Topic ID 6762
Millets is closing next Friday :( The reason - the rent is inceasing.
Reply ID 89839
What sort of idiot landlord tries to raise rents in this climate? He's well and truly shot himself in the foot as I doubt he'll easily find someone else to take the premises on.
Reply ID 89840
Although its a sad loss I fear that this has been coming for some time; they've been stocking less and less over the past few years. I fully agree with Steve that surely this is the time when landlords should be working with tenants to ensure that important town centre businesses stay in the town, particularly a nationally recognised store.
Reply ID 89841
so sad to hear about Millets closing. There'll be nothing left but coffee shops and hairdressers by Christmas!!!
Reply ID 89853
Yet another reason to head to WGC for any shopping rather than walk into town. A sad loss.
Reply ID 89865
Damn, one of the very few shops I use.
Reply ID 89867
I use them regularly. A sad loss.
Reply ID 89868
There goes one of my favourite shops in Hertford - friendly and helpful staff too. Absolutely gutted on all counts, also for the job losses. What basis can there possibly be for raising rents at the moment?
Reply ID 89869
Millets owned by Blacks group have been vulnerable for a while now, unfortunately it was always coming however they were always very helpful in there. Shame they couldn’t wait until it got a bit colder.
Reply ID 89871
quote:If I understand correctly, this is specific to the Hertford shop and due to the landlord raising the rent, rather than the performance of the branch.
Originally posted by Louis M
Millets owned by Blacks group have been vulnerable for a while now, unfortunately it was always coming however they were always very helpful in there. Shame they couldn’t wait until it got a bit colder.
Reply ID 89873
Well, Sounds like the landlord took a gamble and lost. Surely it would have been better to have some rent coming in at this time than a vacant shop! I'm sure it won't get filled easily.
Reply ID 89875
quote:I agree. It will probably become another bookie placed next to a pub.
Originally posted by Paul Jennings
Well, Sounds like the landlord took a gamble and lost. Surely it would have been better to have some rent coming in at this time than a vacant shop! I'm sure it won't get filled easily.
Reply ID 89876
Are we allowed to know who the landlord is? Can I hazard a guess? I don't think it will be easy to fill and the point made by others on this loss is true... We are losing the diversity of shops that make Hertford what it is and basically footfall will further be eroded. I loved Millets, got a lot of my outdoor kit from there and online does not cut it for certain things. A sad and damning indictment on those in the town who seek profit over sensible, cautiousness at this still very volatile time in the economy... Very sad.[V]
Reply ID 89878
I've tried hard to give this shop my business in the last year, but I couldn't bring myself to spend £40 for the double airbed I later paid £14 at Tesco, nor £20 for a compass I bought elsewhere for £5. Many times my eye has been caught by the window offers but experience of false discounts, conditional terms and limited offers conditioned me to walk past. It is seductive to blame a greedy landlord, but landlords are business people too and the simple logic of some rent over no rent is unlikely to be lost on even the most hardball negotiator.
Reply ID 89882
I suspect the decision also has something to do with the 2 (rather nice) flats above the shop which were rented for some considerable time for next to nothing.. A very sad day. I wish John and all the staff there the best.