Local shops

[Noodley]

Are they still viable?

 

[Fab Foodie]

maybe

 

[marinyork]

Until 7th March, yes.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Are these local shops for local people?

 

[marinyork]

Local somerfield is going. That's where I do shopping and other shops near it.

**Avoids Noodley's special stuff from the butchers. Doesn't want any trouble here**

 

[Noodley]

I imagine it depends on a number of factors, beyond 7th March.

'Global' rather than 'local' seems to be viewed as the accepted norm.

 

[marinyork]

Nah it's the merger with the coop. The competition commission made them sell it off. This is the second time I've been done in by those blighters, they made morrisons sell a store that would be very welcome and we got a waitrose instead .

 

[Noodley]

Nah it's the merger with the coop. The competition commission made them sell it off. This is the second time I've been done in by those blighters, they made morrisons sell a store that would be very welcome and we got a waitrose instead .

But none of them are 'local' as they have a 'global' presence. I am speaking about independent shops, maybe one shop maybe a few based on a local network. Have people become too accustomed to 'global' brands? Do they trust 'brands' more than 'local'?

 

[marinyork]

I already said, I do the rest of my shoppping at other local stores. There's a local butchers. My point is if the small supermarket goes it makes it less efficient to shop at these local shops. So it is something on my mind at the moment.

 

[Noodley]

I already said, I do the rest of my shoppping at other local stores. There's a local butchers. My point is if the small supermarket goes it makes it less efficient to shop at these local shops. So it is something on my mind at the moment.

Fair point, as small supermarkets tend to be on the same high streets as the independents rather than 'out of town global' brands.

So, back to my original question: are local shops viable?

And I ask this as a former owner of a 'local' independent shop.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I think local shops are still viable, but they have to offer something that the "Globals" cannot, be it product, product knowledge, differentiated service, different ambience/experience etc. I think local shops need to "think" local, they can't compete face to face with the big boys, they need a different story. Be specialised, excell in their field. Around here there are a few farm-shops doing mega-business, an amazing bakery and several very good butchers. The local cheese store (blessed are the cheesemakers... and vendors... and former vendors) does a magnificent trade and we have Waitrose, Tesco, Somerfield and Coop in tiny Abingdon. We have a good supply of small local shops that if the local council don't destroy should continue to prosper. Having said that, it's fairly affluent around here which helps.

 

[marinyork]

I think local shops are viable but they vary so much. I'm always surprised when I go to Leeds how vibrant and busy some local shops are. They tend to do well in areas that are less well off and have a student population probably because you're a bit more likely to get a core of business walking there perhaps. Local shops also seem greatly affected by changes (inevitably made over time) that means it's hard or unpleasant for peds to get there (busy, complicated junctions, grotty developments or underpasses etc) or for other business getting by car have nowhere to park which also seems to happen.

 

[Night Train]

I think they are viable but they need to fill a specific need. My dad had a 'local shop' selling electrical goods and hardware from a single screw to industrial motors and ventillation units. He also did little jobs like fixing lamps and kettles for little old ladies.

However, it only paid because he owned the shop outright, with the accommodation above, and it was sited in a desirable part of north London.

I would love to be running a little local shop doing as my dad did but I don't know if it would work here.

I do use the local shops whenever I can but I think the local bike shop has closed now.

 

[rich p]

I own a local shop (albeit niche and off the high street) selling shopfittings to the retail trade. The local independent shops that use us have been in decline for about a year now. This is clear from talking to them and looking at our turnover(!). Other factors like the rise in internet shopping contribute but the downward trend started long before the collapse in confidence in the Autumn.

 

[mr Mag00]

my partner closed hers down on xmas eve so i would have to say no