The High Street is really suffering...

Thrugelmir

Dan: wrote: »

Firstly, it's not my spelling it's my keyboard.

Secondly, I can make that call - prices have bottomed and my prediction was right.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Made my day. :beer:

Quasar

My local high street is full of tat shops. The £1 shops, the Saver this or Saver that shops, all selling stuff that is worth not even a few pence. Oh and three chemists close to each other, five banks, four estate agents, three charity shops and a Morrison at one end of it where all the action seems to be. Small, independent shops were plentiful 15 years ago, and the owners knew all their customers, so that going shopping was also a social activity, much needed if you were elderly and/or alone.

But cheap is what does it, and the retail parks and supermarkets have provided cheap goods at the expense of quality and social cohesion.

lemonjelly

Thrugelmir wrote: »

Reality has yet to hit many.

Dan, no offence, but the above quote says you're wrong...

lemonjelly

Quasar wrote: »

My local high street is full of tat shops. The £1 shops, the Saver this or Saver that shops, all selling stuff that is worth not even a few pence. Oh and three chemists close to each other, five banks, four estate agents, three charity shops and a Morrison at one end of it where all the action seems to be. Small, independent shops were plentiful 15 years ago, and the owners knew all their customers, so that going shopping was also a social activity, much needed if you were elderly and/or alone.

But cheap is what does it, and the retail parks and supermarkets have provided cheap goods at the expense of quality and social cohesion.[/QUOTE]

Agree 100%.

There are things which a financial value can't be put on that we are losing.

nearlynew

Dan: wrote: »

This is rubbish.

You think everyone will "mew" their house for spending money? Nah, some of us, actually most of us, can afford the mortgage and have plenty left over for other stuff.

There is no other explanation for the massive rise in retail sales over the last decade.

How do (for example) window cleaners, shop assistants, office clerks etc. get to pay for 20k cars, 20k weddings, 15k kitchens, 3k holidays, etc. on what are generally low paid jobs.

If you think they have saved up the money, then you are deluded.

Thrugelmir

Really2 wrote: »

Agree, I have a large-ish mortgage (but paid down 7% in the last year)
But good LTV and no other debts.

people have been sold the want it now idea, the you will never fail, reach for the stars mentality and now the bill as arrived.

I still think though the vast majority of the country have been fairly sensible, but may be that is because i am.

But those that have not been sensible have really over done it.

A lot of people start like yourself. Life isn't predicable though.

What if you split from your partner, lose your employment income through any number of reasons.

Life changes rapidly. What was manageable is not any longer.

lemonjelly

Thrugelmir wrote: »

A lot of people start like yourself. Life isn't predicable though.

What if you split from your partner, lose your employment income through any number of reasons.

Life changes rapidly. What was manageable is not any longer.

Another good point.

Changes in circumstances play a big role in insurmountable debt!

Quasar

lemonjelly wrote: »

Quasar wrote: »

My local high street is full of tat shops. The £1 shops, the Saver this or Saver that shops, all selling stuff that is worth not even a few pence. Oh and three chemists close to each other, five banks, four estate agents, three charity shops and a Morrison at one end of it where all the action seems to be. Small, independent shops were plentiful 15 years ago, and the owners knew all their customers, so that going shopping was also a social activity, much needed if you were elderly and/or alone.

But cheap is what does it, and the retail parks and supermarkets have provided cheap goods at the expense of quality and social cohesion.[/QUOTE]

Agree 100%.

There are things which a financial value can't be put on that we are losing.

Would you believe it, I travel on the Overground to get my meat from a local butcher by Kew Gardens Station (I live in West London), and there's a wholefood shop that sells also vegetables and fruit. Although the latter is definitely more expensive than supermarket fare, at least it tends to be produce that has been freshly picked and not flown in over thousands of miles while still unripe. The butcher is not that expensive although the quality is excellent.

I think there are many who feel that independent shops ought to be supported, and when you think we don't need to eat as much as we usually do, the cost could so easily be offset. But I guess it is more convenient to go in one place and get everything in there so we can go home to sit on the sofa and watch Corrie.

The media and big business are creating society the way THEY want it in order to maximise their profits. More fool us for falling into the trap.

lemonjelly

Quasar wrote: »

lemonjelly wrote: »

Would you believe it, I get my meat from a local butcher by Kew Gardens Station (I live in West London), and there's a wholefood shop that sells also vegetables and fruit. Although the latter is definitely more expensive than supermarket fare, at least it tends to be produce that has been freshly picked and not flown in over thousands of miles and grown by people paid a pittance. The meat is not that more expensive.

I think there are many who feel that independent shops ought to be supported, and when you think we don't need to eat as much as we usually do, the cost could so easily be offset. But I guess it is more convenient to go in one place and get everything in there so we can go home to sit on the sofa and watch Corrie.

The media and big business are creating society the way THEY want it in order to maximise their profits. More fool us for falling into the trap.[/QUOTE]

Dude your finger is so on the pulse!!!:D

In addition, I tend to find your local indie trader gives better deals than the supermarkets etc.

Plus, you can't beat the natter you have with a local trader.

Plus, a good reliable local trader will often save you the best bits!

I had a butcher who always used to serve me with a smile & a wink. I'd unwrap my purchase at home to find an extra cut or something.

Also, if you look after your local trader, they'll look after you. I had a mechanic who'd do little bits of work for me reciprocating when he or a family member or a close mate needed a bit of support or advice.

We'll lose this if we're not careful! Big bloomin shops & their poxy policies!

Quasar

lemonjelly wrote: »

.

Dude your finger is so on the pulse!!!

In addition, I tend to find your local indie trader gives better deals than the supermarkets etc.

Plus, you can't beat the natter you have with a local trader.

Plus, a good reliable local trader will often save you the best bits!

I had a butcher who always used to serve me with a smile & a wink. I'd unwrap my purchase at home to find an extra cut or something.

Also, if you look after your local trader, they'll look after you. I had a mechanic who'd do little bits of work for me reciprocating when he or a family member or a close mate needed a bit of support or advice.

We'll lose this if we're not careful! Big bloomin shops & their poxy policies!

I'm a market researcher by profession. I know the lie of the land.