My nearest M&S (Walsall) also closed recently and I initially thought it was a shame, right up until the moment I tried to remember when I last went in there. Not for several years, that's for sure.
The reason had nothing to do with the quality of the clothing, or the cost. Nor was the internet a factor, because there are few things worse than ordering an item of clothing to come in the post, having to wait in for it, opening the packaging, realising it either doesn't fit or you don't like it and having to go to the bother of packaging it back up and going to the post office to return it.
No. Part of the reason was the decision of the local Council to remove 2 hours free parking from the side roads and install pay and display meters. But mostly it was that the store was only open between 9am and 5.30pm Monday-Saturday and I think 11am-4pm on Sunday. During these times on at least five, occasionally six days we're both at work, and on the remaining days we have more interesting, enjoyable and/or pressing things to do. Which is why, if I ever need a pair of trousers, it's much easier to go to my nearest large supermarket, which is open 24 hours.
I know it's not a direct comparison, but I'm reminded of the resort in Portugal that we stayed at a few years ago. The shops opened around lunchtime and stayed open til around 10pm to cater for all those visiting the pubs and beach in the afternoon and evening. And they were packed.
My suggestion to save the High Street then is simple. Allow the shops to alter their opening hours so that those who have money to spend in them can actually go.
I'm not saying that EVERY shop has to stay open for 12+ hours EVERY day. But why not open late morning for lunchtime trade, close early to mid-afternoon and re-open again in the evening? Or, as a trial, stay open late for a few evenings a week and compensate by re-introducing early closing on the remaining days?
And one final condition - if my plan works, councils must use the increased revenue to scrap car parking charges.
------------- "Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."
Lots of shops in Manchester open at 10 am and stay open later.
Not that I shop there much either. My local town shops are 9-5.30 mainly, with some Sunday shopping. However anyone wanting retail therapy on a Sunday will more likely head to Manchester or the Trafford Centre (free parking there, clean, and no beggars). Now our town is building a new shopping/leisure block with a cinema. Not sure how that will improve things when we have 2 other shopping centres with empty shops.
Some years back I worked in a shop in a small shopping centre with a Tesco store, they opened at 8.30, we opened at 9. I went in almost every day before work, as did lots of other people too.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: M&S
