Topic ID 3969
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7749530.stm With the imminent collapse of Woolworths how do people feel Hertford without Woolworths would be? Personally I feel Woolworths is by far the most useful shop in Hertford. It supplies so much from CDs to computer games, toys to sweets. There isn't much that it doesn't supply and in a town lacking in similar stores, I believe if it goes the town will be a lot worse off for it. I am sure I will get flack for this from the independent retail brigade, but for sheer variety and value, there is nothing in the town to match it I'm afraid.
Reply ID 57569
I agree.
Reply ID 57570
yes disaster, where else to get pic n mix!!
Reply ID 57571
I'd be gutted if Woolworths closed I got my Wii Fit from there a few months back when everywhere else had sold out. I also got my Wii from there the day it was released too! Great place for toys too, as they always have offers on. Way better that WH SMiths for entertainment stuff.
Reply ID 57572
Would be a shame if it does close, especially as it would leave the top end of Maidenhead St in a pretty sorry state given that the old Macdonalds building is still empty. I hope the council can get their arses in gear and make it attractive for new businesses to take on the premises
Reply ID 57575
According to Planning Dept at East Herts they have a list of over 50 High Street names (declared at the last Community Voice) just itching to move into Hertford. So if the axe falls the place won't be empty for long. But this rumour of Woolies closing in Hertford has been going for about three years or more - and all those names on the Council hit list are themselves part of a much larger multiple group who are already cutting back. So don't hold your breath.
Reply ID 57577
quote:That being the case Sloop why is have Macdonalds and Ultimate Audio Visual both been empty so long?
Originally posted by sloopjohnb
According to Planning Dept at East Herts they have a list of over 50 High Street names (declared at the last Community Voice) just itching to move into Hertford. So if the axe falls the place won't be empty for long. But this rumour of Woolies closing in Hertford has been going for about three years or more - and all those names on the Council hit list are themselves part of a much larger multiple group who are already cutting back. So don't hold your breath.
Reply ID 57580
quote:What do you suggest they might do?
Originally posted by james
I hope the council can get their arses in gear and make it attractive for new businesses to take on the premises
Reply ID 57582
Sorry Marilyn there is no smiley to show high levels of irony and cynicism. In my previous incarnation I got many enquiries from business people looking to locate in Hertford. Some on this forum and I'm proud to say that some of the new businesses in town are here as a result of such a call. I may have put off many more because it was the wrong sort of business etc etc. but I have no idea what day to day contact East Herts Planning have with potential investors. I got a call from them once to tell me that Sainsbury's had bought the McMullens site. Nice of them but I knew that some three months earlier. I can say this because it was said in an open and public forum. One Planning Officer told me that I most probably knew more about what was happening to the old McDonalds building than they did. Nice to get the compliment but some of you may wonder how on earth this can come about; and why there is no more any contact between the business sector and District Council. There is a glimmer of hope in the New Year and will post here as things develop.
Reply ID 57583
Just seems strange that Landlords will leave places empty, especially now they have to pay business rates after 3 months ( well at least until April they do!)if there are companies wanting to come. But then I never did understand all this complex stuff. Just seems such a shame to have empty places that look less than attractive in and around town, I can understand some of the units would be too small but lets just hope it does pick up in the new year
Reply ID 57585
Last night, whilst trying to locate a specific toy for my grandchild, Woolworoths' website was down, but i am pleased to see it is up and running again this morning. I really hope this is good news, and that someone will keep it afloat. Hertfordians would really miss our dear old *Woolies* -- their goods are reasonable, and their *Ladybird* range of kiddies clothing is always a must for school uniform etc. Save our Woolies - I say! [IMG]http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/loveshower.gif[/IMG]
Reply ID 57591
quote:About as much chance of that as the Pope becoming vicar of All Saints I'm afraid.
Originally posted by james
I hope the council can get their arses in gear
Reply ID 57593
Woolworths to be bought by BBC...we all own it now!
Reply ID 57595
quote:I think that is only a DVD production company they co owned..............
Originally posted by carlos fandango
Woolworths to be bought by BBC...we all own it now!
Reply ID 57598
Might become a Poundland, or should I say a Ninety-seven point eightsevenland (with 15% vat)...
Reply ID 57600
quote:only after next monday [:D]
Originally posted by Arty
Might become a Poundland, or should I say a Ninety-seven point eightsevenland (with 15% vat)...
Reply ID 57605
Blimey... Formal decision in half an hour at 6.00pm. [url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7751064.stm/"]Woolies goes into administration[/url]
Reply ID 57606
Hopefully the administrators will be able to find a buyer for the business. It's a strong brand, but needs to redefine itself. As I understand it, it was cashflow problems that led top the administrators being called in. They were having to pay cash for everything because insurers weren't prepared to insure the company's suppliers.
Reply ID 57607
I've just had a look at the Woolworths website and they have removed all hardware, clothing and toys to buy. There is only entertainment stuff such as dvds, cds, books and computer games available. http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/index.jsp
Reply ID 57610
99 years in business what a shame - Ive been going in the Hertford branch since I was a kid anyone know when it opened?
Reply ID 57613
quote:Needless to say, if you do buy anything from the website then use a CREDIT card. That way if it goes tits up then you can get your money back.
Originally posted by James007
I've just had a look at the Woolworths website and they have removed all hardware, clothing and toys to buy. There is only entertainment stuff such as dvds, cds, books and computer games available. http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/index.jsp
Reply ID 57618
Bum, I was counting on Woolies to get a Wii Fit before xmas
Reply ID 57622
quote:Well, technically, everything between now and closing time on xmas eve is 'before xmas' so could you not get one from Woolies tomorrow/ Saturday?[:)] Failing that, Mrs P saw WHSmiths advertising Wii Fit were in stock.
Originally posted by thefair1973
Bum, I was counting on Woolies to get a Wii Fit before xmas
Reply ID 57627
Woolworths will lose staff across the country, that is guaranteed. People have to remember the suppliers to Woolies, some of which work for companies such as WH Smith which may close. Maybe not the tip of the downfall yet, but getting close. Very sad news as recession looms.
Reply ID 57628
quote:Hmm. Yes and no. If you check out our friends on St Andrew St Intent Media: http://www.mcvuk.com http://www.mcvuk.com They have a lot of news on what is happening. From what I understand, if anyone is hoping for a fire sale on stuff like games, movies, DVDs and music, forget it. It's sister company is a distributor and I'm sure when it comes out of administration as a seperate company it will simply buy all Woolies entertainment stock and sell it on. The only thing I can see getting a fire sale would be any woolies branded stuff. Some companies will be affected but entertainment suppliers should be fine. As for the general economy, with MFI going on the same day, it's not been a good one.
Originally posted by James007
Woolworths will lose staff across the country, that is guaranteed. People have to remember the suppliers to Woolies, some of which work for companies such as WH Smith which may close. Maybe not the tip of the downfall yet, but getting close. Very sad news as recession looms.
Reply ID 57630
Brockman - did you hear the Jigsaw company man on 5 live this morning? I believe he is based locally - £300,000 supply to Woolworths for Christmas, saying that his company took a gamble to supply rather than have stock in the Warehouse.
Reply ID 57633
MFI is going bust as well!
Reply ID 57635
This is very sad news. Apart from the fact we use Woolies, a lot of people are now looking for jobs. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Reply ID 57636
If someone has the cojones and of course the money I'm convinced there's a decent business in there somewhere.
Reply ID 57637
quote:I managed to pick one up from Toys R Us in Harlow a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday morning and they still had stock left. Not sure how many they get delivered each time, but could be worth a try if WH Smiths have sold out.
thefair1973 Posted Bum, I was counting on Woolies to get a Wii Fit before xmas
Reply ID 57640
quote:http://www.play.com has 42 Wii Fits in stock at £111.00 if thats any help.
Originally posted by Busterquote:I managed to pick one up from Toys R Us in Harlow a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday morning and they still had stock left. Not sure how many they get delivered each time, but could be worth a try if WH Smiths have sold out.
thefair1973 Posted Bum, I was counting on Woolies to get a Wii Fit before xmas
Reply ID 57641
£100 for a wii fit on ebuyer http://www.ebuyer.com/product/142895
Reply ID 57642
Woolworth's problems stemmed from senior management getting distracted by things such as the Big Red Book trying to compete with Argos and repeated changes of brand that ignored local conditions e.g. they closed city centre stores and then a bit later went back into city centres, they tried superstores and then abandoned them. Smaller stores like Hertford are often profitable despite the fact that Woolworth's supply chain and logistics were often woeful in supplying inappropriate items or items in inappropriate ranges and numbers. There was too much management speak and control from the centre rather than looking at the markets they were in an adapting accordingly. Perhaps a similar store like Wilkinsons will see an opening in Hertford?
Reply ID 57649
Andrew has a good point. Groups like Woolworths appoint managers to manage stores in a local community and then take away their ability to manage by giving them no control over what is stocked. In my time as an Off Licence manager the company insisted I stocked certain lines for which each stock audit proved that there was no demand. Accross countless lines this is a lot of money tied up in stock that sits on shelves gathering dust. Stock equals money, money equals your buying budget and if you are likely to get a warning for an overstock then you don't order more than your budget allows. There are ways in the secret retail managers handbook of shifting dead stock but see my ebook. Alternatively because I was a 4 star shop I couldn't officially order 5 star stock. I did anyway and the place was actually very profitable, because I understood the local needs. Once you introduce EPOS tills with limited managerial override then a trained monkey could run the place on a pay packet of ripe bananas. Back to the local Woollies. If staff who listen to what the customers wants but are prevented from ordering it then it is not their fault if the store goes tits up. Sometimes popular lines are distributed to the larger stores first so the small local one gets a reputation for being out of touch etc etc. Then you have the merchandisers and space jockeys, point of sale pressure and promotional tat - all paid for by the product owners and which you have to find space for at the expense of suff that might sell better, even if you know that none of it will sell in your own store. Paradoxically the big groups love the concept of the local store for local people but try their damndest to make every one of them look exactly like the other so that you always know where you are. In short I'm glad I'm out of retail.
Reply ID 57650
I think it was Robert Peston who said yesterday that it was the smaller stores that were more likely to stay open.
Reply ID 57662
quote:You'll struggle to find it. It lost its way years ago. Woolies tries to satisfy many needs and ends up doing nothing well.
Originally posted by Jackanapes
If someone has the cojones and of course the money I'm convinced there's a decent business in there somewhere.
Reply ID 57664
All is not lost... From The Daily Telegraph: [url="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/3532042/Woolies-bidding-war-is-brewing.html"]Woolies bidding war is brewing[/url] "Woolworths' administrator is confident of finding a buyer for the rump of the business – protecting tens of thousands of jobs and ensuring the Woolworths name survives.
Reply ID 58056
I see on BBC News on-line that Woolworths are starting a closing down sale for all their 800+ stores as from tomorrow. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7776113.stm Now is the time to see if all those major High Street names on the Council hit list flock to Hertford to size up the territory. The shop looks empty already and I sympathise with the staff, many of whom I have come to know well over the years. But who is going to take the place on? And why? Now we have two black holes at the end of Maidenhead Street, plus the Woolwich which was rumoured to become a betting shop. To all those who believe we need a Macs (DB where are you?), shoe shop, baby shop, computer shop, DIY store, etc etc where are you all. Now's the time to snap up a prime site and live the dream.
Reply ID 58059
Yep it's happening. Maidenhead Street is rapidly becoming Hertford's answer to Hoddesdon's Tower Centre.
Reply ID 58061
quote:Almost, except Tower Centre was always a white elephant because it was such a bleak, windswept place to shop. Add to that the lime whch would leach out of the second-rate concrete and burn the paint off your car while it sat in the underground car park. The decline of Maidenhead Street has more to do with the demise of the town centre supermarkets and department stores and those little two wheeled tartan trollies, in which shopping could be easily (but not stylishly) walked home. The big players went for drive to sites and the public followed. The difficult premises are the big ones. The old Finefare site and now,(possibly)Woolworths.
Originally posted by aubend
Yep it's happening. Maidenhead Street is rapidly becoming Hertford's answer to Hoddesdon's Tower Centre.
Reply ID 58088
2 Big premeses could be taken up by 2 chains. We could do with a Next and perhaps a couple of the Arcadia Stores [}:)]
Reply ID 58104
...and of course while there is a giant closing down sale in Hertford near to Christmas, many of us independents will suffer as there's only so much money in people's budgets for presies...
Reply ID 58107
quote:And do you mean to say that you don't also shop around for the best bargains?
Originally posted by Arty
...and of course while there is a giant closing down sale in Hertford near to Christmas, many of us independents will suffer as there's only so much money in people's budgets for presies...
Reply ID 58109
quote:Of course![:)] but I do believe that there is such (sad to say) momentum in this sale that it's bound have a detrimental effect on purchases elsewhere in the run up to Christmas - especially in these 'credit crunch' times, and in a small town like Hertford.
Originally posted by buzzquote:And do you mean to say that you don't also shop around for the best bargains?
Originally posted by Arty
...and of course while there is a giant closing down sale in Hertford near to Christmas, many of us independents will suffer as there's only so much money in people's budgets for presies...
Reply ID 58110
Wooly,s closing down sale is just a bit of a scam as they put up posters saying 50% off and when you go in the store most items are just 10% or 20% perhaps Primark might move in?
Reply ID 58113
quote:Well, as someone else has said (and a friend confirmed) Woollies sale ain't what it's cracked up to be. However, much as I would like to support local independent traders, I am on a fixed income (a pension actually), and I have to look after No.1. I don't owe anyone a living, and I'm sorry but if local traders go to the wall, it's not my fault. I would quite like to be a philathanthropist but I can't afford it!! Perhaps if you could persuade the energy suppliers to cut my bills for electricity and gas I could be more benevolent......but it ain't gonna happen
Originally posted by Artyquote:Of course![:)] but I do believe that there is such (sad to say) momentum in this sale that it's bound have a detrimental effect on purchases elsewhere in the run up to Christmas - especially in these 'credit crunch' times, and in a small town like Hertford.
Originally posted by buzzquote:And do you mean to say that you don't also shop around for the best bargains?
Originally posted by Arty
...and of course while there is a giant closing down sale in Hertford near to Christmas, many of us independents will suffer as there's only so much money in people's budgets for presies...
Reply ID 58116
quote:buzz - You advocate one thing in a thread and yet another here. Quote from the restaurant thread re VAT: If you don't have a problem with being charged at the old VAT rate...that's fine, it's your decision. However,not leaving a tip does not hurt the restaurant, it hurts the low paid waiters/waitresses who look for that as a major part of their income. I really can't support your view on this. Why don't you tip the staff at Woolies who might help you find a toy or dvd and are about to lose their jobs? [8]
Originally posted by buzzquote:Well, as someone else has said (and a friend confirmed) Woollies sale ain't what it's cracked up to be. However, much as I would like to support local independent traders, I am on a fixed income (a pension actually), and I have to look after No.1. I don't owe anyone a living, and I'm sorry but if local traders go to the wall, it's not my fault. I would quite like to be a philathanthropist but I can't afford it!! Perhaps if you could persuade the energy suppliers to cut my bills for electricity and gas I could be more benevolent......but it ain't gonna happen
Originally posted by Artyquote:Of course![:)] but I do believe that there is such (sad to say) momentum in this sale that it's bound have a detrimental effect on purchases elsewhere in the run up to Christmas - especially in these 'credit crunch' times, and in a small town like Hertford.
Originally posted by buzzquote:And do you mean to say that you don't also shop around for the best bargains?
Originally posted by Arty
...and of course while there is a giant closing down sale in Hertford near to Christmas, many of us independents will suffer as there's only so much money in people's budgets for presies...
Reply ID 58118
quote:Because that ain't the way it works! People who work as waiting staff in restaurants do so in the expectation that the tips are going to make their pay up to an almost reasonable level. People who work in Woollies don't.!
Originally posted by James007quote:buzz - You advocate one thing in a thread and yet another here. Quote from the restaurant thread re VAT: If you don't have a problem with being charged at the old VAT rate...that's fine, it's your decision. However,not leaving a tip does not hurt the restaurant, it hurts the low paid waiters/waitresses who look for that as a major part of their income. I really can't support your view on this. Why don't you tip the staff at Woolies who might help you find a toy or dvd and are about to lose their jobs? [8]
Originally posted by buzzquote:Well, as someone else has said (and a friend confirmed) Woollies sale ain't what it's cracked up to be. However, much as I would like to support local independent traders, I am on a fixed income (a pension actually), and I have to look after No.1. I don't owe anyone a living, and I'm sorry but if local traders go to the wall, it's not my fault. I would quite like to be a philathanthropist but I can't afford it!! Perhaps if you could persuade the energy suppliers to cut my bills for electricity and gas I could be more benevolent......but it ain't gonna happen
Originally posted by Artyquote:Of course![:)] but I do believe that there is such (sad to say) momentum in this sale that it's bound have a detrimental effect on purchases elsewhere in the run up to Christmas - especially in these 'credit crunch' times, and in a small town like Hertford.
Originally posted by buzzquote:And do you mean to say that you don't also shop around for the best bargains?
Originally posted by Arty
...and of course while there is a giant closing down sale in Hertford near to Christmas, many of us independents will suffer as there's only so much money in people's budgets for presies...
Reply ID 58119
quote:Yes, but in a place like Hertford in the run up to Christmas, there'll still be a market for the more unique and interesting things that a shop like yours sells and Woolies don't.
Originally posted by Arty
...and of course while there is a giant closing down sale in Hertford near to Christmas, many of us independents will suffer as there's only so much money in people's budgets for presies...
Reply ID 58120
quote:Yep. Aubend is right. After all, part of the reason why Woolies failed was because it did sold the same stuff as the supermarket, but the supermarkets did it better.
Originally posted by dennismoorequote:Yes, but in a place like Hertford in the run up to Christmas, there'll still be a market for the more unique and interesting things that a shop like yours sells and Woolies don't.
Originally posted by Arty
...and of course while there is a giant closing down sale in Hertford near to Christmas, many of us independents will suffer as there's only so much money in people's budgets for presies...
Reply ID 58467
hertford store is closing on 27th dec.
Reply ID 58468
quote:I'm not sure they did it better. That they did it was enough. By putting Woolworths type stock alongside food, people didn't need to shop in two places. I'm sure there are many who rarely visit any other shop than the supermarket that they use for food. Woolworths and many other non-food retailers stand very little chance in the face of that.
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:Yep. Aubend is right. After all, part of the reason why Woolies failed was because it did sold the same stuff as the supermarket, but the supermarkets did it better.
Originally posted by dennismoorequote:Yes, but in a place like Hertford in the run up to Christmas, there'll still be a market for the more unique and interesting things that a shop like yours sells and Woolies don't.
Originally posted by Arty
...and of course while there is a giant closing down sale in Hertford near to Christmas, many of us independents will suffer as there's only so much money in people's budgets for presies...
Reply ID 58471
quote:So is it closed 25th and 26th and just opening and closing finallly on 27th? Just seems strange not to finish it on 24th.........or stay to 31st, must be a reason I guess.
Originally posted by codek2
hertford store is closing on 27th dec.
Reply ID 58472
quote:The BBC website says that the first 200 stores will close on 27th - so I assume as you say close on 25/26th and then re-open for one day. I guess it could just be "tidying up". All Woolies stores will close by 5th January 2009.
Originally posted by Marilynquote:So is it closed 25th and 26th and just opening and closing finallly on 27th? Just seems strange not to finish it on 24th.........or stay to 31st, must be a reason I guess.
Originally posted by codek2
hertford store is closing on 27th dec.
Reply ID 58474
The staff are remaining on for a few days after to clear up. I guess thats why 27th, not sure.
Reply ID 58478
Can the last people in Maidenhead St please turn out the lights....
Reply ID 58479
quote:The same to all town centers, I'm afraid. As the food giants intrude ever further into other sectors, Woolworth will certainly not be the last. There will come a time when there will be a choice of very few, from which to buy all goods and services. The end of competition and choice for the consumer.[V]
Originally posted by Bubbaoshea
Can the last people in Maidenhead St please turn out the lights....
Reply ID 58486
The Telegraph is reporting that 51 Woolworths stores have been sold to Iceland (the frozen food chain, not the country!) safeguarding 2000 jobs. No mention of which sites though.
Reply ID 58488
I have to say once Woolworths closes Maidenhead St is going to start looking bare, with 2 huge stores empty. The wife mentioned to me the other day that she saw a closing down sign in the window of Coles as well? Is that true? If so that would be another store gone!
Reply ID 58489
quote:It was a Stock Clearance sign - not a Closing Down sign.
Originally posted by Bubbaoshea
The wife mentioned to me the other day that she saw a closing down sign in the window of Coles as well? Is that true? If so that would be another store gone!
Reply ID 58495
Ah that answers that one then.
Reply ID 58513
RIP Woolies. Gone to the giant pic'n'mix in the sky. [:(]
Reply ID 58515
quote:'bout to say speaking as a Hammer, would not recommend.....[:(]
Originally posted by Steve
The Telegraph is reporting that 51 Woolworths stores have been sold to Iceland (the frozen food chain, not the country!)
Reply ID 58543
Very sad to see the store bare today.
Reply ID 58544
It's very sad to see Woolies go, who'll be next? I bet it won't be that fine upstanding emporium on the Ware road.Maidenhead street looks like a sad old backwater. The heart of Hertford is slowly but surely sliding into charity shop land.
Reply ID 59127
Sad to see that the Hertford site is not one of the ones being bought by Iceland. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7820981.stm
Reply ID 59128
I agree Ray though not entirely unexpected given that Iceland left Hertford previously. Interesting that the Iceland Group is owned by an Icelandic investment comapny, Baugur - have we, ironically, indirectly invested in these ex-Woolworths stores through our County Council investments moving via Icelandic banks into Icelandic companies?
![http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/loveshower.gif[/IMG]](http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/loveshower.gif[/IMG]){kind=link}