"The problem independents have is they have to move on, evolve, create a niche or die."
I think you will find that the Independents need to stay as Independents and fight on the good service and knowledge front. People often say evolve which is slang for do more on the net, which may be true but its interesting that all of the companies gone are either internet only or have chased that market hard. The only winners in the short term are the manufactures as their product is still getting out there and the public. In the long term the Independent cant continue to chase the price down as rents and utilities go up year on year so people need to support their independent, even if it means a day out to do it. What did we do 10 years ago? We went out for the day and actually talked to someone who knew what they did for a living and took something home with us.
So support the independent or this time next year there will be less and you will have further to travel to look at and feel that tent and equipment.
Erwin I agree with you, I worked in the retail sector for 11 years and 10 of them in the independent trade, I run my own company that is independent.
I for one support independents and will buy something that I have been given great advice about,have been on the other end of the wine tasters/time wasters, but just sometimes you have accept this country has the largest percentage of online shopper per head than anywhere else in the developed world and they are trying to get the best value money for themselves.
Evolve - Maybe slang for the net, however most companies think that an online shop will be a game changer, it won't unless you work hard at that and develop your client base. The retailer then has to mix that up with great service on the sales floor....a tall order, but that's evolution of the customer for you.
The few independent retailers on this forum add fantastic value to the community, the poor retailers come on here to defend their poor service.
Well trained and versed staff are hard to come by and will be even rarer in the future as retail hurtles towards the American way in the UK.
A lot of people are driven by price, the majority of people will shop in a supermarket and pick up some meat for their roast on Sunday, but what about the poor butcher down the road? People are a lot more guilt free nowadays...in fact why bother going to the supermarket it will get delivered to you.
The biggest enemy of retail as I see it is the councils, yes rents have gone up, but rates are flying up.
I am fortunate to live in a town with a 2 to 1 ratio of independent retailers, however the largest growth is the nationals coming in...a trend already taking place or already has in most towns.
The list of retailers listed all seem to have a go outdoors near them, this could be good or bad for any retailer, what can you do about it? Nothing? shrug? moan? give up? try threefold? offer something different?
I feel sorry all those involved in the independent trade, it's their lively hood that can be lost, but that is the risk taken of running your own business.
Post last edited on 05/02/2014 16:44:12
Post last edited on 05/02/2014 16:52:51
------------- It's better to ask a silly question than make a silly mistake.
Youlbury a reduction in rates may help (in the short term) but the way people shop is radically changing.
Supermarkets and the Internet are having an impact and changing the way we shop. From only being able to visit a shop when it was open you can now shop when it's convenient for you at 8:00pm or 3:00am any day of the week. Ideal if you are a busy mum etc.
I've had my groceries delivered for the past three years and it has radically changed the way I shop for them. Instead of walking round a supermarket, selecting what I need, being tempted by the special offers (as you do), queuing up, paying for the goods, loading the car, driving home, unloading the car. I just do it on line, book a slot and wait for the delivery, I normally tidy the house whilst waiting. I've found I spend less money as not tempted by the special offers and you know what you will pay before the final checkout. I'd be devastated if the service was stopped. As a result I've stopped owning a car which to be honest I've found quite liberating. I know living in London has been another reason to make this possible. I'll either hire a car or use Zip Car which hire cars by the hour.
And before we get too sentimental about independent stores some of them are awful, overpriced and give terrible service. I personally believe the Internet levels the field. Allowing an independent shop to trade nationally rather than locally giving it a much bigger market.
Quote: Originally posted by mcguire6078 on 05/2/2014Youlbury a reduction in rates may help (in the short term) but the way people shop is radically changing.
Supermarkets and the Internet are having an impact and changing the way we shop. From only being able to visit a shop when it was open you can now shop when it's convenient for you at 8:00pm or 3:00am any day of the week. Ideal if you are a busy mum etc.
I've had my groceries delivered for the past three years and it has radically changed the way I shop for them. Instead of walking round a supermarket, selecting what I need, being tempted by the special offers (as you do), queuing up, paying for the goods, loading the car, driving home, unloading the car. I just do it on line, book a slot and wait for the delivery, I normally tidy the house whilst waiting. I've found I spend less money as not tempted by the special offers and you know what you will pay before the final checkout. I'd be devastated if the service was stopped. As a result I've stopped owning a car which to be honest I've found quite liberating. I know living in London has been another reason to make this possible. I'll either hire a car or use Zip Car which hire cars by the hour.
And before we get too sentimental about independent stores some of them are awful, overpriced and give terrible service. I personally believe the Internet levels the field. Allowing an independent shop to trade nationally rather than locally giving it a much bigger market.
I agree, however I only mention rates because who will be able to afford them? Big nationals. I agree it would be a sticking plaster rather than a solution, a friend has a shop the rates have tripled, not his rent.
I also agree about the point about independents , we should care about the ones that care about the customers the rest can vanish all I care...people have always walked with their feet.
Anyway back the original subject, I have only had one experience via the internet with Caseys and that was positive, I hope the staff at Caseys are kept on by Winfields and wish them all the best of luck for the future.
------------- It's better to ask a silly question than make a silly mistake.
Quote: Originally posted by mcguire6078 on 05/2/2014
I personally believe the Internet levels the field. Allowing an independent shop to trade nationally rather than locally giving it a much bigger market.
That's a different way of looking at it, Mac, profound even... And a very good point, if I may say so.
It's odd that some survive and others clearly don't. Go Outdoors survive perhaps because they are not just a camping shop, but are busy year round for walkers, equestrian, winter clothing etc. Outdoor Megastore appear to buy in bulk and have a very comprehensive website, probably one of the better online dealers.
Maybe there's just too much overcrowding in the marketplace, and some of the smaller units that can't buy in bulk have struggled to compete, unless, as has been said, they try to adopt a niche.
------------- MAY 2017 - Loch Ken, Scotland
JUNE 2017 - Sango Sands, Durness, Scotland
AUGUST 2017 - Balloch O Dee, Galloway and Invergarry
SEPTEMBER 2017 - three brief trips
OCTOBER 2017 - hopefully one final trip before Halloween
Quote: Originally posted by welshwiz1 on 02/2/2014
I dont think winfields will move into the site, they have a new shop with loads of indoor space a few miles away
Not that close really.
I've just been surfing around and it would seem that Winfields have probably taken them over rather than they've gone into receivership. Sorry if that's been covered in the last few posts, which I just skimmed through.
Quote: Originally posted by Erwin on 04/2/2014
A lot of outdoor shops going under now as people want to use them for good advice and touch feel but prefer to buy online. Overheads are high to pitch tents just for people to look at and ask questions and go away and think about . . . . which means go on the internet.
Shops to close in last 10 months inc
Great Outdoors
Riversway leisure
ABC camping
Is that abc in swansea?
Escape outdoors(Outdoor world warrington)
Life style and leisure
Caseys leisure
Sad news for all those of us who want a good independent retailer but dont want to pay the little extra it costs for that extra mile.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Casey:s Chester in Administration
