Topic ID 4753
I'm in the process of moving back to Hertford and consequently I'm heavily involved in the dreaded DIY (damage it yourself). Focus is absolutely useless and the local independent traders aren't much better - and they charge more. I've ended up going to the giant B&Q several times, just for little bits & bobs. It takes half the day - time I can ill afford at the moment (this is my lunch break!). Why don't they develop the McMullens site as a DIY store - this area really needs one. edited to correct a typo!
Reply ID 68070
What about Botsfords - they usually sell pretty much anything DIY based
Reply ID 68072
You state you find the local independents not to your liking so I'm assuming you've already asked for 4-candles at Botsfords. You don't state which B&Q store you're going to, though you mention ". . .giant B&Q . . . " so I wonder if you are referring to the Stevenage store? There is a large Screwfix at the Mundells as well as a B&Q at Swallowfields in Welwyn Garden City, which you may find useful alternatives. There is also Dewsons at the Foxholes trading estate.
Reply ID 68079
quote:I think Dewsons must have closed because there's a Jewson's there now. [:D]
Originally posted by Woody
There is also Dewsons at the Foxholes trading estate.
Reply ID 68080
quote:Doh!! [:o)]
Originally posted by Stevequote:I think Dewsons must have closed because there's a Jewson's there now. [:D]
Originally posted by Woody
There is also Dewsons at the Foxholes trading estate.
Reply ID 68083
The important thing to remember with Jewson is that they give trade account customers up to a 40% discount and their list prices are adjusted up to compensate.
Reply ID 68085
Botsfords may well be very good - but I don't think they carry as wide a range of products as a large DIY store - and parking in the town centre isn't exactly easy. Yes, I did mean the B&Q at St. Evenage - I've discovered it since buying my Bengeo house - wow, it's mahooosive. As for Tewsons, you're absolutely right Shunt - their prices aren't exactly competitive. And as for the person who helpfully suggests that I go to WGC (or Stevenage, or Harlow) - this is exactly what every retailer in Hertford or Ware says to me when they don't have what I want (including the staff of Focus!). The whole point of this thread is that I DO NOT WANT TO TRAVEL MILES TO A LARGER TOWN JUST TO GET A £2.99 PIECE OF PLASTIC. A proper DIY store would make a killing in this town - it's a DIY retail desert.
Reply ID 68092
Well, let's hope that the new Sainsbury store has a DIY department for you. Wouldn't want to double-up the extra traffic to Hartham Lane in order to fit the store plus a DIY shop.
Reply ID 68095
quote:If it had one I wouldn't waste my time using it. Sainsbury = expensive + poor quality + poor choice. I'd cycle through the red light and go to Botsfords.
Originally posted by Woody
Well, let's hope that the new Sainsbury store has a DIY department for you. Wouldn't want to double-up the extra traffic to Hartham Lane in order to fit the store plus a DIY shop.
Reply ID 68100
quote:I thought Tewsons was the removal and storage company that used to be based in Ware.
Originally posted by homeless
As for Tewsons, you're absolutely right Shunt - their prices aren't exactly competitive. And as for the person who helpfully suggests that I go to WGC (or Stevenage, or Harlow) - this is exactly what every retailer in Hertford or Ware says to me when they don't have what I want (including the staff of Focus!). The whole point of this thread is that I DO NOT WANT TO TRAVEL MILES TO A LARGER TOWN JUST TO GET A £2.99 PIECE OF PLASTIC. A proper DIY store would make a killing in this town - it's a DIY retail desert.
Reply ID 68103
quote:...they still are[:)]...
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:I thought Tewsons was the removal and storage company that used to be based in Ware.
Originally posted by homeless
As for Tewsons, you're absolutely right Shunt - their prices aren't exactly competitive. And as for the person who helpfully suggests that I go to WGC (or Stevenage, or Harlow) - this is exactly what every retailer in Hertford or Ware says to me when they don't have what I want (including the staff of Focus!). The whole point of this thread is that I DO NOT WANT TO TRAVEL MILES TO A LARGER TOWN JUST TO GET A £2.99 PIECE OF PLASTIC. A proper DIY store would make a killing in this town - it's a DIY retail desert.
Reply ID 68106
Got any 'O's? Here you are - the full version a bit dated but comic timing at its best. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qu9MptWyCB8
Reply ID 68108
quote:Because it is owned by Sainsburys and is going to be a supermarket. Why would a B&Q be any better - it would still have customers and deliveries and cause the same traffic problems. Also B&Q don't own the site- SAINSBURY'S do. Incedentally there is a B&Q in Welwyn Garden City which is a bit closer and smaller than the massive warehouse in Stevenage. Also Homerama in Ware can be good and cheaper than some of the bigger names And before anybody else comes up with a fantastic business opportunity for the McMullens site, please remember: It is owned by Sainsbury's
Originally posted by homeless
Why don't they develop the McMullens site as a DIY store - this area really needs one.
Reply ID 68133
Hi, I'm a bit confused - why would B & Q be any better than Focus? I thought it was all cheap 'goods' from China. Or another thought - instead of B & Q having to build a new store in Hertford, how about people in Hertford writing to Focus head office and explaining how they should improve their offering to the Hertford people and point out how it would benefit their business.
Reply ID 68134
quote:The range and variety offered in Focus is no where near that offered in B & Q in WGC. Try a few simple comparisons..........go to Focus and look at the light fittings (switches, etc) and also check out the power tool range..........then do the same at B & Q in Welwyn.
Originally posted by CKdesigner
Hi, I'm a bit confused - why would B & Q be any better than Focus? I thought it was all cheap 'goods' from China. Or another thought - instead of B & Q having to build a new store in Hertford, how about people in Hertford writing to Focus head office and explaining how they should improve their offering to the Hertford people and point out how it would benefit their business.
Reply ID 68135
But the stores are similar size so there is no logistical reason why the Focus Store in Hertford couldn't offer something similar to what is on offer in WGC
Reply ID 68137
Botsfords. Botsfords. Botsfords. OK, so they don't cut your 8'x12' sheets of MDF to order but that's not what you go there fore. Personally I would rather put my money into a local store than into a conglomerate. I would rather keep Botsfords in town than have them turn into a boutique/salon because people would rather a massive store where they'll spending more than they meant to on stuff they didn't need. I've done that already and have learnt my lesson!
Reply ID 68144
I like the fact you can ask someone in Botsfords and they know what they're talking about. Trust me, DQ's dad has a nightmare trying to explain things to the B&Q orange people!!!! Its how shops used to be, customer care... four candles anyone????[:D]
Reply ID 68161
So why don't Sainsbury open a Botsfords Megastore on the McMullens site? ...presumably because they want to infect us with a Homebase store that will be as bad as Focus and charge more.
Reply ID 68289
Homerama in ware is quite good. good advice and plenty of stock. They also do johnstones paint, good stuff. There is a lack of good local trade outlets in the area unfortunately. Plenty of nationwide chains.
Reply ID 68354
Sainsbury's sold Homebase to Argos years ago. So there will not be a Homebase on the McMullens site - just a Sainsburys.