Depressing news from the high street

[Nearly Sane]

I suspect this is only the start



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43219651

[SusanDoris]

I suppose the  closure of places like Toys'r'us should have been foreseen ages ago. It's all 'on line' shopping now. Just the sight of all those huge shelves of stuff used to put me off when I went there when my granddaughters were children.

[Rhiannon]

I thought TrU had problems in the States too? I think the analysis that it didn’t move with the times is spot on. Not heavily discounted enough to compete online, not different or welcoming enough for that not to matter. ‘Going shopping’ now means an experience and families would want a good cafe, indoor play centre etc for it to be worth the drive.

I was gutted to see that one of my most favourite firms, Warren Evans, has gone under. I’ve had several beds from them and their staff are fab. More to the point, they were so ethical, and not just in terms of the environment - for each bed sold they donated one to a Big Issue seller whenever they got accommodation. Really sad. They’ve got their store closure sale this weekend. 

[Walter]

I suspect this is only the start



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43219651

I was more depressed when the local flint knapper went out of business however all was not lost , we started using metal knives instead . Turned out life became even easier , who'da thought it?

[Rhiannon]

Weird that New Look are struggling. Wouldn’t have thought they had much competition for the teen market.

[Aruntraveller]

Never really had need for ToysRus - but detested it for being generally too American and for the reversed "R" which annoyed me more than I should probably have let it.

Maplins is one of those stores that I go in to have a mooch around but never buy anything as I can get whatever I need cheaper elsewhere.

[Rhiannon]

I didn’t even know Maplin was a thing until recently. Makes me think of Hi-Di-Hi.

There used to be a chain called Children’s World. I think Toys r Us saw them off but they were nicer to shop in. I always used Argos or Woolworths (RIP) for buying toys when my kids were little.

[Nearly Sane]

Never really had need for ToysRus - but detested it for being generally too American and for the reversed "R" which annoyed me more than I should probably have let it.

Maplins is one of those stores that I go in to have a mooch around but never buy anything as I can get whatever I need cheaper elsewhere.

Always found Maplins useful for get a new charger for mobiles and tablets when one died or escaped,

[Walter]

Always found Maplins useful for get a new charger for mobiles and tablets when one died or escaped,

We spent two weeks there in the 60s . I didn't like having to join in with the daft games though

[SteveH]

We spent two weeks there in the 60s . I didn't like having to join in with the daft games though

Ho ho ho. You must be thinking of Pontins - Maplins was the fictional one from 'Hi De Hi'.

[Harrowby Hall]

Ho ho ho. You must be thinking of Pontins - Maplins was the fictional one from 'Hi De Hi'.

You've not been exposed to Walter much, have you?

[Harrowby Hall]

I have a 15 mile or so journey to get to my most convenient Maplins. I've never found anything there that Amazon can't deliver to me the next day.

Marks & Spencer is downsizing at the moment, too. It's problem is that it does not appear to know who its market is. It appears to behave as though its primary competitor is Harvey Nicholls when in reality (with the disappearance of BHS) it is Primark.

[SteveH]

My local Oxfam shop has just closed, i was rather shocked to discover a few days ago - the nearest one now is in berkhamsted. It'd been there as long as i can remember. I don't know whether that's to do with the recent scandal, and self-righteous types not shopping there any more, despite the enormous good Oxfam does, or a general retreat from B&M shops.

[Robbie]

Yeah well people ought to realise that Oxfam is not worse, and better than, many. I still support Oxfam, it takes more than a couple of bad apples for me to be overly worried. At least they've taken themselves in hand & others will follow.

Shops will inevitably close as people choose to buy online more than more. Maplins were more expensive than buying on line so expected.

I do think it is a pity for people who are not computer literate but there will be some shops around for a long time - perhaps forever - for those who actually enjoy shopping.

[Walt Zingmatilder]

Ho ho ho. You must be thinking of Pontins - Maplins was the fictional one from 'Hi De Hi'.

Walter is Religionethics very own Ted Bovis.

''Now the first rule of atheism Spike is timing''