I'll reply to Ian, and his condescending (and mildly offensive) post... and then I'll leave this thread alone.
There really is no point in raising any issues on this Forum, because Ian, like a playground bully, feels the need to defeat and crush any opinion.
It was initially supposed to be about the change in Socio-economic and cultural groups coming to Llandudno, and how they differ in their ways to the traditional British seaside visitor of years gone by.
I went to GREAT PAINS to conclude in my first post that it is our challenge to offer them what they want to buy.
Strangely, Ian came to that same conclusion in his last post.... but thought it was some hilarious revelation, and a direct dig at me! Ian, I really could reciprocate.... but I won't descend to that level.
Now, it is crucial that I point out that I am not moaning parochially about a lack of business for me. I can state that despite poor weather, TERRIBLE footfall (despite what Ian says) my cumulative takings in 2015 are exactly in line with 2014, which was my RECORD year, and business has actually increased year on year. You will note, no INCREASE this year.
I have been lucky, I have loyal regulars, a viable website.... and even luckier that those previous customers who no longer wish to come to Llandudno (for a variety of reasons), they will phone me to order things, or (bless them) write to me and pop a cheque in the post.
I am looking to retire at the end of the 2015 season, and what I will miss most of all is those lovely regular customers who have kept me company and comfortable for the past 6 years.
So, what I have been writing about is what I SEE and HEAR around me, not about me personally. The type of outlets opening, compared to those who are closing down. The type of people visiting... and more importantly the type of people NO LONGER visiting.
I do keep detailed records of my own sales within ranges, and the more tasteful items (essential oils etc), get less attention each year.... and the more novelty items (tat??), is demanded in increasing amounts. I have category graphs of this stuff, the trend in undeniable.
But that's not very scientific... so I consider why so many other shops (of all kinds) are closing so early in the day, and many closing down for good. It's because no one is wanting to buy anything.
I for one, would stay open past midnight if people were still giving me money!
The pier staff used to nickname me 'Arkwright' as in Open All Hours.... but now there is really no reason to be there.
So, perhaps I am only referring to the areas that I know well. I do indeed spend the vast majority of my time on the Pier, or in Upper Mostyn Street, where most of the vibrant trade USED to be. They are very, very quiet this year.... frighteningly so at times. Please don't forget the photographic evidence I posted... on a warmish evening in June.
Maybe it's all moved somewhere else?? Are you out in Llandudno in the evenings Ian? Are any Forum members?
Ian, I have admitted that I may be referring to the Pier, and Upper Mostyn St only... I frequent them yes, you don't... so please do not be so dismissive of my comments on those areas that I know well.
It may well be due entirely to the weather... I don't know, but neither do you... so again, I will thank you for allowing others to actually make an assertion without it being derided.
Finally, I spoke to Oakleaf Travel in Bradford today. They used to send 14 coaches per year for day trips to Llandudno.
This year they planned to send 4, but only 2 were sufficiently subscribed.... one was cancelled.... one is yet to come.
The various reasons given for customers no longer booking for Llandudno included a biggie in my opinion.
'Our customers feel that being dropped off so far from the main attractions means it is pointless coming at all'
We have strayed way off the original remit of this thread, but then again it was forced that way by certain comments which needed addressing. I see no reason why a topic can't be broadened out and diverted from if contributors so wish.
I fear that this might not be the right medium to discuss some of the more pressing issues that are driving the 'Changing Face of Llandudno'
Some of the overlapping facets as I see them touch upon migration, immigration, the economy, political correctness, education standards, cultural preferences and more. I don't think this Forum has the appetite to have a reasoned and sensible debate about many of those.