Topic ID 4008
Grim news . [url="http://www.herald24.co.uk/content/herald/news/story.aspx?brand=EHHOnline&category=NewsEastHerts&tBrand=HertsCambsOnline&tCategory=newslatestEHH&itemid=WEED15%20Dec%202008%2014%3A48%3A30%3A090"]76 Jobs Set To Be Axed At Hertford Firm[/url]
Reply ID 58222
what an interesting company shame they've gone under. how does KPMG go about finding a buyer for such a company, any ideas?
Reply ID 59014
I noticed in the paper today that M&S are closing 25 of their Simply Food stores - Hertford is not on the list fortunately but I hope that this is not a sign that the axe is hanging over their food only outlets.
Reply ID 59015
Previously reported... http://www.hertford.net/blog/#engineering_firm_shuts http://www.hertford.net/blog/#engineering_firm_shuts http://www.hertford.net/blog/#engineering_firm_shuts [:)]
Reply ID 59017
For what it's worth, many of the companies that are now going under were in trouble before the downturn, so to blame the recession for their failure is a little unfair maybe. More a case of the final nail in the coffin.
Reply ID 59021
Shame - I used to work there and some of the people I worked with are still there....for now.
Reply ID 59034
quote:Absolutely right - when you look at companies like Woolworths that have been around for 100 years. This is not the first economic downturn for 100 years, so there must be other factors at play.
Originally posted by Steve
For what it's worth, many of the companies that are now going under were in trouble before the downturn, so to blame the recession for their failure is a little unfair maybe. More a case of the final nail in the coffin.
Reply ID 59036
quote:Indeed. Woolworths and many High Street retailers have struggled against the big food traders duplicating their stock for some time. It's not a question of them not moving with the times, or even price. There's virtually no trade any could have switched to, which wouldn't have appeared on the end of the rice and pasta isle the following week, once`demonstrated to be in demand. Smaller firms dissapear all the time, particularly in the early years of their formation. Any that do now will be added to the "we're all doomed" list.
Originally posted by jez_pquote:Absolutely right - when you look at companies like Woolworths that have been around for 100 years. This is not the first economic downturn for 100 years, so there must be other factors at play.
Originally posted by Steve
For what it's worth, many of the companies that are now going under were in trouble before the downturn, so to blame the recession for their failure is a little unfair maybe. More a case of the final nail in the coffin.
Reply ID 59063
quote:I'm sure there was more that Woolworths could have done long ago to turn themselves around. Take Boots for example they used to be just a Chemist, but then they diversified. They do photo developing, make-up, fragrances, electrical, baby products, sandwiches... Including many items which you can't just get in a supermarket. Woolworths never changed!
Originally posted by shuntquote:Indeed. Woolworths and many High Street retailers have struggled against the big food traders duplicating their stock for some time. It's not a question of them not moving with the times, or even price. There's virtually no trade any could have switched to, which wouldn't have appeared on the end of the rice and pasta isle the following week, once`demonstrated to be in demand. Smaller firms dissapear all the time, particularly in the early years of their formation. Any that do now will be added to the "we're all doomed" list.
Originally posted by jez_pquote:Absolutely right - when you look at companies like Woolworths that have been around for 100 years. This is not the first economic downturn for 100 years, so there must be other factors at play.
Originally posted by Steve
For what it's worth, many of the companies that are now going under were in trouble before the downturn, so to blame the recession for their failure is a little unfair maybe. More a case of the final nail in the coffin.
Reply ID 59064
quote:I disagree. Woolworths was broken biscuits, sticker soles, balls of string, pot and pans, pick'n'mix and mops and buckets in when I was a child. It then took on the Ladybird childrens range, then toys, then electrical accessories, cheap tools and diy and, in their best move ever, records, cd's, games, DVD's, TVs. Learning from every success or failure, the food giants stalked their every move. Boots on the other hand has changed little in the same time. No.7, the Boots make-up brand was worn by my grandmother and who needs photo processing these days? Boots may well be next as supermarkets add dispensaries. As it stands, there are only a few specialist products (diabetic snacks etc.) in Boots which supermarkets haven't already added to their shelves, albeit in limited ranges.
Originally posted by DCI monkfishquote:I'm sure there was more that Woolworths could have done long ago to turn themselves around. Take Boots for example they used to be just a Chemist, but then they diversified. They do photo developing, make-up, fragrances, electrical, baby products, sandwiches... Including many items which you can't just get in a supermarket. Woolworths never changed!
Originally posted by shuntquote:Indeed. Woolworths and many High Street retailers have struggled against the big food traders duplicating their stock for some time. It's not a question of them not moving with the times, or even price. There's virtually no trade any could have switched to, which wouldn't have appeared on the end of the rice and pasta isle the following week, once`demonstrated to be in demand. Smaller firms dissapear all the time, particularly in the early years of their formation. Any that do now will be added to the "we're all doomed" list.
Originally posted by jez_pquote:Absolutely right - when you look at companies like Woolworths that have been around for 100 years. This is not the first economic downturn for 100 years, so there must be other factors at play.
Originally posted by Steve
For what it's worth, many of the companies that are now going under were in trouble before the downturn, so to blame the recession for their failure is a little unfair maybe. More a case of the final nail in the coffin.
Reply ID 59083
I think Amazon killed off Woolies.
Reply ID 59099
I am really sad about Woolies,[:(] but relieved to hear that M & s will remain in Hertford.[:D] As regards to Boots and the possibility of them joining the list of failing companies, I do hope not, as their Number 7 range is still very good.(remember last year and the rush to buy the fantastic Boots' own face cream?)and they are still a brilliant store! Anyway, just wanted to say that it is so hard for local companies to be competitive when bargains for the same product can be bought either on-line or in the larger stores. A perfect example was just before Christmas, I was trying to stay loyal to a local store for a camera item, but the difference of £40 swayed me to the larger store. I dont mind a couple of pounds on an item, and i shall always try to keep local, but I am afraid due to the dire economic climate - I had to fall by the wayside and go into the darkside (this time, anyway) ....sorry Hertford.[img]http://bestsmileys.com/sad/4.gif[/img]
Reply ID 59101
quote:I have to disagree with the comment that Boots is a "brilliant store". Compared to other chemists and shops selling similar non-pharmaceutical goods, Boots are very expensive. Also, I have lost count of the number of times that the prices displayed on the shelves are totally different to what they try and charge you at the tills.
Originally posted by Jaycee
I am really sad about Woolies,[:(] but relieved to hear that M & s will remain in Hertford.[:D] As regards to Boots and the possibility of them joining the list of failing companies, I do hope not, as their Number 7 range is still very good.(remember last year and the rush to buy the fantastic Boots' own face cream?)and they are still a brilliant store! Anyway, just wanted to say that it is so hard for local companies to be competitive when bargains for the same product can be bought either on-line or in the larger stores. A perfect example was just before Christmas, I was trying to stay loyal to a local store for a camera item, but the difference of £40 swayed me to the larger store. I dont mind a couple of pounds on an item, and i shall always try to keep local, but I am afraid due to the dire economic climate - I had to fall by the wayside and go into the darkside (this time, anyway) ....sorry Hertford.[img]http://bestsmileys.com/sad/4.gif[/img]
Reply ID 59108
quote:Absolutely right there Millie. And Play.com . However, maybe there is a niche for a Pic'n'mix.com... hmmmmm [:)] Seriously though - this could possibly be an opportunity for a canny local independent trader to take up some of the slack left by the demise of Woolies by opening up a Pic'n'mix section or DVD / Games section...
Originally posted by Millie
I think Amazon killed off Woolies.
Reply ID 59111
quote:....or toys!
Originally posted by aubendquote:Absolutely right there Millie. And Play.com . However, maybe there is a niche for a Pic'n'mix.com... hmmmmm [:)] Seriously though - this could possibly be an opportunity for a canny local independent trader to take up some of the slack left by the demise of Woolies by opening up a Pic'n'mix section or DVD / Games section...
Originally posted by Millie
I think Amazon killed off Woolies.
Reply ID 59112
a toy shop would be fab (with some canny pic and mix too [;)])...everyone I know with kids bought birthday presents for other kids' parties in Woolies [:)]...me included.
Reply ID 59115
quote:If I remember correctly, Hertford used to have a toyshop on Fore Street now where the hairdressers 'Saks' is now... Many days spent in there when I was younger
Originally posted by Millie
a toy shop would be fab (with some canny pic and mix too [;)])...everyone I know with kids bought birthday presents for other kids' parties in Woolies [:)]...me included.
Reply ID 59117
quote:It had two. There was another opposite the doors to the court, where the jeweller is now.
Originally posted by Firedupinsidequote:If I remember correctly, Hertford used to have a toyshop on Fore Street now where the hairdressers 'Saks' is now... Many days spent in there when I was younger
Originally posted by Millie
a toy shop would be fab (with some canny pic and mix too [;)])...everyone I know with kids bought birthday presents for other kids' parties in Woolies [:)]...me included.
Reply ID 59118
quote:Once again, the independant toy-shop is almost a thing of the past, as they cannot afford to keep up with the prices of the likes of Toys-R-Us...etc. or the big stores, as the smaller town retailer doesn't/couldn't possibly stock the quantities and vast selection that these giant stores offer, sadly. I always loved the *personal attention* in the toyshops in Hertford and my kids(years ago) used to spend their pocket money in them, but now, with the advance of so many techno-toys and rapid turnover of stock in those stores, they just cannot possibly compete.. I would love to see a return of the local toyshop and indeed a sweetshop, but in this current financial climate I fear that it will not happen any day soon..[:(]
Originally posted by shuntquote:It had two. There was another opposite the doors to the court, where the jeweller is now.
Originally posted by Firedupinsidequote:If I remember correctly, Hertford used to have a toyshop on Fore Street now where the hairdressers 'Saks' is now... Many days spent in there when I was younger
Originally posted by Millie
a toy shop would be fab (with some canny pic and mix too [;)])...everyone I know with kids bought birthday presents for other kids' parties in Woolies [:)]...me included.
Reply ID 59125
quote:When I was young.... there used to be a toy shop in Bull Plain, it was the next shop down from Boots (which was on the corner). Tight staircase up to the first floor, I remember it well.
Originally posted by Firedupinside If I remember correctly, Hertford used to have a toyshop on Fore Street now where the hairdressers 'Saks' is now... Many days spent in there when I was younger
Reply ID 59129
quote:Really? Stevenage Toys seems to be doing alright.
Originally posted by Jayceequote:Once again, the independant toy-shop is almost a thing of the past, as they cannot afford to keep up with the prices of the likes of Toys-R-Us...etc. or the big stores, as the smaller town retailer doesn't/couldn't possibly stock the quantities and vast selection that these giant stores offer, sadly. I always loved the *personal attention* in the toyshops in Hertford and my kids(years ago) used to spend their pocket money in them, but now, with the advance of so many techno-toys and rapid turnover of stock in those stores, they just cannot possibly compete.. I would love to see a return of the local toyshop and indeed a sweetshop, but in this current financial climate I fear that it will not happen any day soon..[:(]
Originally posted by shuntquote:It had two. There was another opposite the doors to the court, where the jeweller is now.
Originally posted by Firedupinsidequote:If I remember correctly, Hertford used to have a toyshop on Fore Street now where the hairdressers 'Saks' is now... Many days spent in there when I was younger
Originally posted by Millie
a toy shop would be fab (with some canny pic and mix too [;)])...everyone I know with kids bought birthday presents for other kids' parties in Woolies [:)]...me included.
Reply ID 59131
There's an argument that it was competition from Woolworths that stifled a local, independant toy shop? Now that Woolworths has gone and demand for birthday party presents and pocket money toys remains then perhaps the opportunity for a local independant toy shop/ model shop can re-exist.
Reply ID 59133
Absolutely right Woody. The fact that the Woolworths store in Hertford was profitable and has now created a vacuum in the town means there must be an opportunity to exploit...
Reply ID 59134
quote:Garnells Models and Toys - I believe it was a Toymaster franchise.
Originally posted by Firedupinsidequote:If I remember correctly, Hertford used to have a toyshop on Fore Street now where the hairdressers 'Saks' is now... Many days spent in there when I was younger
Originally posted by Millie
a toy shop would be fab (with some canny pic and mix too [;)])...everyone I know with kids bought birthday presents for other kids' parties in Woolies [:)]...me included.
Reply ID 59136
quote:If you are referring to *The Entertainer* toy shop in Stevenage - I think you will find that it is one of a big chain of stores nationally [;)] http://www.thetoyshop.com/toyshop/storefinder/browsestores.jsp If not, I stand corrected[:I]
Originally posted by Brockmanquote:Really? Stevenage Toys seems to be doing alright.
Originally posted by Jayceequote:Once again, the independant toy-shop is almost a thing of the past, as they cannot afford to keep up with the prices of the likes of Toys-R-Us...etc. or the big stores, as the smaller town retailer doesn't/couldn't possibly stock the quantities and vast selection that these giant stores offer, sadly. I always loved the *personal attention* in the toyshops in Hertford and my kids(years ago) used to spend their pocket money in them, but now, with the advance of so many techno-toys and rapid turnover of stock in those stores, they just cannot possibly compete.. I would love to see a return of the local toyshop and indeed a sweetshop, but in this current financial climate I fear that it will not happen any day soon..[:(]
Originally posted by shuntquote:It had two. There was another opposite the doors to the court, where the jeweller is now.
Originally posted by Firedupinsidequote:If I remember correctly, Hertford used to have a toyshop on Fore Street now where the hairdressers 'Saks' is now... Many days spent in there when I was younger
Originally posted by Millie
a toy shop would be fab (with some canny pic and mix too [;)])...everyone I know with kids bought birthday presents for other kids' parties in Woolies [:)]...me included.
Reply ID 59137
quote:Fancy setting up a toy-shop Aubend? http://www.toynewsmag.com/news/30677/Industry-takes-stock-as-Woolies-crashes-out Check out this link, which contains the following quote: “ . . . there will be some immediate winners at retail level. Local indies and other High Street operators will inevitably hoover up market share left if Woolworths stores do not re-open in certain towns.” Allmark concluded: “Clearly the impact of Woolworths going into administration is significant to the toy industry. Their toy representation has been a cornerstone of their merchandise offering for 99 years and it would be remiss to suggest that potentially we will not be impacted by the lack of visibility and scale they offer within the High Street. “However, Mattel UK is mindful that as part of the administration selling off process, a new opportunity could be created to satisfy the clear market opportunity that exists. The toy proposition was not the reason Woolworths failed to succeed as a retail platform.”
Originally posted by aubend
Absolutely right Woody. The fact that the Woolworths store in Hertford was profitable and has now created a vacuum in the town means there must be an opportunity to exploit...
Reply ID 59141
quote:I do remember. Wasn't it called The Toy Box?
Originally posted by Rabbit Rabbitquote:When I was young.... there used to be a toy shop in Bull Plain, it was the next shop down from Boots (which was on the corner). Tight staircase up to the first floor, I remember it well.
Originally posted by Firedupinside If I remember correctly, Hertford used to have a toyshop on Fore Street now where the hairdressers 'Saks' is now... Many days spent in there when I was younger
Reply ID 59149
The one in Bull Plain was Hertford Toy Centre. Toy Box was in what is now Lance James the jewellers. Toy Box run by John Sartin. Hertford Toy Centre was owned and run by the wonderful Frank Chappell - my husband still has all the toys that he was bought as a child with the price stickers on!!
Reply ID 59153
quote:We can help! We have plenty of creative presies here in St.Andrew Street! (sorry, admin, if that's an advert [:)])
Originally posted by Woody Now that Woolworths has gone and demand for birthday party presents and pocket money toys remains then perhaps the opportunity for a local independant toy shop/ model shop can re-exist.
Reply ID 59154
quote:I rember Frank Chappel, lovely man, was a real treat to be let loose in there! and there was a model shop about where Farrow and Farrow is now or next door? Remember all the airfix kits and The Colour Studio for needlecraft where Scarlet Rose is now.
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
The one in Bull Plain was Hertford Toy Centre. Toy Box was in what is now Lance James the jewellers. Toy Box run by John Sartin. Hertford Toy Centre was owned and run by the wonderful Frank Chappell - my husband still has all the toys that he was bought as a child with the price stickers on!!
Reply ID 59156
quote:Your 'quality street' tag probably does no favours in cases like this I'm afraid Arty. Ex Woolies customers might feel a bit too low rent to venture to the mini Bond Street that is St Andrew Street...
Originally posted by Artyquote:We can help! We have plenty of creative presies here in St.Andrew Street! (sorry, admin, if that's an advert [:)])
Originally posted by Woody Now that Woolworths has gone and demand for birthday party presents and pocket money toys remains then perhaps the opportunity for a local independant toy shop/ model shop can re-exist.
Reply ID 59159
quote:I couldn't remember what it is now so I had a look today; Jennings Bookmakers now occupies the building.
Originally posted by Rabbit Rabbit When I was young.... there used to be a toy shop in Bull Plain, it was the next shop down from Boots (which was on the corner). Tight staircase up to the first floor, I remember it well.
Reply ID 59163
quote:My grandmother in law used to work there. Over Christmas I was hearing tales from my mother in law about the fun, she used to have as a child, in that shop!
Originally posted by Kitty Kat
The one in Bull Plain was Hertford Toy Centre.
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