Re: High Street chain collapse sweepstake
Posted: Sat 11 Jan, 2020 08.35
I agree with you. there is too much competition on the Italian dining market. It'll affect all of them.
I agree with you. there is too much competition on the Italian dining market. It'll affect all of them.
I agree with your Argos view. The "store in store" format is the way forward.Martin Phillp wrote: ↑Fri 10 Jan, 2020 23.12 HMV continues to be volatile, closing more stores this month due to landlord issues. If Sunrise Records can't make the business viable, then I think it's finally game over for a business reliant on physical media sales.
As for Argos, their issues at Christmas were down to axing their traditional 3 for 2 on toys promotion, which saw sales drop 10%. Personally I think Sainsbury's are in the right direction by opening concessions in stores and having smaller units on the High Street with an emphasis on click and collect or home delivery.
I was at the O2 last night and was amazed at how there were only three tables of customers at Pizza Express. It wasn't a show night but still Nando's and even continually struggling Byron were packed. Pizza Express felt like an untouchable chain restaurant until pretty recently so it's really surprising to see.
In fairness to Sunrise Records, all these current closures appear to be locations which were originally closed/meant to close following the purchase out of administration last year. Clearly some short term arrangement was made which is not being renewed.Martin Phillp wrote: ↑Fri 10 Jan, 2020 23.12 HMV continues to be volatile, closing more stores this month due to landlord issues. If Sunrise Records can't make the business viable, then I think it's finally game over for a business reliant on physical media sales.
Pizza Express is going to eventually come down with an almighty thud. They are carrying the equivalent of £2.3m of debt for each every one of their 480 locations. Quite how they have got to this position is pretty remarkable.gottago wrote: ↑Sat 11 Jan, 2020 09.53I was at the O2 last night and was amazed at how there were only three tables of customers at Pizza Express. It wasn't a show night but still Nando's and even continually struggling Byron were packed. Pizza Express felt like an untouchable chain restaurant until pretty recently so it's really surprising to see.
They've recently taken several popular dishes off their menu that had been there for a very long time claiming they'd just refreshed it. I wonder if this has had a big impact. The chicken wings are very tasty, but not very Italian. Whereas the antipasti sharing board was far more inkeeping.gottago wrote: ↑Sat 11 Jan, 2020 09.53I was at the O2 last night and was amazed at how there were only three tables of customers at Pizza Express. It wasn't a show night but still Nando's and even continually struggling Byron were packed. Pizza Express felt like an untouchable chain restaurant until pretty recently so it's really surprising to see.
It's been the case for a long time now. Will be interesting to see how the Ocado switch from Waitrose to M&S food works out later in the year.all new Phil wrote: ↑Fri 10 Jan, 2020 23.38 M&S have clearly realised that there is more money in food given how much focus it is being given. I reckon they’ll open more food-only stores.
My local M&S in Hedge End, Southampton has just had a major refit on their food hall, it's very impressive with lots of fresh counters, bakery etc you can actually do a weeks shop here if you can afford it!scottishtv wrote: ↑Sat 11 Jan, 2020 16.20It's been the case for a long time now. Will be interesting to see how the Ocado switch from Waitrose to M&S food works out later in the year.all new Phil wrote: ↑Fri 10 Jan, 2020 23.38 M&S have clearly realised that there is more money in food given how much focus it is being given. I reckon they’ll open more food-only stores.
My local Argos in Sainsbury's is usually quiet with personalised service to the point where they help you pay if you use cash, then go to to the back and grab the item for you. However it was heaving one Saturday in early December and had extra staff. That store also has Argos branded vans doing local same day deliveries.g67bbx wrote: ↑Sat 11 Jan, 2020 08.42I agree with your Argos view. The "store in store" format is the way forward.Martin Phillp wrote: ↑Fri 10 Jan, 2020 23.12 HMV continues to be volatile, closing more stores this month due to landlord issues. If Sunrise Records can't make the business viable, then I think it's finally game over for a business reliant on physical media sales.
As for Argos, their issues at Christmas were down to axing their traditional 3 for 2 on toys promotion, which saw sales drop 10%. Personally I think Sainsbury's are in the right direction by opening concessions in stores and having smaller units on the High Street with an emphasis on click and collect or home delivery.
Where I am we have one in the Sainsbury's store in town and one a mile up the road on a small retail park with home bargains and dreams. On the edge of a housing estate. The one in Sainsbury's was queuing over Christmas. The other, bigger one has (most of the time) one person working the till and bringing out the stock. It's a matter of convenience.
There's a Wilko and Homebase in Penge. It's not hard to guess which store is doing well.