Metropol

I think Wesfarmers had their eye on Homebase (and other chains) for some time and it was a 'now or never' thing, with JS bidding for the whole of HRG.

Whether JS had intended to continue with the Homebase brand long term, I guess nobody knows, but they certainly had plans for some of the stores.

EDIT: just found this rather scathing write-up. I didn't realise Bunnings had binned off Black & Decker and Bosch! Gawd.

If Hilco get Toys R Us then it's doomed to failure.

According to this Guardian/Observer article https://www.theguardian.com/business/20 ... -consumers, Debenhams, House of Fraser and New Look are all on the brink of trouble.

simonipswich1 wrote: Sun 18 Feb, 2018 18.49 If Hilco get Toys R Us then it's doomed to failure.

They've done fine with HMV however.

Martin Phillp wrote: Sun 18 Feb, 2018 20.44

simonipswich1 wrote: Sun 18 Feb, 2018 18.49 If Hilco get Toys R Us then it's doomed to failure.

They've done fine with HMV however.

Largely because they've got lucky with a massive rise in demand for vinyl.

Maplin next?

https://news.sky.com/story/electricals- ... m-11258241

Pricing like many of these high street failures is an issue. Overpriced electrical goods which are cheaper on Amazon or even Argos, however if you're desperate, they're good for cabling which I've purchased from them in the past.

Once upon a time I would have used Maplin a lot for work out of necessity. I can now get everything I need from Amazon at a better price and delivered with 24 hours.

Wilko are also reasonably priced for stuff like Ethernet cabling or RF leads. Whenever I've been to a Maplin, I've found more staff than customers in store.

My local Maplin is also not in the main shopping area, but in a more industrial area about half a mile away.

all new Phil wrote: Mon 19 Feb, 2018 21.33 Once upon a time I would have used Maplin a lot for work out of necessity. I can now get everything I need from Amazon at a better price and delivered with 24 hours.

I find that the things I would've used to get from Maplin aren't stocked these days, and they only offer collect from store in "5 - 7 days". CPC does guaranteed next morning delivery, at a fraction of the price.

Maplin are offering a £5 voucher if you click and collect in store if you spend over £10. Getting desperate.