Author Topic: Everything to do with Shops  (Read 638417 times)

0 Members and 4 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Ian

  • Administrator
  • Posts: 8949
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1935 on: October 15, 2018, 06:58:41 pm »
I think without a doubt that greedy landlords are the main culprits.  But I also think businesses are going to have to adapt to the new reality.  They can't simply ignore the likes of Amazon, but they can start to think of ways they can compete. There are some things that you don't want to buy on Amazon.  They've never succeeded in Groceries, clothes still dominate the high streets, along with shoes, and all manner of eating places.

But if you visit Harrods, for example, on the toys floor you'll always find a chap demonstrating something: DIY plane kits, magic kits, building sets - there's a still room for that on the high street. Jewellers are still doing well but it's businesses offering services that are ideally suited to become the new high street shops. Bespoke glass ware, for instance; Llandudno would be suited to that sort of thing where the public could watch the glass artist working.

Indoor theme parks are also perfect for places like Llandudno but all these ideas have the same problem: no one willing to put up the cash and try. So it's not all down to the Landlords. We need some entrepreneurs.
Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.  ― Michel de Montaigne

Si hoc legere scis, nimis eruditionis habes.

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1936 on: October 15, 2018, 08:17:55 pm »
Great idea's, especially the shop floor demo's, I remember them from John Lewis's, many a time returning home, with some awkward parcels for the kids Xmas, and I like the artisan idea, I have always thought a start up business would do well, large premises, split into smaller units, rented out to allow serious artisans, to grow a sustainable business. initially this will not fill the empty shops, but in time, it could grow into a great asset for Llandudno.


Offline Ian

  • Administrator
  • Posts: 8949
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1937 on: October 16, 2018, 07:10:17 am »
I think you're right about subdividing the larger shop spaces, Steve. In a sense, we're moving back towards how high streets used to look.
Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.  ― Michel de Montaigne

Si hoc legere scis, nimis eruditionis habes.

Offline wrex

  • Ad Free Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2520
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1938 on: October 16, 2018, 05:42:14 pm »
lets be honest a decent butcher and bakers and wine shop would do a roaring trade on Mostyn st but its the overheads that make them all non starters


Offline Dave

  • Member
  • Posts: 863
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1939 on: October 17, 2018, 11:00:56 am »
lets be honest a decent butcher and bakers and wine shop would do a roaring trade on Mostyn st but its the overheads that make them all non starters
I agree but as there are at least three budget end ones making it pay I don't see why a quality one couldn't do equally well. As for butchers, maybe ask at Poyntons why they moved?
As for as a wine shop, not so sure that would be a success.it's a competitive market and not everyone wants to spend a lot more than £5 on a bottle. Online companies seem to have cornered that one too.

Offline born2run

  • Ad Free Member
  • *
  • Posts: 1792
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1940 on: October 17, 2018, 12:08:39 pm »
I disagree, the shop in Conwy is doing very well, recently added a bar upstairs.
Wine and Beer is one of the hardest things to push online, it's a nightmare to post (very heavy and unshapely and needs lots of packaging) plus a lot of the product needs to be shipped from Europe in the first place and people generally like to look, hold and even sample the product before they taste it. A specialist wine and beer shop would do fantastic in Llandudno.

Their only real competition would be supermarkets, who have really upped their game in recent years and most now have whole aisles dedicated to craft beer and wine.

Offline Dave

  • Member
  • Posts: 863
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1941 on: October 17, 2018, 12:31:44 pm »
I have ordered wine several times online, always a full case. Delivered within 24 hours at no extra cost and that included a case of superb red from Aldi that cost the same delivered as in store. I ordered online to make sure I got some as I knew it would go very quickly.
We had a wine merchant in Builder St that was open to the public but that has gone now I think.Interesting as Poynton's moved that way!
I think that retail stores such as wine merchants and bakers can enhance their business by allowing in store sampling in the form of a cafe or bar.

Offline Daihardwelshman

  • Member
  • Posts: 35
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1942 on: October 17, 2018, 01:27:15 pm »
Ffarm Vintners are still on Builder Street.

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1943 on: October 17, 2018, 04:50:18 pm »
After reading the comments above, I had a look for Artisan markets etc. and found this, from a company with markets around the UK.  ..............It covers some points already mentioned, and raises others, whether market or shop based, it is showing this is a good idea, for those willing to give it a go...........Maybe we should discuss... a Town Manager or some type of business group idea.  8)

"Fresh aromas, vivid colours, eclectic treasures, buzzing crowds – a mere stroll amongst the many (often 100+) stalls of an Artisan Market are enough to invigorate the senses and whet the appetite.
These markets aim to keep things authentic, providing an opportunity to meet the many food & craft producers & suppliers. The local entertainment and local community groups provide a real sense of ownership, adding to the atmosphere, the mix and bustle reminiscent of yesteryear with a contemporary twist.

It is a haven for anybody who cares about the quality and provenance of the food they eat, for those that seek something different from that on supermarket shelves. It provides a cornucopia of exquisite handcrafted, artistic items and an opportunity to interact with the artisan who has produced them.

But it’s not just the sheer quality of the items on offer that makes an Artisan Market so special – it is also about the people and the place. Locally based craftspeople and producers who are passionate about their products represent each town.

Most of our stallholders are themselves primary producers – people who grow, make, create, style, rear, craft or bake the products that they sell. Others are suppliers with intimate knowledge of their products and the people who made them.

As a result, the Artisan Markets have become a vast repository of culinary knowledge, artisan craftsmanship and skills from previous generations. It’s a place to explore, to ask questions, to discover new flavours, stumble upon raw talent, unearth entrepreneurship, nurture bygone mastery, and to savour a unique, buzzing atmosphere.

Town centres as we knew them have changed considerably over recent years, now is the time to revitalize, add a new dimension and inject the buzz and effervescence back into the community.

Many towns across the country are suffering because so many of their residents are choosing to shop elsewhere.
The explosion of online shopping, free parking and other enticements to out of town shopping centres, the demand for convenience – is what is driving our towns into extinction.

The low numbers of visitors in our town centres is causing towns to lose their vibrancy and attraction to residents having a direct detrimental effect on retail businesses. The town then becomes less attractive to new businesses and thus the downward cycle perpetuates itself.

People now demand so much more, they want an experience, they want customer service, and they want choice and knowledge, character and diversity.

By delivering the Artisan Market in towns across the region we are fulfilling all of these demands, and helping to reinvigorate the towns we live in.

We provide an exciting, unique event that brings people together as a community. It encourages more people to visit their town and rediscover the many things it has to offer.

Our core values reflect what is really important to us as a company and underpin The Market Co’s culture and ethos.
Artisan Markets are more than a place to buy or sell goods, they are all encompassing, dynamic events that bring the town alive.

We strive to source the very finest artisan traders and products to deliver a high quality and heterogeneous mix for our visitors. This offer compliments rather than competes with the high street retailers providing a synergistic environment.

Entertainment is provided which is locally sourced and inspirational. Community groups and organisations are encouraged to think outside the box and get involved in a creative way, offering them a platform to showcase themselves to the wider community – which in itself provides a unique local feel and sense of pride, as well as valuable exposure.
The Artisan Market is a place where our visitors can connect and interact with the specialists, meet friends, be introduced to new ideas and enjoy their town to the full."

Offline wrex

  • Ad Free Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2520
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1944 on: October 17, 2018, 04:56:03 pm »
Altrincham has turned itself around by turning an old market hall into small independant buisnesses etc cakes beers cheeses even the shops in the center are now being occupied

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1945 on: October 19, 2018, 01:21:49 pm »
Because of the recent discussions,..... I noticed "The grape to the glass" wine shop and tasting room, in Rhos this morning, I had some spare time for a quick browse, ended having quite a chat, about wines (821 in stock) and gins etc, this place is more than a shop, a good experience, but not to be rushed, well worth a visit, and would be exactly what we talked about re Mostyn St.

https://thegrapetoglass.co.uk/

Offline Bri Roberts

  • Management board member
  • *
  • Posts: 3099
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1946 on: October 19, 2018, 01:33:08 pm »
My daughter treated me to a visit there, SteveH, for my birthday a few months ago.

It was an excellent experience and the service from Tim was first class.

Offline llandudnotrust

  • Management board member
  • *
  • Posts: 134
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1947 on: October 19, 2018, 01:44:42 pm »
Grape to Glass is a great example of what a quality Shop/Business should be. A Great product with first class product knowledge and for the quality, value for money.

Offline SteveH

  • Management Board Member & Newsgroup Editor
  • *
  • Posts: 12989
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1948 on: October 19, 2018, 02:15:13 pm »
Sounds like my first impressions were right, thank you both, glad to hear you enjoyed it.

Offline wrex

  • Ad Free Member
  • *
  • Posts: 2520
Re: Everything to do with Shops
« Reply #1949 on: October 25, 2018, 07:04:54 am »
What can be done about the ever increasing empty shop units,most are owned by pension funds so getting them to decrease rents is a no no,the buisness rates are run by Cardiff so there is no chance of those going down.Two hundred grand a year they want for the empty M&S who is going to pay that.