Another one gone - Shops closing in Stafford

[My Name is URL]

Shops in Stafford that is...

Noticed the Electrical / DIY / Hardware store next to Casa has closed....

Seemed to me like a traditional shop that might have been there ages and has been beaten into submission by the big DIY chains, the Credit Crunch and extortionate costs.

Anyone know anything?

I seem to remember it was only 4 or 5 months ago they had new signage and started selling kitchens and stuff.

 

[Gramaisc]

It used to be Wardstaffs but was taken over by a chap with the excellent name of Watts! It started many years ago and was originally in Bailey's Yard. On the right as you go in. I only noticed the apparent closure yesterday myself and have no further information yet.

 

[tek-monkey]

Been closed for a while hasn't it? My uncle worked there when it was Wardstaffs, albeit many years ago.

 

[Gramaisc]

I thought that it was still there in November(ish). I had a few bits off of the new chap in the summer.

 

[Rikki]

Been closed for a while hasn't it? My uncle worked there when it was Wardstaffs, albeit many years ago.

Indeed he did.


Its not just the shop that was there thats gone either. They had an Installation/Service side to the business thats gone down with it.

 

[tek-monkey]

I thought that might be you!

Hmm, thought it'd gone a while ago but may just have been when it changed over.

 

[My Name is URL]

Gone = bust or just relocated?

 

[Catabatic]

Been a patron of Roger Wardstaff for more than 30 years, really sorry to see him go to pastures warmer, ( well that was their plan ). He was also dabbling in hypnotherapy, stopping smoking, that kind of thing.
Feel that the amount that must have been spent by Watts on the refurb it would not be a relocate so soon, must be bust. Bad news guys.

 

[mickyboy]

Gone = bust or just relocated?

There was a notice on the door that the company had gone into liquidation and ceased trading.

 

[djwellis]

Mr Wardstaff had it

As I understand it, he sold it (i think)

New place - Watts created after refurb

New place went bust


I think that was what happened.

 

[My Name is URL]

Read in the free rags last week that Sports Arena are going (albeit relocating the fitness part of their gym, but sports hall bit gone) and the health / fitness club at the hotel on the way out of Stafford past Bristol Street and McD's on the way to J14 of the M6 has also gone.

 

[mickyboy]

Also, in tonights Star, QS in the Guildhall are going (not that they were much good anyway) but we are getting a Poundland coming into the Guildhall.

 

[Gramaisc]

Also, in tonights Star, QS in the Guildhall are going (not that they were much good anyway) but we are getting a Poundland coming into the Guildhall.

I had to look up the Guildhall site to find out what QS was. Not really my thing, so I'll survive the loss. Interestingly, the Guildhall's Find Us page describes it as being a ten minute walk from the Bus Station. Hmmm.

 

[My Name is URL]

Come on then, WTF is QS?

Well impressed about the £1 shop though....

 

[Gramaisc]

Come on then, WTF is QS?

Well impressed about the £1 shop though....

It's some sort of trendy youth clothing outlet - where the Index shop was. From the pictures that I have seen their products are not for the more mature individual.

 

[Gramaisc]

There's a To Let sign on the side of the old Wardstaff shop saying "suitable for retail/food outlet". Just what that end of town needs!

 

[ToriRat]

Krispy Kreme outlet anyone?

 

[ODB_69]

Krispy Kreme outlet anyone?

+1

LOVE em...greatest food ever! love the drive thru one they have in Manc! Surprised Tesco havent got a stand like a lot of the Tesco's around the country do

 

[tijuanalady]

Juicebox has gone, passed it today and its empty.

We are getting a Barbers shop by the Lynton though, so some new businesses are managing to open. In Church Lane there is a new Pet shop open, and a hairdressers opening shortly.

 

[highguyuk]

It is amusing to see the owner referred to as "Mr Wardstaff". There was never a Mr Wardstaff - at least - no Mr Wardstaff owned the shop.

The business started as a joint venture, with a Mr Longstaff and a gentleman by the name of Ward (or similar). They chose to name the shop Wardstaffs combining the two names.

The business was sold in the summer by Mr Longstaff, and Watts took over. The fatal mistake IMO is that they changed the name. The business I believe was profitable and running soundly until Watts came in with their new ideas and by the looks of an empty shop, went downhill quite quickly.

On another note, not surprised to see Juicebox gone either. They had a facebook site, and it did look like amateurs trying to get a business going.