To ask which shops are on the verge of failure

[curiousbeak]

I'm so depressed with the uk high street. Specifically British companies. The likes of Arcadia group, new look (already on its way out), next, oasis , Debenhams etc etc

The clothes are just terrible quality and most stores and staff and just tired, uninspiring and lacking any kind of chicness.

The wave of European brands seem to be killing our home grown business with their beautiful stores and chic offerings.

Who do you think is on the way out?

[LoniceraJaponica]

I agree DrCoconut. The one in Meadowhall always looks like a jumble sale, and the colours of the clothes are awful. They never seem to stock anything in colours that suit me.

[DrCoconut]

I don't get the love for Zara. Every time I've been I've seen horrible overpriced tat in messy disorganised stores. Primark is better.

[LoniceraJaponica]

I'm a bit miffed that the jumper I bought in M and S on Monday was reduced by £8 yesterday. I haven't even worn it yet.

[Drivemecrazy1974]

I don't think Claire's was Bow Bangles, more that the existing Claire's company purchased Bow Bangles. I do remember Bow Bangles and Claire's used to be great for buying cheap stuff though. Haven't been in a store for ages though...
I'm surprised most of the High Street stores can survive to be honest. The supermarkets have got clothes, music and games covered (well, the big ones anyway), and the rest can be purchased online. Most people when they go in a store will compare the prices online too...

[NooNooHead1981]

I went shopping in Norwich yesterday (I love that city! It IS a 'fine city'! ) and it seemed to be doing really well retail-wise. My DM said it is doing much better than somewhere like Colchester for example, as the city has thought and planned in advance to include social hubs as PP have mentioned such as cinemas, good selections of independent cafes, restaurants, a market etc. I did used to love Colchester when I was at uni nearly 20 (!) years ago, but now I would dread to think what it had become if I went back...

[LoniceraJaponica]

I wish all these shops stocked stuff that people actually want to buy. People moving to online purchases is only half the story.

I do feel a bit at posters wanting whole chains to close. They clearly don't care if lots of people lose their jobs. Although they could get a job as a picker at a clothes warehouse I suppose.

[TroysMammy]

I don't care if Claire's closes. When my niece was born I thought I would be buying her bobbles, hairbands and stuff as I had short hair as a child and always craved pretties. Nope, being blond she didn't have hair for ages and now aged 7 hates her hair being brushed and doesn't like things in her hair. I was momentarily disappointed but I got over it quite quickly.

[crunchymint]

Went in pound store today. As busy as ever

[DGRossetti]

Have you been in a pound store lately?

Yup. They've stopped selling the one thing (Cotton Fresh incense sticks) I went in for. Just to add to the East German vibe.

[KevinTheYuccaPlant]

Anyone else miss Droopy & Brown? Only two shops, but they did wonderful long riding skirts. Way out of my price bracket though.

[Testarossa1]

The only thing I buy from next is jeans as they fit me really well. Used to buy loads. Went shopping last week and everything was either adorned with ruffles all over the place or voluminous and totally shapeless. Iv'e. I just got down to a 12 and want to show off my new figure, not hide it under a tent like top! I do quite like Matalan, they do some 100% cotton t-shirts that are super soft and wash really well.

[metalmum15]

On the plus side I did get a can of Fanta for 40p 😉

[metalmum15]

Have you been in a pound store lately? There aren't many items in there any more that actually do cost £1!

[DGRossetti]

I got one in the pound store the other day for £3!



Then it wasn't a pound store .....

[metalmum15]

The trouble with Claires is that everything is ridiculously priced, yet the only customers you ever see in there are under about 15, so either spending pocket money or parents are having to fork out. My dd loves it but I dread going in because I know she'll be disappointed and end up either spending more than she wanted to, or not actually being able to afford what she actually wants. Fluffy notebooks for £12?! I got one in the pound store the other day for £3! And the offers they have are cleverly disguised to make you spend even more money. The only place that beats it for rip off award is Smiggle, stupidly priced items that don't last 5 minutes.

I love the books offers in The Works, great for when you want some cheap, easy read books rather than certain authors.

[DGRossetti]

it is way too expensive for the tat it sells. It should be priced at pocket money levels.

Somebody has to pay the rent.

Sticking a finger in the air, it's probably fair to say a small unit in a shopping centre could easily cost £2,000 a week with rent, rates, insurance, standing charges. That's before bills and wages.

Now divide that by the average price/item ...

[dontbesillyhenry]

Does anyone else remember when Claire's was bow bangles ? Everyone looks and me gone out when I ask

[IWannaSeeHowItEnds]

I feel sorry for the staff but Claire's deserves to go - it is way too expensive for the tat it sells. It should be priced at pocket money levels.

[Annabelle4]

I only ever buy from Claire's when there's 40% off or BOGOF etc.
Even then, at 40% off, I still consider the tat item expensive.
DD loves it 😭

[dontbesillyhenry]

Primark- they seem to be upping their game with accessories etc. Claire's is a staggering rip off im amazed it's lasted this long

[Dancergirl]

I hope Claire’s doesn’t go, my dd loves it. Where will pre-teens shop??

[Pinkvoid]

The works isn’t bad at all. Ten books for £10. It’s more accessible to your average joe than Waterstones which is undeniably middle class. Lots of meg and mog and large family books.

[Eltonjohnssyrup]

I went in Claire’s during February half term. It was weird. All the stock was run down and mismatched and some of it very old fashioned, and it was all in 3 for 2. I got the feeling they had got loads of really old unshifted stock out to sell.

[Flashinggreen]

It is sad when retailers close, but I suppose in life things do change. Make room for style changes.

My other favourite was Principles, I think they’re still a concession in Debenhams but completely off my radar.

[The80sweregreat]

C and A was great - used to go in there to try all the hats on.

they shipped out years ago , but you still find them in Europe and they do my size!
agree that Richards was also good.