Topic ID 7070
Sad to see another High Street casualty today. I hope Thomas Cook opposite won't be part of their companies restructuring process too, as that would start to make Railway Street look a bit sad[:(]
Reply ID 93062
It really does make me sad to see businesses fail. The recent closure of Marmalade in Parliament Square was such a shame - the woman who ran the shop did such a great job (I thought) with stock selection and making the shop look great, and it was disappointing to see hard work isn't enough. It did make me start to think why some shops in town seemingly flourish and others don't. Take women's clothes shops as an example - a particular specialist subject for me [:I] - The Women's Society is an absolutely fabulous shop and has done well to weather the recession so far. As well as their physical store, which is beautiful, they have an online store and use Twitter really well to highlight new stock, and to drive traffic in store. There is also a good variety of price points in the shop, it's pretty inclusive in that way. This does contrast with Marmalade which was definitely an upmarket store in terms of pricing, with no website. I think the Women's Society model seems to be a lot more resilient and less reliant on passing trade. Ruby Room is a different type of offer I think, much more cheap and cheerful, but again with a good variety of stock. Let's hope they survive...
Reply ID 93097
Yes it is a shame Peter's Table has closed. Yet another independent specialist gone from the town. It was good to see last week 20 or so local business owners, a lady from the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce (sorry - didn't find out her name), The Mayor and the town centre manager all meet at the Saloon bar to discuss how we can revitalise the town and try and persuade more local people to shop here. I think the message, although still valid 'use it or lose it' is a bit dated now. We need to understand that it would seem that Hertford has turned into a commuter town. Its a nice place to live but we need more local people to shop here. I think we need to update the message and show people that their town is the place to come for quality products, for 1st class service and value for money. We need to tell people what we still have here, its not all about the night time economy. For example we now have a really nice new art gallery in St Andrew Street, so now people don't need to go to St Albans or into London for a nice piece of art. Its worth a wonder around and then while you're considering get yourself a nice coffee in one of our independent coffee shops.
Reply ID 93098
Peter's Table wasn't helped by the lack of any real online presence. It was a good shop but marketing was not his forté. IMHO [:)]
Reply ID 93099
This discussion goes round and round, locally and nationally. It doesn't really matter what is discussed or encouraged in goods retailing. Physically going to only one premises, buying whatever they happen to have in stock, at whatever price they place on it, without comparison and then either carrying it home or battling to park to transport it in a car, is a an inefficient way to shop. Town centres will and are becoming about the businesses which do require your physical attendance;- to eat, to socialise, to have your hair cut or nails painted, or to dance or drink. The future of town centres is "the nightime economy" and the hair a nails bars which are so frequently derided. There is no other. As much as I like to manually prod goods before purchase, even I have to admit that a choice of 1-0 locally or 100 online, means I have to curb my desire to peruse the goods in person. I applaud and encourage social use of town centres and charity shops. They won't survive as centres of community in any other way.
Reply ID 93100
With respect, please can we avoid using this thread for a general discussion on retailing and the future of town centres. This topic has been covered elsewhere on this forum and others.
Reply ID 93101
Wrist duely slapped and accepted. Peter's was a lovely shop, but even when it opened, I thought "why?". Steve's comment on lack of online presence was very valid though. I happen to need a rolling pin today, for which Peter's might have been ideal, but significantly, it's the first time I've though of them since they opened and probably only because of the web publicity the closure has generated here.:(
Reply ID 93102
Personally I thought Peters Table was a poor shop. The stock was cheap but priced high and never had the things I was looking for. I was delighted when it first opened but never actually bought anything from there. Of course sad to see it go but maybe these retailers need some help & advice.
Reply ID 93344
quote:Sorry but this statement is utter tosh! l have always found the goods of excellent quality
Originally posted by User1
Personally I thought Peters Table was a poor shop. The stock was cheap but priced high and never had the things I was looking for. I was delighted when it first opened but never actually bought anything from there. Of course sad to see it go but maybe these retailers need some help & advice.
Reply ID 94037
Peter's Table had been making noises to other retailers (and us ) about going for some time. He under estimated the tricky Hertford market which was apparently evident within the first year. It wasn't a surprise to see that he had gone.
Reply ID 94052
Until the Bank HOliday weekend, both my parents, who visit the town everyday, said it was dead and virtually no passing shoppers or trade going on. The problem lies in the fact that nobody is shopping in the week, doing it at weekends in hertford if at all!!!!!
Reply ID 94062
Totally agree with you there DQ. l remember when Hertford had something to offer and people came from far and wide. Now, friends won't even bother coming to Hertford from even 7 miles away (except to visit me of course!)
Reply ID 94082
So what's up with Hertford then? I've only been here a year and I'm beginning to lose count of the shops/etc I've seen close down. Does the place need a kick up the proverbial? Probably not the right place for this debate but...
Reply ID 94088
quote:You may find that it's a problem that most towns have at the moment, not just Hertford. Have you also been counting the shops that have opened as well?
Originally posted by mdja
So what's up with Hertford then? I've only been here a year and I'm beginning to lose count of the shops/etc I've seen close down.
quote:It's been discussed at length both here and probably in forums up and down the country.
Originally posted by mdja
Does the place need a kick up the proverbial? Probably not the right place for this debate but...
Reply ID 94654
There was a sweaty chap taking a breather in the open doorway yesterday. Apparently it will be opening soon but he could not tell as what.
Reply ID 94676
Any news on what the sweaty man is doing yet?? Be interesting to know what is going to open in there now.
Reply ID 94681
quote:Maybe it's going to be a sweat shop.
Originally posted by caramel
Any news on what the sweaty man is doing yet?? Be interesting to know what is going to open in there now.
Reply ID 94683
I hope not!!! lol I suppose we will find out soon.
Reply ID 94685
I am going to take a punt that its going to be a..... vintage coffee boutique hairdressing estate agent nail bar..... or maybe not ![:D]