons: 1) the price is invariably cheaper than HMV tho' not always but I have found Amazon to be extremely efficient 2) I am very often disenchanted with the lack of decent customer service in shops these days that it is simply easier to buy on line....
Edited by Mobson, Jan 15 2013, 08:50 PM.
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Lurkalot

it would be a shame if the brand of HMV was lost. They needed to change when the vinyls went out as digital age and downloads are advertised readily as well. Further Walkmans (personal stereos) have been replaced by mp3 players etc. People also do shop around and I've found play.com good value. In the last 10 years, I've only bought a couple of presents from HMV. Not a place i've used for myself.

we alway remember the first LP / record we bought but nowadays it's downloaded. lol
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madfor4

Mobson
Jan 15 2013, 06:49 PM
Yes I heard on one of the R4's news broadcasts today that there is a Plan..... <whistles>

...but I'm sorry I really feel it will be like flogging a dead horse if they just reopen in its present format....perhaps what I'm gonna say is wrong but it's the truth, I haven't shopped at HMV for ages; I have two branches very close to me and might pop in...but for a browse only.

This is because I buy my film dvd's and music cd's from Amazon on line and other music is downloaded via iTunes...I'm not unhappy about this for two reasons: 1) the price is invariably cheaper than HMV tho' not always but I have found Amazon to be extremely efficient 2) I am very often disenchanted with the lack of decent customer service in shops these days that it is simply easier to buy on line....
Mobs, HMV pays UK tax and Amazon doesn't...

As far as 'vouchers' go; I'd be tempted to walk in the store take goods to the value of the voucher and walk out, leaving the voucher on the counter....
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Lurkalot

madfor4
Jan 16 2013, 10:08 AM

As far as 'vouchers' go; I'd be tempted to walk in the store take goods to the value of the voucher and walk out, leaving the voucher on the counter....
psst! just watch for the alarm triggered by the security tag. <magic>

it seems ebay are selling unwanted HMV vouchers and they are going for a song .... <laugh> seriously people are selling 'em!
Edited by Lurkalot, Jan 16 2013, 11:05 AM.
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Mobson
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madfor4
Jan 16 2013, 10:08 AM
Mobson
Jan 15 2013, 06:49 PM
Yes I heard on one of the R4's news broadcasts today that there is a Plan..... <whistles>

...but I'm sorry I really feel it will be like flogging a dead horse if they just reopen in its present format....perhaps what I'm gonna say is wrong but it's the truth, I haven't shopped at HMV for ages; I have two branches very close to me and might pop in...but for a browse only.

This is because I buy my film dvd's and music cd's from Amazon on line and other music is downloaded via iTunes...I'm not unhappy about this for two reasons: 1) the price is invariably cheaper than HMV tho' not always but I have found Amazon to be extremely efficient 2) I am very often disenchanted with the lack of decent customer service in shops these days that it is simply easier to buy on line....
Mobs, HMV pays UK tax and Amazon doesn't...

I am aware of that Mads. But I'm sure they will get around to it or the Government will find a way to do so! In the meantime I get a stellar service from Amazon; have been a customer for many years; they have never, never, let me down....here's a case in point. Wanted new 40" flat screen for Olympics. A top of the range model from Loewe (German company) rrp £1,500...in John Lewis £1,000...an Audio Store/Market Seller on Amazon in Northamptonshire (who does pay tax) £649. Who would you buy from....
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Mobson
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Lurkalot
Jan 16 2013, 11:04 AM
it seems ebay are selling unwanted HMV vouchers and they are going for a song .... <laugh> seriously people are selling 'em!
how can they do that? the company's in liquidation isn't it....
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madfor4

Mobson
Jan 16 2013, 11:30 AM
madfor4
Jan 16 2013, 10:08 AM
Mobson
Jan 15 2013, 06:49 PM
Yes I heard on one of the R4's news broadcasts today that there is a Plan..... <whistles>

...but I'm sorry I really feel it will be like flogging a dead horse if they just reopen in its present format....perhaps what I'm gonna say is wrong but it's the truth, I haven't shopped at HMV for ages; I have two branches very close to me and might pop in...but for a browse only.

This is because I buy my film dvd's and music cd's from Amazon on line and other music is downloaded via iTunes...I'm not unhappy about this for two reasons: 1) the price is invariably cheaper than HMV tho' not always but I have found Amazon to be extremely efficient 2) I am very often disenchanted with the lack of decent customer service in shops these days that it is simply easier to buy on line....
Mobs, HMV pays UK tax and Amazon doesn't...

I am aware of that Mads. But I'm sure they will get around to it or the Government will find a way to do so! In the meantime I get a stellar service from Amazon; have been a customer for many years; they have never, never, let me down....here's a case in point. Wanted new 40" flat screen for Olympics. A top of the range model from Loewe (German company) rrp £1,500...in John Lewis £1,000...an Audio Store/Market Seller on Amazon in Northamptonshire (who does pay tax) £649. Who would you buy from....
.........But I'm sure they will get around to it or the Government will find a way to do so!.....

Don't hold your breath, Mobs

As I've never bought anything from Amazon; John Lewis....
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Mobson
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Really! I buy from John Lewis too - bought my last Loewe tv from there... but not this time, not when I can save £500... <erm>

I will expand on this and say that I contacted the Audio Store in Northamptonshire several times...I asked them about the product and how they could offer such a special price - they told me that the quantity they buy afforded them the opportunity to do so...they sometimes use Amazon as an outlet for selling when they have a large quantity of one particular product - once it has gone it is not repeated.
Edited by Mobson, Jan 16 2013, 12:22 PM.
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becky sharp
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madfor4
Jan 16 2013, 10:08 AM
As far as 'vouchers' go; I'd be tempted to walk in the store take goods to the value of the voucher and walk out, leaving the voucher on the counter....
<ok>

Pressure mounts to change law after HMV rejects gift vouchers

PRESSURE is mounting on the Government to change the law so consumers who purchase gift vouchers are not left out of pocket when a company refuses to accept them.


http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/video-pressure-mounts-to-change-law-after-hmv-rejects-gift-vouchers-3354740.html
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Mobson
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Just heard that 'You and Yours' on BBC R4 in a few minutes is going to investigate 'what you can do' in circumstances just like these.....
Edited by Mobson, Jan 16 2013, 12:00 PM.
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rumbaba
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I think 'niche' is the future for high street shops. A bit like the campaign for real ale, there are stirrings of a resurgence of vinyl, which would suit small independent record shops (which are sadly closing too). Proper HiFi shops would be required for the decks and peripherals. I'm ahead of the game, I've still got my gear :)
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becky sharp
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rumbaba
Jan 16 2013, 12:34 PM
resurgence of vinyl,
There's a vinyl revival programme on 6 Music, Sunday lunchtimes,rum.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p013dfvp
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Mobson
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rumbaba
Jan 16 2013, 12:34 PM
I think 'niche' is the future for high street shops. A bit like the campaign for real ale, there are stirrings of a resurgence of vinyl, which would suit small independent record shops (which are sadly closing too). Proper HiFi shops would be required for the decks and peripherals. I'm ahead of the game, I've still got my gear :)
I've got two Bang & Olufsen record players (bought from John Lewis) in storage...wonder if they still work...think they could be this model manufactured 1982-87...

http://www.beoworld.org/prod_details.asp?pid=307

demonstrated here .... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGI1qhayw0
Edited by Mobson, Jan 16 2013, 01:16 PM.
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Lurkalot

Jan 16 2013, 11:33 AM
 
how can they do that? the company's in liquidation isn't it....
I know but people are selling them to cut their losses. The buyers are probably not aware. That said, can't really force anyone to pay up once they've won (bought) 'em on ebay, just risk negative feedback or other consequences.

I saw an auction for a TV licence worth about £150 where I think the bidders were taking the pi$$ when it reached about £1000 or so. The risk for seller is the selling fee on amount sold for.

Mind you when I was studying abit of law, the common law rule was 'caveat emptor' - let the buyer be aware! (I knew I learnt that for a reason, just didn't know it then. lol)
Edited by Lurkalot, Jan 16 2013, 02:18 PM.
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Norm Deplume
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Back in the 30s when HMV first came about, it was the retail arm of EMI. I believe that now, EMI only own around 45 /50% of HMV.
I wonder what effect the HMV administration will have on EMI, will it bring them down too?
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Norm Deplume
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I have just read on D.Telegraph online that Blockbuster, the dvd rental company, have called in the administrators.
Bloody Hell! Who next???
Edited by Norm Deplume, Jan 16 2013, 03:07 PM.
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Lurkalot

Quote:
 
I have just read on D.Telegraph online that Blockbuster, the dvd rental company, have called in the administrators.
Bloody Hell! Who next???


That's right norm! more job losses and another company that failed to change with the times.
Edited by Lurkalot, Jan 16 2013, 03:51 PM.
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Mobson
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Yes, I heard it on the 3pm news...I'm surprised Blockbuster has lasted this long frankly!... With Netflix.com, LoveFilm.com (an Amazon company), Film4.com on the scene & upping the ante pre-Christmas with promotional offers longer than the usual month's free trial and low rental costs, plus the Sky and Virgin/TiVo packages, it seems people prefer to use them rather than go to a video shop, select & take out a dvd which they have to then return within a stipulated time or rise a fine!

All these closures are going to make the face of high streets throughout the UK look very different...and if 'boutique' shops, mentioned by Rum above, are to come into being there are going to have to be changes in the rent and rates systems to accommodate them....
Edited by Mobson, Jan 16 2013, 04:18 PM.
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madfor4

Mobson
Jan 16 2013, 04:00 PM

All these closures are going to make the face of high streets throughout the UK look very different...and if 'boutique' shops, mentioned by Rum above, are to come into being there are going to have to be changes in the rent and rates systems to accommodate them....
They'll change alright but not, IMO, for the better....The future looks like "Poundshop" and "Charity shops"///// <dalek>
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Norm Deplume
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Let's not decry charity shops.Where i live it is quite an affluent society and in the two charity shops in our village /small town there is to be found, many designer items of clothing going for a song
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Mobson
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I have visited quite a few charity good shops in Kent with my mother, who loves them; with a friend in upmarket St Albans and neighbouring Harpenden in Hertfordshire, where she has bought some fab gear, and last but not least Ken High, Knightsbridge and very importantly Marylebone High Street which has several - the Oxfam shop in particular has a great range of books....
Edited by Mobson, Jan 16 2013, 06:30 PM.
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Caro

Whole streets of charity shops aren't going to make a town look prosperous and interesting though. Mind you, nor do streets full of chain stores like Next and WH Smith and Gap. (I asked my husband for help with British chainstores and he started to say "Stihl, no that's American" when I realised he was talking about chainsaws, not chainstores.)

I think it is well known in NZ that it is best to use your gift vouchers quickly (not that we do in our household, I must confess; we had one with a two-year expiry on it and managed to get it used in the last month) just in case of the company going bust. Did cause quite a concern when one of our garden shops went into receivership. I think, but am not sure, that perhaps some of the other garden centres might have redeemed them. I see a easily-read legal opinion here for NZ conditions anyway.
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rumbaba
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Charity shops are no use for the local economy. Marginally better than being boarded up.
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Hugh Jampton
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There was a good cartoon in today's paper,,.

Posted Image
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waiting4atickle
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Norm Deplume
Jan 16 2013, 05:48 PM
Let's not decry charity shops.Where i live it is quite an affluent society and in the two charity shops in our village /small town there is to be found, many designer items of clothing going for a song

This one, presumably:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjCtWp5kaFY


Nice cartoon, Stout. <ok>

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madfor4

About charity shops....A couple of years ago we did our 'November' visit to the UK. True to form I forgot a heavy coat. "Not to worry", said I,"I don't need a new one; just one from a charity shop to last out the visit"

For the first couple of days we stayed, with friends, in Maidstone and, on the morning I visited 'Oxfam'. They had a coat in my size but the lining was badly torn and the 'shoulder' had been poorly repaired with a different colour thread; the price? A 'snip' at £35.00. <yikes>

'Pas chance'. I went to a gents' outfitters and bought a new one for under £50....
,
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Mobson
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My mother is constantly picking up incredibly good bargains in her local charity shops - a pre Christmas bargain was a very nice black 'gaberdine' 3/4 coat with grey silk lined hood (M&S) @ £3.50; she has bought several nearly new and sometimes new, coats and jackets from either Next or M&S in the past, and yesterday tells me she picked up a black padded ski jacket with toggle buttons for £2.50. She has found other bargains for my father - a lovely knitted waistcoat from Dunns, trousers and long wool socks from Wolsey....

She in turn decided to have a 'good clear out' towards to the middle of last year and the charity shops she chose collected the bags of goodies from her - she has received a letter of thanks after each collection....it's recycling at its purest!

Last year whilst visiting my father in hospital in Kent, I went into a charity shop and picked up a beautiful Georgina Von Etzdorf velvet patterned scarf in perfect condition for £2 (retails at over £100). I was so pleased - I gave them a fiver!

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=georgina+von+etzdorf+scarves&hl=en&tbo=u&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ENj3UL33B-r44QS2yoCQDw&ved=0CD8QsAQ&biw=869&bih=966
Edited by Mobson, Jan 20 2013, 05:50 PM.
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Lurkalot

I'm always in favour of reusing and have found charity shops useful. I tend to get children's toys and clothes. I've also bought second-hand stuff from ebay. I'll resell again on ebay. pennies in my pocket again for a another rainy!

I have a feeling stuff from or for charity shops sometimes end up on ebay when you look at seller's selling pattern. >thumbsdown2>
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Hugh Mosby-Joaquin
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I have bought items from charity shops and sold them on eBay. I cannot see anything wrong in this. Actually it's quite a challenge to find anything faintly interesting that is not over-priced, as Mad4four's experience testifies. But it is always worth looking.
My personal best is a book I bought for 75p that I sold on eBay for about £39. I do regret many years ago not buying the Mary Quant 'Op-art' mini-dress that I espied in a jumble sale, for pennies. It would easily be worth several hundred pounds or more today. But it would not have fitted me..... :D
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caissier
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Might have 'worked' with that big Civil War hat with the fevver though .... ?
Edited by caissier, Jan 20 2013, 03:56 PM.
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Lurkalot

Hugh Mosby-Joaquin
Jan 20 2013, 03:07 PM
I have bought items from charity shops and sold them on eBay. I cannot see anything wrong in this.
reselling is not a problem as it's recycling. the problem for me is where stuff for charity shops is infact sold on ebay ie, where the goods don't infact make it on the shop floor of the charity shops because someone takes it for personal profit themselves. It's predictible on ebay where sellers are 'professionals' at selling second hand clothes etc. I'll not entertain those sellers. You can tell by the history of selling and other items sold over the period.

I've bought bundle of clothes for my young 'un and he will only wear it a few times (out grown) so i will resell again.
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Mobson
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The Administrators of HMV have announced that as of tomorrow the company's gift cards and vouchers will be honoured.
Edited by Mobson, Jan 21 2013, 06:52 PM.
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Lurkalot

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21285587

peter jones from dragon's den has snapped up the brand of jessops. perhaps a better internet service for our snaps ...
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Mobson
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^o) online brand save only - no shops!
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Lurkalot

http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/being-penny-wise-shopping-pound-152521724.html

it looks like poundland wants to take on the big boys. ...
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Lurkalot

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2013/feb/12/fashion-republic-administration-ernst-young-jobs

Fashion chain Republic set to enter administration ...
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becky sharp
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Lurkalot
Feb 12 2013, 06:36 PM
Not good is it?

I was in Bolton the other week and was shocked at the number of boarded up shops in the town centre.
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tafkaj

Bolton should be completely boarded up so it can't be seen from the motorway.

<laugh>
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Mobson
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In the not too distant future it may be that we actually do away with the concept of shopping in high streets altogether; we can reclaim the land for development of housing or turn it back into farmland to actually grow our own food...
Edited by Mobson, Feb 16 2013, 01:28 PM.
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Mobson
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~Morrisons~ are buying 49 Blockbuster shops which they intend to turn into a new convenience store operation, Morrisons M, creating 1,000 jobs, to compete with other supermarket's mini stores like Tesco Express, Sainsbury Local and M&S Food. They've already bought 7 of the failed camera retailer Jessops.
Edited by Mobson, Feb 17 2013, 12:15 PM.
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Lurkalot

morrisons was very much a northern supermarket but it took over Safeway several years ago. it was having problems early on due to the cost of takeover which was quite massive for a family owned supermarket but it seems to be going strength to strength nowaday. good on it!
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caissier
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It feels like a process which everyone goes along with, accepts reluctantly, tries to see in a positive way - low prices! choice! under one ceiling! efficient! ..... and then when they have domination over our lives and monopolise providing for all our needs, we look around and say - "Oh ..... "
Edited by caissier, Feb 17 2013, 01:38 PM.
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Mobson
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Indeed! ....visited brand new branch of Morrison's in SE Kent on Friday with my mother who was quite impressed - she said it will be stiff local competition with a larger Sainsbury and a smaller Tesco, who are trying to find a site to build a bigger store to stay in the running....
Edited by Mobson, Feb 17 2013, 01:42 PM.
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Lurkalot

Asda took over Netto which was a shame really. I find Aldi and Lidl, iceland, farmfoods all offer alternatives to the giants. I think the co-op and somerfields merged recently.
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rumbaba
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Mobson
Feb 17 2013, 01:40 PM
Indeed! ....visited brand new branch of Morrison's in SE Kent on Friday with my mother who was quite impressed - she said it will be stiff local competition with a larger Sainsbury and a smaller Tesco, who are trying to find a site to build a bigger store to stay in the running....
Our Morrison branch has a 'misting' device that is supposed to keep the salad items fresh: dunno if that works
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madfor4

rumbaba
Feb 17 2013, 02:38 PM
Mobson
Feb 17 2013, 01:40 PM
Indeed! ....visited brand new branch of Morrison's in SE Kent on Friday with my mother who was quite impressed - she said it will be stiff local competition with a larger Sainsbury and a smaller Tesco, who are trying to find a site to build a bigger store to stay in the running....
Our Morrison branch has a 'misting' device that is supposed to keep the salad items fresh: dunno if that works
If and when we use supermarkets we try and by our produce from "Grand Frais"...They have been using the 'mister' on salads for years..It seems to work....If I buy lettuce from Intermarche/Carrefours it seems to go off in days; the lettuce from Grand Frais lasts ages...

Their meats and cheese are damn good too....

BTW..Happy birthday to me RUMBABA
Edited by madfor4, Feb 17 2013, 02:58 PM.
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caissier
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madfor4
Feb 17 2013, 02:56 PM


BTW..Happy birthday to me RUMBABA
Aaaaah! ..... get the cakes out! <doh>
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rumbaba
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Happy Birthday Mad RUMBABA <ok>
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madfor4

Tks......Cass/rum

The weather is warm and sunny and, for my 'birthday treat' we've been cutting down trees to build a 'rustic' fence....I think they're 'poplars because they are about 15M high, straight and thin with branches only at the tops...
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dai Cottomy
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Yes, happy birthday Mads - incidentally, your profile says that you had your 20th. birthday on the 1st of January. Shurely shome mishtake?
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madfor4

dai Cottomy
Feb 17 2013, 04:43 PM
Yes, happy birthday Mads - incidentally, your profile says that you had your 20th. birthday on the 1st of January. Shurely shome mishtake?
Thnks dai. No thats my wife <whistles> ...But God knows where that info came from...1st April I'd go along with...
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rumbaba
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If you don't enter a date it defaults 1 Jan, I think
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waiting4atickle
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I didn't know you had a birthday, mad. I bet you kept that quiet so you could hog all the cake. Joyeux anniversaire quand même.

Strangely enough, I've been cutting trees as well - and it's not even my birthday.

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madfor4

Tks W4T...Yes, and now I ache...That'll teach me...
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waiting4atickle
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And now for something completely different...

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Mobson
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:O Wasn't expecting to see birthday greetings here; but there you go.... hope you had a good birthday mads...and that there was honey for tea! <bc> ...... <redwine>
Edited by Mobson, Feb 18 2013, 01:05 AM.
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tafkaj

madfor4
Feb 17 2013, 02:56 PM
... BTW..Happy birthday to me RUMBABA
Belated Happy Birthday from me, mad ...

Happy Birthday to me, too ... RUMBABA Rumbaba and The Emoticons

Not for a couple of months yet, though. <harharhar>
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madfor4

Tks mobs/taf......
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Mobson
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Well now we know retailing is doomed! I've just heard that Harrods is to close it's iconic music department after 118 years.....this posted by (the Hon) Camilla Horrox in the Kensington & Chelsea Chronicle :'(

http://kensington.londoninformer.co.uk/2013/02/harrods-to-close-iconic-music.html
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Mobson
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and although not strictly concerning retail closures, I've been following this after Terry Deary wrote that libraries have had their day and was reportedly in favour of their closing....articles in both Guardian and Telegraph refer.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/13/libraries-horrible-histories-terry-deary

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/9869559/Terry-Dearys-attack-on-libraries-branded-ignorant-twaddle.html

Historian Dr Marc Morris (speciality: Middles Ages) whose latest book is called The Norman Conquest, has sent a letter to Terry Deary thus....

Dear Terry Deary

I’ve just started reading your book, Stormin’ Normans. I’m only up to page 10, I’m afraid, but then I’m a slow reader.

You describe the site of William the Conqueror’s first battle, Val-es-Dunes, as being ‘on the Norman border with France’. It’s actually just outside Caen, nowhere near the French border.

You say that William died a year after 1085, i.e. 1086. He actually died in 1087.

You say that Henry I’s only son died in 1119. The correct date is 1120.

You say that William’s queen, Matilda, was only 127cm tall. This is a modern myth caused by misreporting. The French archaeologists who examined her partial remains actually concluded she was 152cm (about 5’).

You say William was buried in a cathedral he founded in Caen. There is no cathedral in Caen. William founded an abbey.

I'll get back to you again when I've finished the rest of the book. But in the meantime, I can't help wondering: do you think you should have spent more time in the library?

best wishes
Dr Marc Morris

http://www.marcmorris.org.uk/

Edited by Mobson, Feb 19 2013, 04:25 PM.
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madfor4

Terry Deary says, "Bookshops are closing down, he said, "because someone is giving away the product they are trying to sell. What other industry creates a product and allows someone else to give it away, endlessly?"

If that's his reasoning then he should do more research...Libraries/Bookshops have happily co-existed for close on 150 years...Bookshops are closing because people buy 'on-line'
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caissier
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Interesting programme last night about Google attempting to monopolise and sell access to all non-copyright books ever published and some copyrighted as well. They lost fortunately but it wasn't a forgone result.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01qxmqc/Storyville_20122013_Google_and_the_World_Brain/
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madfor4

He's no stranger to controvesy.....Deary is an outspoken critic of schools, which he believes serve no function above keeping children off the street.Deary has commented: "I've no interest in schools. They have no relevance in the 21st century. They were a Victorian idea to get kids off the street. Who decided that putting 30 kids with only their age in common in a classroom with one teacher was the best way of educating? At my school there were 52 kids in the class and all I learned was how to pass the 11-plus. Testing is the death of education. Kids should leave school at 11 and go to work. Not down the mines or up chimneys, mind, but working with computers or something relevant. Everything I learned after 11 was a waste of time. Trigonometry, Boyle's law: it's never been of any use to me. They should have been teaching me the life skills I was going to need, such as building relationships, parenting and managing money. I didn't have a clue about any of these things at 18. Schools need to change."
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caissier
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He sounded just slightly fishy ..... a bit too easily pleasant, batting awkward questions away without hardly appearing to do so.

Yes, that fairly frightening, Mads, someone at his level being so contemptuous of mass education. It makes you want to quickly marshal arguments with which to counter what he says.
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Mobson
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<irony> Terry Deary: The man behind the Horrible Histories.....The wildly successful Horrible Histories books and TV shows – facts boosted by lots of jokes – are adored by children and adults alike. Writer Terry Deary* thinks it's because his characters often subvert authority...

*Deary had written 50-odd children's novels before the idea for 'Horrible Histories' was presented to him by his publisher. They wanted a "history joke book" and – when he protested that he knew nothing about history – offered to provide the facts to go with the gags. But the facts turned out, he says, to be really interesting. So what emerged was "a fact book with jokes".
Edited by Mobson, Feb 19 2013, 08:16 PM.
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madfor4

............Ministers say there are plenty of jobs in the private retail sector??????....

When Costa Coffee advertised eight vacancies at a new branch of the café on a jobs website, managers expected a strong response.
But even they were surprised when 1,701 applications poured in. Some of the applicants included vastly over-qualified former retail managers, a dire indication of the troubled high street.

A Costa spokesman said managers were shocked at the response to the advertisements for three full-time and five part-time posts at the café, to open in Mapperley, Nottingham, on Friday. The jobs pay between £6.10 and £10 an hour. The unsuccessful applicants included senior retail managers with more than 15 years’ experience.

Several graduates also applied, apparently struggling to find suitable employment after leaving university.
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Lurkalot

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2013/apr/16/next-boss-gives-away-bonus

"Next boss gives away £2.4m bonus to staff

Lord Wolfson shares bonus with 19,400 employees who have worked for the retailer since 2010, averaging about £124 each"

times are hard in retail sector. wish all bosses were like him :D
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Lurkalot

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/wh-smith-gets-lowest-customer-service-rating-in-uk-as-apple-tops-satisfaction-league-table-8620691.html

not quite closure but I have to say, I've not been in smiths for donkeys, it's always been pricey when one can get things cheaper.
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madfor4

Guardian.....

Empty shops hit record high, retail study shows.....One in eight shops lay vacant in April, according to the British Retail Consortium....

The UK appears to be doing worse than Syria!
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