...
One of the main concerns of those people who not only lived here but also worked in the retail trade were concerned that as a result of this, the west end (also known locally as the 'Independant Quarter') would also become even more of a ghost town. Yes they noticed a downturn in trade ... Read review
...to write a review on independant stores, that has come from my own experiences of living in Plymouth - a city whereby its main shopping centre is almost split in to two different areas as we shall see from my writings.
For those of you who are familiar with the layout of Plymouth city centre, you will know that it is laid out over two main streets that are enclosed in a main riing road system. There is a main road that runs at right ... ...this road with the more independant quarter being on the western front - with the exception of Smiths and (when it was open) Woolworths, along with one or two others. A few years ago, Plymouth City Council in its wisdom decided to build the new Drake Circus Shopping Centre on the most easterly part of the town centre. This resulted in the more famously known shops reocating to there, thus leaving a whole array of shops emtpy in the rest of the centre ... more
I iwould just like to write a review on independant stores, that has come from my own experiences of living in Plymouth - a city whereby its main shopping centre is almost split in to two different areas as we shall see from my writings.
For those of you who are familiar with the layout of Plymouth city centre, you will know that it is laid out over two main streets that are enclosed in a main riing road system. There is a main road that runs at right angles throghout from top to bottom, from the main train railway station to the Hoe (where I must add Sir Francis Drake famously played and finished or so we think a game of bowls as the Spanish Armada were approaching).
In general, the majority of the more well know shops have been on the eastern side of this road with the more independant quarter being on the western front - with the exception of Smiths and (when it was open) Woolworths, along with one or two others. A few years ago, Plymouth City Council in its wisdom decided to build the new Drake Circus Shopping Centre on the most easterly part of the town centre. This resulted in the more famously known shops reocating to there, thus leaving a whole array of shops emtpy in the rest of the centre (although some of these have since been filled with others also).
One of the main concerns of those people who not only lived here but also worked in the retail trade were concerned that as a result of this, the west end (also known locally as the 'Independant Quarter') would also become even more of a ghost town. Yes they noticed a downturn in trade initially, but no nothing too great ever came of it as people realised that the independant shops who were still down there had something real to offer us.
Customer service.
In real terms, the more independant and/ or specialised shops that are in Plymouth still do serve the customer as though they are an individual. I have to say that other shops in other parts of the country are also just like this, as they know that what the customer wants is to feel that they are not just simply another sale in the minds of the bigger companies - thus, fuelling the pockets of the bigwigs who are in charge. The staff who work in these shops offer you all of the ranges, as opposed to just a select few that other staff are trained to show you.
I admit that I don't use these shops very much, but those that I do actually frequent on a fairly regular basis (just like some of the more bigger shops) I am treated just like an old friend whereby nothing is too much trouble for me (unlike some of the more bigger shops whereby they get stressed if I have to keep just one customer waiting in the queue behind me).
If there is something that they don't hold, I can be rest assured that they will tell me (if they are able to) where the nearest shop is that sells it - in other words, they are happy to not keep all of the business to themselves. At the same time, if they DO actually carry whatsoever it is that I want but they don't have it in stock then I will either be told the best time to come back when they have had a delivery or if they are unsure they will take my details and call me when they have one in but also keep one back for me.
Value for money.
This would all really depend on what I was buying, but in general thinsg were hhigher in price than elsewhere - not much more, but knowing that smaller shops have to cover their costs as well this is understandable as I am happy to pay a little more for what I had previously described.
Range of goods.
In a lot of shops, you can find things that wouldn't normally be seen in other more top profile shops. In Plymouth, there are many alternative shops that sell incence sticks etc; many that do also sell loose tobacco, and things along these lines. I feel that it is still important for shops to also cater for those people who buy these things, which is where themore independant shopscome in to things. As I feel that they do actually understand what it is that people are after, therefore they are able to fill the gap in the market for these things.
I really do feel that the whole point of my review is to try to express my feelings for the need to support the more local shops as well as the bigger ones, as notonly are we supporting the livelihoods of those people whho own them but we are also keeping alive the other side of life that people also strive for - independant shops; good customer service, and so on.
Advantages: Personal, good customer care, friendly Disadvantages: May need to order stock in, but with wider choice
Your local independent nursery store may not be the first place you think of when you set out to buy nursery goods, whether it is a gift for a friend, a set of socket covers to toddler proof the lounge, or buying the whole kit and caboodle for a new baby. An independent store is likely to have a much wider range of products than the high street chains, which are restricted to a few suppliers. Most good independents will be able to order in any goods ... ...of using a local store are:
1) Usually have some payment scheme on offer, which is not subject to the restrictions of the credit based schemes of larger stores
2) Many shops will hold items, especially the pram or pushchair for you until you have had the baby if you so wish, a surprising number of people feel strongly about not having the pram in the house beforehand,
3) The main advantage, in my view is the level of service that you can get from ...
Helenlamb 11.12.2000 (30.07.2002)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Independant Stores
Range of products
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "Independant Stores"
Advantages: all under one roof. Disadvantages: expensive prices in this store.
we have just returned from a visit to Toys R Us, a store renowned for coming up with the goods at competitive prices. unfortunately in the town where i live there is only one independent toy store, so a trip to Toys R Us is sometimes needed.
yet again, i have been disappointed with the prices of goods.
their art stock, pens, pencils and crayons are very expensive, as are the swimming arm bands that my granddaughter wanted - £4.99 here, £1.00 in the 'pound' shop in our town.
We have been looking at toys a lot lately, as it is our grandsons birthday this week. The same toys in Argos are cheaper, although they are out of stock, so you end up paying the price by going to Toys R Us.
I would avoid toy shopping in there, unless it is the only place that stocks the much wanted gift i am looking for. ...
jayney49 12.07.2009
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Toys R Us (Shop)
Advantages: Good prices, shop assisstants are always willing to help. Disadvantages: harsh, cold environment - not the same quality of advice.
There's something about Holland & Barrett that I've never particularly liked, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly, but though the staff are always very helpful it lacks the same comforting homely environment of independent health food stores. The staff can often give you some advice on remedies but often it isn't comprehensive, and there have been occassions where they've just picked up whatever it is I've been asking them about and read of the back of the packet - which I'd already done(last time it was herbal cigarettes, meant to help you give up smoking, but which in actually taste really vile, and I found the only way to get rid of the taste was a normal cigarette. lol. ok back to topic).
I also don't finds the stores aesthetic value to be very high - the lighting is quite harsh and it has never struck me as the sort of place wher ...
Advantages: good stock levels, some really good prices Disadvantages: some really awful prices, some untrained staff
PCWORLD a hard time, generally because of someone we know has had a bad experience with them.
I have shopped in PCWORLD frequently for around 6 years, and I find their actual product range very good, but the prices can be a little steep. But saying that, quite often I have seen prices and thought that it must be a mistake, due to how low they CAN go.
I find that as long as you have a good idea what you want and what you'll pay for it, PCWORLD is okay. But if you are new to computers, it might be an idea to take along a friend who knows a bit about the subject, or go to a local independantstore, and get a balanced view of what it is your embarking on. ...
kathchurchill 18.05.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of PC World (Shop)
