Farewell . . . .

[gfwgfw]

... . . . . another big high street outlet is closing

Staples, a worthy, excellent and convenient outlet will shortly be joining the memorial of high street "once was"

RIP

[oldbluefox]

It is indeed a sad day to see yet another High Street outlet leaving us.

We have one nearby but I rarely venture inside. Why not? Because I am a browser where technology is concerned and I like to seek out bargains or something out of the ordinary, The moment I set foot inside our store I am immediately confronted by being asked if I need any help. The assistant then trails around after me or stands not far off my shoulder ready to pounce if they think I am showing any interest. Ultimately I don't browse what they have in stock and leave. Sometimes sales assistants can be too helpful.

(Maybe they think I look as though I might grab something and run off with it. If they gave me a 100 yards start I might stand a chance but I stand a better chance of landing on the moon!!!)

[Raybosailor]

Blame it on eBay and Amazon who can supply the same products cheaper including postage to your door, the only problem with these online companies is they usually go t*ts up in the December Christmas shopping rush so get your paper, envelopes and other office products before Staples close.

[oldbluefox]

I buy quite a lot online for a very simple reason. Whenever I go into town I cannot find what I want and if I do they are either out of stock, don't know when or if my item will be coming in, don't have it in my size or colour and ultimately I give up and go online.
Speaking to the sales assistants they seem to be totally frustrated because they have no control over what stock is coming into their store. They seem to get limited stock of popular sizes which means the rails are full of either large sizes or very small ones. Even using stores' online services they invariably show 'Out of Stock' at their own warehouses.
Ultimately you are almost being forced down a track of online shopping because the stock situation in-store is so hopeless. I believe in keeping shops on the High Street but they really do seem to have lost their way.

[Raybosailor]

I personally like the pick up in store facility that most companies offer as you can examine the items and return them at source if they are not suitable.

Screwfix and Toolstation are brilliant for this as I can check stock, make an order and pick it up from 07:00 next day saving me time waiting for delivery.

[Stephen]

I'm surprised Staples have lasted as long as they have. Never seemed overly busy the times we were in store.

[gfwgfw]

and what's up with M&S ?

[towny44]

The Staples name will go as its US parent sells it to Hilco, a turnround specialist, so it may continue under a new name.

[oldbluefox]

I personally like the pick up in store facility that most companies offer as you can examine the items and return them at source if they are not suitable.

Screwfix and Toolstation are brilliant for this as I can check stock, make an order and pick it up from 07:00 next day saving me time waiting for delivery.

It's about time they had Screwfix and Toolstation onboard ship - something for the men to look at!!!

[Onelife]

They always seemed to have massive stores with very little stock...well that was always the impression I got when visiting the one in our town.

[Onelife]

I personally like the pick up in store facility that most companies offer as you can examine the items and return them at source if they are not suitable.

Screwfix and Toolstation are brilliant for this as I can check stock, make an order and pick it up from 07:00 next day saving me time waiting for delivery.

It's about time they had Screwfix and Toolstation onboard ship - something for the men to look at!!!

Hi Ray/foxy, I think Screwfix have hit the nail on the head with their concept of retailing...my wife get all of her diy stuff from our local outlet

[Raybosailor]

I personally like the pick up in store facility that most companies offer as you can examine the items and return them at source if they are not suitable.

Screwfix and Toolstation are brilliant for this as I can check stock, make an order and pick it up from 07:00 next day saving me time waiting for delivery.

It's about time they had Screwfix and Toolstation onboard ship - something for the men to look at!!!

Hi Ray/foxy, I think Screwfix have hit the nail on the head with their concept of retailing...my wife get all of her diy stuff from our local outlet

Screwfix and Toolstation were both started by Mark Goddard-Watts a Somerset man, he sold Screwfix to the Kingfisher Group (who also own B&Q) and then sold Toolstation to Travis Perkins (who also own Wickes and Tile Giant) some empire from small beginnings.

[oldbluefox]

I think Screwfix are a good example of using the internet to their own advantage.

[Kenmo1]

BHS left a great big gap in our High Street and this week Thorntons cafe, which was opposite and always quite busy, has now closed down.

I hardly ever use M&S nowadays and never use Staples, prices cheaper elsewhere.

I did order a dress on the internet recently from Debenhams but only because I saw it a couple of months ago and tried it on in the store at Portsmouth so I knew the fit was ok - I was just waiting for the price to drop in the sale. Good bargain

I much prefer a day out shopping for clothes - my husband cannot understand the concept of feeling the quality of the material before I buy it and checking the fit and I find it frustrating having to return items ordered on the internet.

Maureen

[Onelife]

Hi Maureen.......its the only way to shop, although having said that, l do remember my mother buying her clothes through a catalogue......can't remember the name of it though.

Regards

keith

[qbman1]

Hi Maureen.......its the only way to shop, although having said that, l do remember my mother buying her clothes through a catalogue......can't remember the name of it though.

Regards

keith

Probably Kay's ?

[qbman1]

I feel partly responsible - I buy virtually everything on-line now

[gfwgfw]

. . . now Tesco have bought Booker the largest wholesaler in the UK with outlets Budgen and Londris