To feel so sorry for all the staff losing their jobs, but Cath Kidston was a load of over priced wank.

[blubberball]

Just read that Cath Kidston won't be opening up again after the lock down. My sympathies are with the people who will now be out of a job, but I really didn't get it.

I think it was only a matter of time anyway, it was heading the same way as Orla Kiely. It's not about the death of the high street, it's the high street that's the killer for many companies, especially anything with such static design. Online sales, department store concessions or partnership lines and a flagship store is all they can ever really sustain.

I’ve just bought an Anya Hindmarch. ❤️

Anything I've ever purchased from there has lasted years and years. Maybe that's the problem...

Their disney collabs were poorly managed, IMO. The good stuff sold out within minutes. Loads of people willing to pay 60 quid for a bag and it never came back into stock.

I feel sorry for the employees but it was cheap tat from China sold at high prices.

I think they over estimate their appeal. They have following but isn’t one that’s going to increase over time, especially as the style doesn’t change. How many bags do you need.
I have bits and bobs from there that I like. I admit when I go in I struggle to find anything I want to buy, especially things I don’t already own.
They would have been better staying as a franchise within other stores to be honest with a few actual stores in tourist spots (I assume they appeal to a foreign market).

There was a thread a couple of weeks ago about this. Most agreed that it had gone beyond its time in terms of design. The shop near me was very quiet of late and their sale reductions weren’t worth it. Quality was good, though, and their coated aprons were excellent.

Calling it ‘overpriced wank’ is just nasty though and says more about the OP than CK.

It’s like everything-it’s fads. Everyone wanted a KC bag at one stage, I have one, used it once (bought on eBay.

But it’s the same as the fads for sloths, avocado’s, pugs, French bull dogs, sausage dogs and so on. They are everywhere for a period of time- duvet covers, cushions, t-shirts, pj’s, mugs, socks and so on. Then the fad changes. CK was just one of them.

Agreed, but that’s capitalism!

Some of the bits were nice. I have a CK Xmas jumper and it's lovely, also a cool bag for picnics, some mugs and an iPad case that I've had 5 years and still looks new

I do love the children’s bags from there, my 3 year old has a gorgeous rucksack.

In terms of everything else, I lived some of the mugs and candles but floral style isn’t for me!

Boden will go the same way if it continues to expand on to the high street, it should have stopped at department store concessions, not too late for them hopefully.

We only every bought from the outlet which was heavily discounted. My daughters got their school bags from there every year. Feel for the staff

I love the mugs, and have a couple of the oilskin rucksacks that are brilliant for keeping my laptop dry in rubbish weather whilst being cheerful prints. I think it's a shame. The high street is bland enough already, colourful stores like Cath Kidston gave it some variety.

OP you really made me laff this morning with your opening title, thank you , and yes, totally agree!!

Feel so sorry for the staff.Hate online shopping will be back out supporting the high street as soon as we are allowed.

It's not my taste.
I got rid of the mugs someone had bought me.
However not everyone likes the same thing and I'd hate to be left with just Primark.

I'd hate to be left with just Primark

Bloody hell me too. Never bought anything in primark except some pyjamas for the DC. Absolute tat, in the main.

I think it went too twee. At the beginning it was retro but in a cooler way. The prints were a reinterpretation of older chintz styles but used twists like brighter colours that definitely looked modern. There’s nothing modern about the brand in its current form.

FreakStar Cath Kitson is Kirsty Allsopp 's cousin .

I didn’t realise that Cath Kidston had sold on and it was just the name that remained Fredthedoggie. I did wonder why I couldn’t find things that I liked any more. I’m another poster with a weekend bag and laptop cover that I bought years ago.

I really worry what will happen to our high streets. Most of the buildings are owned by property developers who so far have been awful at investing in transforming spaces to account for changes in our leisure habits. Even charity shops are finding it hard and fewer of us will be able to afford to buy a coffee, even if we want to, once this is all over. Retail has traditionally employed women and young people. Where will they go for a job now? It’s not just a question of ‘I don’t like their stuff, I don’t shop there’, this is a hugely serious problem.

Boden will go the same way if it continues to expand on to the high street, it should have stopped at department store concessions, not too late for them hopefully.

Didn't they only have stores in London? I have never seen a Boden store anywhere.

Calling it ‘overpriced wank’ is just nasty though and says more about the OP than CK.

I'm inclined to agree. It is clear from what many posters have said on this thread that the products themselves weren't tat quality, even if they aren't to my taste or everyone else's taste.

I shall be back supporting the high street as soon as I am able to as well. I do sometimes get the impression that some posters feel some kind of moral superiority by not venturing out of the house to go shopping. I would hate it if we only had Primark, Boots and M and S left after this crisis, but it's looking that way.

I've never bought myself anything from there. I've had a few gifts and I bought a small purse for an overseas friend but that's it. Never bought anything Laura Ashley, Orla Kiely, Joules, Sea Salt or White Stuff either. Merchandise for the few. It's never nice to lose your job from anywhere though.

Well I'm sad about it. I liked a lot of their stuff. Tea towels, aprons, summer dresses and big oil cloth bags for lugging the kids stuff around. I liked their mugs too.

I'm hoping I can still buy online. But I do like a browse of their physical stores.

It’s a shame! The high street will look even more empty and bland. I have always been a bit of a fan so sad to see this change and loss of jobs is yet more bad news in these very stressful full days.

I really like their spotty bags and purses, particularly the red spot - my bag has lasted very well. I have some ‘bits’ like an apron, pencil case and wash bag but I find I have to carefully chose what I like. I find most of the florals often too ‘old laddish’, particularly in the blue colours. Some items such as phone cases are very expensive. It was inevitable when you look at it - fashions change and a lot of the style looks staid. They didn’t come out with many new colours and patterns; always based around that same original blue flower pattern and boring larger flower designs. Vintage and retro has gone off the boil and their all female market is too narrow. My 16 year old thinks it’s all hideous! So younger women don’t like it and that won’t help sales.