What chains will be gone by the end of 2012

[Banned]

Cheers Deniser & Mhall, I agree with both you points on why we are in retail. Also I've been giving it a bit of thought and think it's also, for me anyway:-

Providing the customer service and getting the loyal customers coming back again again.

Getting those buying decisions right (or wrong).

Trying something new, be it new products or just changing the shop layout and seeing instant results, one way or the other (back on topic this is probably why we comment when see the shabbiness or bad layouts in other shops, I can't see a solicitor being interested in how a competitors office is set out!).

Probably the most rapidly changing business to be in where you have to think on your feet almost daily.

Converting those customers who mhall would like to spit in their eye to buying customers and taking their cash, I'll be subservient for the sale and knowing I won in the end. Note to Mrs Jones of 96 Acacia Avenue - this doesn't apply to you so stay away you stupid bovine.

The sheer thrill of finding this quarters rent & vat money when it didn't look like it was going to be there just three weeks ago.

The loads of cash of earn from it, sorry just realised that's not me.

Actually I stop now as this could end up sounding bitter and twisted

 

[Banned]

It's not about getting rich, apparently it's all about passion and loving retail....

Maybe it does make me a fool and not understand retail, but why would anyone run a business without chasing the dream of getting rich? I'm sure the shareholders of the more successful retail businesses share my view i.e. shareholders in Tesco.

You sounding a bit like Tom Cruise "Show me the money"

No need to "", we all know it's not an easy way to make money or ever expect to be rich from it. I've had bloody good years in past though, and fully expect to in the future. Just have the fun and excitement of getting through this black spot first, which we will.

 

[Doodle-Noodle]

The sheer thrill of finding this quarters rent & vat money when it didn't look like it was going to be there just three weeks ago.

Hah!!! I do that!!! It's such a bloody relief when you realise that you CAN pay it after all that you almost don't realise that it does mean (yet again) there will be nothing let for you take home and spend on luxuries like food .......but I do LOVE my shop!!!!! it's like having kids ..... you love them, you want them to do well, you hope they will be a success ...... and you will run yourself ragged and allow them to cost you money, sanity and anything else that you have to give in order to try your best for them.

 

[Steve Sellers]

You sounding a bit like Tom Cruise "Show me the money"

No need to "", we all know it's not an easy way to make money or ever expect to be rich from it. I've had bloody good years in past though, and fully expect to in the future. Just have the fun and excitement of getting through this black spot first, which we will.

Love that film.

Please don't think I am being disrespectful. Starting a business and going self employed takes a lot of balls, and anyone who does that gets my respect. I just can't understand anyone that does that without wanting to cut the middle man out(employers) and make a pile of cash.

To quote another film "get rich or die trying".

 

[Banned]

it's like having kids ..... you love them, you want them to do well, you hope they will be a success ...... and you will run yourself ragged and allow them to cost you money, sanity and anything else that you have to give in order to try your best for them.

It is isn't it. Don't really like my kids as much as the shop though Actually now they are out of their teenage years the kids are not so bad.

Also a shop, it's layout, stock, service etc is a direct reflection on the owner that the public see and comment on. A solicitors or accountants office is purely functional and seen by few, which I would imagine is hard to get passionate about.

 

[SneakSMS]

Beats me, I haven't been to a gym for decades. But I'm sure there's a whole bunch of reasons, trained staff, equipment, facilities, etc. not forgetting the social aspect as well, that's where their value is, or at least those paying the money percieve it to be.

Plus it is a safety issues. Bench pressing 100kg+ in your garage on your own is a bad idea. Social side is the other big element.

Plus, a gym should be structurally sound enough to cope with weights being dropped, pressure from racks on floor etc. Many people don't have the available resources (space, money, know-how) to set up a decent home gym. If you're only interested in cardio work, you'd be much better spending a bit on some trainers and a bike. For heavy lifting, you need something purpose built.

I'd expect the following to be in danger;
...
Weatherspoons - This is my wildcard. Too big to go, possibly, but potentially because the amount of property they manage and the rising rents/prices and lowering pub trade. I believe they could struggle.
...

I'd disagree. 95% of the Wetherspoons I've been to sell everything cheaper than any surrounding bar/pub and often their food menus are extensive and cheap.

Whilst Wetherspoons is not to everyone's taste, IMO they are the leading "budget" provider. I believe they can keep their prices lower than most of the competition, and will steal price sensitive customers.

But we'll see

 

[lesliedocherty]

i love the idea of doing it for the passion and love, thats why i do it. But there are times when i really do wonder if working stupid hours for stupid money is the right thing, and if you need to pay yourself stupid money, maybe its not a business after all.

 

[emmylou74]

I've been trying to put into words what it is about retail that I love so much - but I cannot explain it to anyone.

I love thinking up window display designs, thinking how to display product that makes it look nice. I have tissue paper at the counter that I wrap collars, coats and toys in and then put the item in a nice bag - people have loved that!

I watch people in the street walk past the shop stop look up at my sign smile and say my business name out loud. The majority of people who walk in instantly smile and leave with a smile - I LOVE that!

I am so passionate about independant retail, will it make me rich - not very likely at the moment lol. But I don't care, I am happy, I love my work, I love my shop, and pretty much couldn't care less if my business doesn't interest you

 

[internetspaceships]

i love the idea of doing it for the passion and love, thats why i do it. But there are times when i really do wonder if working stupid hours for stupid money is the right thing, and if you need to pay yourself stupid money, maybe its not a business after all.

That's an extremely valid post Leslie.

I think it's a very pertinent observation. It's the very same thing I asked myself 3.5 years ago and resulted in a complete change of focus and attitude towards my company.

 

[mhall]

It's not about getting rich, apparently it's all about passion and loving retail....

Maybe it does make me a fool and not understand retail, but why would anyone run a business without chasing the dream of getting rich? I'm sure the shareholders of the more successful retail businesses share my view i.e. shareholders in Tesco.

Trouble is Steve, shareholders only care about the profit, they have little interest in the business itself. You're not a fool for not understanding Retail anymore than I am for not liking numbers and balance sheets.

For me, being wealthy (as opposed to rich) is more than just money - how much is it worth to not have a boss? How much is it worth to be able to make all my own decisions? and how much is it worth to hear customers say "I love that little shop, it's the best in town" ? They all make me feel very wealthy even if they don't help pay the mortgage. Roll on 2012 for another go on the Retail Rollercoaster

 

[Banned]

And back on topic this is interesting with a number of companies discussed here getting a mention - all large companies with shareholders who maybe know better than the independents :|

 

[Esk247]

shareholders who maybe know better than the independents :|

say what?

shareholders are just that..interested in their own share of the pie.

lots of companies go under when the shareholders get a whiff of something they don't like e.g. a slight drop in profits from their investments.

few shareholders are in it for the long haul, they want fast returns at high percentage, they don't take kindly to waiting in the queue while the foundations are built.

wonder what will happen at the Co-Op? they took over Somerfield and were forced to sell off a lot of stores due to competition rules, they sold some for just £1 to the likes of Nisa. they're also letting dozens of jobs go locally because the store just isn't hitting the targets. Nearby Lidl however, is expanding.

 

[internetspaceships]

Maybe we need to do less digging overall.

People here have different views on what constitutes a company and what should be done with one. That's fair enough, we can agree to differ.

Working a 50 plus hour week for less money than a teacher and far less holidays seems like a mugs game to me, but if that floats some peoples' boat then fair play to them.

 

[Esk247]

Working a 50 plus hour week for less money than a teacher and far less holidays seems like a mugs game to me, but if that floats some peoples' boat then fair play to them.

depends completely on circumstance though doesn't it.

there are so many factors that make up a business owner.

some do it as a hobby, they don't want to get involved in pushing a business forward, they want to sit in a little gift shop and deal with the odd customer, they've got money in reserve, it doesn't matter, it's just nice to be out of the house

there are those who work 50 plus hours a week with the aim of one day being a mini Richard Branson, they're newbies and they aspire to run a small retail empire, but as you well know, this doesn't happen over night, it really does take 50+ hours a week working for pittance to build that empire.

there are those who do it for the thrill, the game, the risk.

someone told me that unless i was earning 100k a year from my business i should pack it in and go and work for someone...right..yeah..not so simple, tried that one, didn't work. no thrill, no chase, no excitement. boring. I need a challenge, i need the risk, the not knowing if it's going to work. It's FUN.

Also i need to clarify the shareholders comment. There are different types of shareholder. I was referring to the big corporate style shareholders who are in it for the cash not some of those on this forum who have invested because they want to see a business succeed and from a little acorn groweth a very large oak (groweth isn't a word...it is now)

 

[internetspaceships]

Hi Esk

If someone is working 50 plus hours per week then it's hardly a hobby business as a main income.

As you mentioned the ones who dream of being a mini Branson will need to be working for long hours or initially reasonably little financial reward.

These are the people who need to listen to the people who have achieved serious financial goals as opposed to listening to the hobbyists. Aspiring to a mini Branson status whilst taking advice from "I'm happy to earn a few quid and I like the lifestyle" people isn't conducive to achieving their original goal.

The guys and gals who do it for the thrill and the risk are often pretty astute at judging a good deal, so are usually in the Branson role as opposed to the hobbyist role.

I think that the guy who told you that you should pack up if you're not earning over 100k probably should have listened a little more about what you were striving to achieve as opposed to just writing your business down like that. You probably would like (if you don't already) to do over 100k per annum income but being steered in the right direction to make it happen is so much more constructive.

It's also one hell of a lot of fun. With risks, spills and thrills a plenty along the way.

Like you I'd pack it all in or sell out if it got boring. I need that edge to keep focussed.

 

[papverpoppies]

Maybe we need to do less digging overall.

People here have different views on what constitutes a company and what should be done with one. That's fair enough, we can agree to differ.

Working a 50 plus hour week for less money than a teacher and far less holidays seems like a mugs game to me, but if that floats some peoples' boat then fair play to them.

It's a good job it floats some peoples boat, or else there would be an awful lot more unemployed people.

Pops ~xx~

 

[Banned]

It's a good job it floats some peoples boat, or else there would be an awful lot more unemployed people.

Pops ~xx~

....and a lot less unique shops. Anyone fancy just shopping in large generic chains?

 

[captaincloser]

Working a 50 plus hour week for less money than a teacher and far less holidays seems like a mugs game to me, but if that floats some peoples' boat then fair play to them.

Really ? Allow me to offer a different opinion.

The small business world is now suffocating with t'internet businesses all crawling over each other with their backlinks, their SEO and the Google Adwords . And for what..profit ? Oh please...

Only a tiny % make any real money at all with t'internet and the churn rate of t'internetpreneurs is faster than lightening. Yes, there are exceptions...blah blah blah..

Give me retail any day ! Support your local High Street .

People will go mad chained to terminals all day and of course the doomsday scenario is your terminal running you..which for many it does already...millions of unhealthy humans run by their PC. ...

 

[deniser]

I haven't been in to my shop since before Christmas (children to look after in school holidays) and can't wait to go back when term starts tomorrow. I've really missed it and have lots of plans to implement.

 

[Doodle-Noodle]

I haven't been in to my shop since before Christmas (children to look after in school holidays) and can't wait to go back when term starts tomorrow. I've really missed it and have lots of plans to implement.

Hope you've had a lovely break ....... it will be good to get back properly for me too although I have been back for 3 days between Christmas & New year but didn't do full days as I knew it would be quiet.
Sadly we have absolutely foul weather here today which will not be conducive to getting people out and about and wandering into see me today ......looks like I'll be re-doing the window displays!

 

[papverpoppies]

say what?

shareholders are just that..interested in their own share of the pie.

lots of companies go under when the shareholders get a whiff of something they don't like e.g. a slight drop in profits from their investments.

few shareholders are in it for the long haul, they want fast returns at high percentage, they don't take kindly to waiting in the queue while the foundations are built.

wonder what will happen at the Co-Op? they took over Somerfield and were forced to sell off a lot of stores due to competition rules, they sold some for just £1 to the likes of Nisa. they're also letting dozens of jobs go locally because the store just isn't hitting the targets. Nearby Lidl however, is expanding.

Well have you seen the prices of food in the co-op compared to Lidl, its a NO brainer for a lot of people.

Noticed ASDA have started with the 50p range on tinned top brand ranges.
Sure not the same quality but when things are tough (as for many families) ASDA heinz beans 50p or Lidls 21p (or it was).

Some supermarkets are going to get hurt over the coming months.

Pops ~xx~

 

[internetspaceships]

Banned. I read Steve's earlier comments as extending an olive branch. Not completely sure why you've come back at him like that.

 

[Banned]

Banned. I read Steve's earlier comments as extending an olive branch. Not completely sure why you've come back at him like that.

Apologies Steve, I may have taken your post incorrectly :redface:

 

[Steve Sellers]

Apologies Steve, I may have taken your post incorrectly :redface:

That's fine. Misunderstanding sorted and no hard feelings.

 

[Esk247]

Get A Room! :d

 

[Steve Sellers]

Get A Room! :d

Why do you want to come along for the party lol! xxxx

 

[Banned]

Why do you want to come along for the party lol! xxxx

Right, Esk brings the beer, Steve you can bring the condoms and I'll bring the video camera.

Tone of this thread now suitable lowered

 

[Steve Sellers]

Right, Esk brings the beer, Steve you can bring the condoms and I'll bring the video camera.

Tone of this thread now suitable lowered

Well what do you mean, I was referring to a good old fashioned prayer meeting!

 

[Banned]

Well what do you mean, I was referring to a good old fashioned prayer meeting!

Bollox me getting in wrong again, that could have been embarrassing :redface:

Tone of thread suitably raised again!

 

[Ted in Beverley]

Travelodge - simply can't make money at their cheaper (advertised) rates and are not worth staying in at their inflated rates.
Holland & Barrett.
HMV.
Possibly Game.
Possibly Comet.
Edinburgh Woollen Mill.
Bon Marche.
Peacocks.

We look like we're going to get stung by the La Senza administration to the tune of c£10k, so hope that Game and Comet can tough it out.

My general prediction is that many of the familiar high street names will go over the next 24 months, to be replaced by privately owned boutique and high-end stores (at lower rental payment structures in accordance with supply and demand).

 

[AndyBlue]

No chance of Travelodge going they are booming, lastest news today is that HMV and Blacks are expected to go this week with "many" familiar chains expected to enter administration this week - accroding to a leading fianancial website.

 

[lesliedocherty]

No chance of Travelodge going they are booming, lastest news today is that HMV and Blacks are expected to go this week with "many" familiar chains expected to enter administration this week - accroding to a leading fianancial website.

i agree, travelodge aren't going anywhere, making good dosh, whilst Edinburgh Woollen Mills are acquiring retailers just now, they have a ton of money behind them backing them.

 

[Barnie]

Holland and barret are going nowhere for now, in a few years as online healthcare grows it may change however whilst poeple are still buying vits and bits from the highstreet they will do will, margins are 60-90% too and turnover is growing.

 

[toastking]

No chance of Travelodge going they are booming, lastest news today is that HMV and Blacks are expected to go this week with "many" familiar chains expected to enter administration this week - accroding to a leading fianancial website.

Would have to agree, they are building a new one by Clapham Junction. Although its not a prestige location I cannot imagine it is cheap to build there and the location is fantastic, shops, bars, clubs and Clapham Junction can get you anywhere!

 

[Geoff T]

Defamation....................

How would you feel if I started a thread speculating that your business was going under? A potential client googles you, comes across the thread, and decides "I'm not going to use Geoff T his business is going down the pan in 2012".

Speculation... big difference...

I'd feel like my potential client didn't know WTF they were looking at - or for - or why... Lucky for me that they would also be unlikely clients... taking on clients takes MY agreement as well as theirs...

Difference is - I'm honest... Ask a Woolies guy 12mths before they bombed, they would have sworn "no way"... me? - I'll say "any thing's possible"...

If they're that unsure - I'd prefer to avoid the time wasters...

 

[Steve Sellers]

Speculation... big difference...

I'm not going to get into this too much as it is somewhat covering old ground. It is my opinion that some of the comments were not speculation and went beyond that. Some comments put forward "speculation" as if insolvency is a foregone conclusion.

That IMHO crosses the line.

Labelling something as speculation does not give a green light to make any comment whatsoever, there is no 'speculation privilege' so to speak - it is not a defence to malicious falsehood for example.

 

[Geoff T]

I'm not going to get into this too much as it is somewhat covering old ground. It is my opinion that some of the comments were not speculation and went beyond that. Some comments put forward "speculation" as if insolvency is a foregone conclusion.

That IMHO crosses the line.

Labelling something as speculation does not give a green light to make any comment whatsoever, there is no 'speculation privilege' so to speak - it is not a defence to malicious falsehood for example.

totally agree - and as soon they bring in the laws to curb the media, internet, etc...

however, drawing examples based on "industry type"? - hard to negate...

 

DFS furniture chain and thats not a malicious falsehood as I consulted me crystal ball.

It told me they are to good to be true allied to their overheads being through the roof.

Earl

 

[marque]

DFS furniture chain and thats not a malicious falsehood as I consulted me crystal ball.

It told me they are to good to be true allied to their overheads being through the roof.

Earl

PRIVATE equity specialist ADVENT INTERNATIONAL is netting a £17million dividend from the DFS furniture chain it bought last year.

 

PRIVATE equity specialist ADVENT INTERNATIONAL is netting a £17million dividend from the DFS furniture chain it bought last year.

Hmm not much of a return on £500 million.

still my prediction.

"DFS's long-term debt stood at £327m in August 2009. Sources suggest that much of this deal is likely to be refinanced by the existing bank lenders to DFS who will roll into the Advent refinancing in return for higher interest margins and fees on their existing facilities. "

Earl