Changes at the Guildhall.

proactive

proactive

Enjoying a drop of red.
I didn't even know there was one in the Guildhall. Mind you I expect I'm not their target market and haven't been in one since 1989, I believe.
 
ChrisLewis

ChrisLewis

Well-Known Forumite
JTL85 said:
The TopMan/TopShop in the Guildhall is hopelessly small. It's rare that I've bought anything there because there's no incentive to visit - I know the range is small meaning they're unlikely to have what I want, or have what I do want in the size I need.

I'm not a life-long Staffordian so I don't know how long we've had the Guildhall but it seems very tired and in need of some serious investment, in particular, units with more floorspace. There's several higher-end retailers that are expanding nationally and I think, when the Riverside development is complete, Stafford might be in a position to attract them (think Fat Face, Joules, Jack Wills).
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Where is the positive post on the forum about the new shops opening, the likes of Terraces and Pandora, I hope this is the start of a positive vibe in Greengate Street
 
John Marwood

John Marwood

I ♥ cryptic crosswords
ChrisLewis said:
Where is the positive post on the forum about the new shops opening, the likes of Terraces and Pandora, I hope this is the start of a positive vibe in Greengate Street
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Dear Chris

When is the right time to sell off a successful business like yours

No agenda

Straight question
 
ChrisLewis

ChrisLewis

Well-Known Forumite
John Marwood said:
Dear Chris

When is the right time to sell off a successful business like yours

No agenda

Straight question
Click to expand...
Interesting question, I normally get a rumble for selling up just as the first snow flakes are falling in the Alpes, but after a weeks skiing I realise the French have put the price of beer up again and I need to work for a few more years!!

But if you've secretly just won Euro Millions and want to make me an offer, I'm all ears on a Monday morning!

Chris L
 
staffordjas

staffordjas

Well-Known Forumite
Son does most of his clothes shopping in Topman and Burtons when in Stafford. Did someone mention Burtons as well, are they part of the same group?

(I didn't know that Millets were J.D.Sports until I looked at the visa slip ! )
 
Carole

Carole

Well-Known Forumite
ChrisLewis said:
Where is the positive post on the forum about the new shops opening, the likes of Terraces and Pandora, I hope this is the start of a positive vibe in Greengate Street
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I think that the new shopping centre is long overdue and a wonderful addition to our county town.

I think some people are concerned that it will impact on the town centre, however this does depend on how it is managed. Done well it can enhance the whole town. Let me give you an example of another town that got it right.

My son is at Uni in Leicester and I visit him quite often for lunch and a mooch around.
They had a similar situation when in 2008 they opened the huge Highcross Shopping Mall with 120 shops.

The area that "used to be the town" is now thriving.

There is an area called The Lanes just off the main shopping centre. This is thriving with independant shops. The powers that be say that if you can prove that you have a local postcode address (not a chain) then you can open a business with a 20% discount on business rates.

This means that it is full of quirky independant coffee shops, pubs, deli's, boutiques, record shops and a eclectic selection of other shops.

There is also a wonderful open air market just outside the Highcross shopping centre, selling everything from fresh fruit to bags.

Just because Stafford is opening a shopping centre shouldnt mean that other shops will suffer. If it brings more visitors to the town then that is a good thing for retailers.

However, it does need to be done properly to let visitors know that the High St has more to offer than charity shops.
 
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tek-monkey

tek-monkey

wanna see my snake?
Can't imagine our council reducing rates! You get them free if under a certain value, but no shop in the town is actually under that value and the rates are often 3x the rent anywhere near the high Street.
 
C

cj1

Well-Known Forumite
Anybody know of any truth in the rumor that the old jjb to become a gym with hmv and surrounding shops to become a food hall
 
jacs

jacs

Well-Known Forumite
Wallis and (I think) Evans will also be going. The staff in Wallis told me a while back and that they'll all be closing sometime this month. DP/Burton wasn't mentioned so I think they're safe for the moment.
 
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