Axminster Basingstoke due to close because of "dramatically increasing costs"
- Thread starter alan895
- Start date
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Look ahead another ten years, will there be any high street retail left and I think it will have a massive impact on society because people will become battery farmed with food and items being delivered to there hutch and no shops to visit, people buy a lot of stuff when out shopping that they did not intend to buy but is this the same with online.
Ironically I suspect people buy more on line on a whim that when out physically shopping. The “other customers bought this” and only x remaining are specifically targeted at the human psyche
Having moved into the sticks and seen local traders trying to carve a slice for bread, I do try to support them, within reason. Easily done by somebody like me with some disposable income and a wish to see success. Different matter if customers are struggling to make ends meet and every penny really counts.
I also hate to see people try stuff at a local store and then go and buy it online cheaper. It seems totally unfair, even if money is limited.
I also hate to see people try stuff at a local store and then go and buy it online cheaper. It seems totally unfair, even if money is limited.
A shame, but after 13 years of tory mismanagement of the economy, its not surprising really.
Hate to be the vulture, but maybe keep an eye on axminster outlet on ebay where they sell off customer returns,display and demo kit.
Hate to be the vulture, but maybe keep an eye on axminster outlet on ebay where they sell off customer returns,display and demo kit.
What is really unfair is that retailers are not all playing on a level playing field, online only retailers save a fortune in rates and rent.
Terry - Somerset
Established Member
I think the fortunes of retailers are becoming increasingly polarised.
The traditional high street is dying or dead. A viable future to support its importance as a social hub needs to be identified. Reinventing the past will not work - alternative models may include specialist retail, coffee shops, restaurants, entertainment etc.
Some out of town sites seem to be obviously busy - eg: food retailers. But there are many supporting large premises with minimal footfall. DIY, consumer durables, car showrooms are prime examples.
I do not understand how (say) B&Q can afford 100,000 sq ft stores with sometimes less than 5 customers in the store at any one time. High prices and low quality may partly explain.
Apparently an emerging B&Q strategy seems to be a more limited number of very large stores alongside smaller more local stores. This is not working for me in the middle of house refurbishment - my local (2 miles away) smaller B&Q is so inadequately stocked that I drive 12 miles to a larger store.
The traditional high street is dying or dead. A viable future to support its importance as a social hub needs to be identified. Reinventing the past will not work - alternative models may include specialist retail, coffee shops, restaurants, entertainment etc.
Some out of town sites seem to be obviously busy - eg: food retailers. But there are many supporting large premises with minimal footfall. DIY, consumer durables, car showrooms are prime examples.
I do not understand how (say) B&Q can afford 100,000 sq ft stores with sometimes less than 5 customers in the store at any one time. High prices and low quality may partly explain.
Apparently an emerging B&Q strategy seems to be a more limited number of very large stores alongside smaller more local stores. This is not working for me in the middle of house refurbishment - my local (2 miles away) smaller B&Q is so inadequately stocked that I drive 12 miles to a larger store.
segovia
Established Member
Axminster has a marketing problem, the problem being they don't have one. They put products on their website and fill their stores full of goodies and expect people to turn up or buy online. That won't work in what is a very competitive marketplace, they need loyalty memberships, 2 for 1 offers, competitions, promotions free delivery on all order in July etc. Your most important customers are your existing customers and ensuring they return next time they are buying. I don't have any loyalty to Axminster for these reasons, I always shop around before making any purchases; however, if Axminster worked on their customer retention a bit more I would be more inclined to buy from Axminster. I don't mind paying an extra few quid if I feel I am part of something, to Axminster I am invisible, just a number with another order. It suspect this won't be the first store to close.
SLM
Established Member
Personally, I hate all that loyalty scheme c**p!
Earn my loyalty with excellent products, good pricing, sound advice, reasonable delivery charges and good backup/support when required (rarely, if the product is good).
Earn my loyalty with excellent products, good pricing, sound advice, reasonable delivery charges and good backup/support when required (rarely, if the product is good).
Blackswanwood
Still Learning
Difficult to say whether this is a change of strategy or just one outlet that isn’t working.
Whatever it is I hope they continue to prosper. They quietly support furniture making as a trade and craft with sponsorship and seem also to be sourcing more UK manufactured products.
I’ve also always found them to be good on after sales service.
Whatever it is I hope they continue to prosper. They quietly support furniture making as a trade and craft with sponsorship and seem also to be sourcing more UK manufactured products.
I’ve also always found them to be good on after sales service.
Phil Pascoe
Established Member
There is one firm I deal with on occasion that actually say don't worry if you forget to enter the code for the freebie, we'll apply it anyway.
Well done them, but I do wonder what the point of having a code was in the beginning.
Well done them, but I do wonder what the point of having a code was in the beginning.
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