howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
i don't think that the big chains are really bothered what goes on their smaller shops not in the big cities.
so long as the sales figures are up to standard they will not be too bothered.
Guest 656- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,262
Well done JanH for sending that email, you never know they might just take note, always worth a try
I hope M&S stay in Dover, would be a terrible loss to the town if they went.
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
I certainly hope that M&S don't shut up shop in Dover, Roger. Perhaps they should celebrate 100 years in Dover by investing in a larger store! They seem intent on cramming more and more stock into a small shop to the extent that it's virtually impossible to walk round, and a nightmare for those with wheelchairs and pushchairs. "Retail is Detail" as they say!
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Watch this (or that) space Kevin.
Roger
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,883
Could not agree more Kevin.
I have often thought that the old Sainsbury shop would be ideal for them, food in one part and the clothes etc in the other.
Not so far for me to walk either.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
Sounds interesting, Roger! I certainly think a big M&S store in Dover could be the anchor for some major development. As well as the locals, a lot of passengers from the ferries and cruise ships also make a beline for M&S as one of the best known UK retailers. There was uproar in France when M&S closed their stores there a few years ago, but they are now reversing that decision. Here's to a bright future for M&S in Dover, and another 100 years in a new , larger store.......
Guest 641- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,335
I just hope that W H Smith take note of these comments, I thought I was the only one who suffered from staff disinterest in the customers requirements. I have never known such rudeness from shop staff, I miss the Sussex Bookshop where they always put the customer first with a smile.
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
Sorry to keep banging on about M&S, but why do they shut their Dover store at 5pm? It's probably one of the reasons the town centre is so quiet.
Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,883
I have just checked my emails and still no reply from W H Smith not even a computer generated acknowledgement, it does not improve their image.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,883
It is now over two weeks since I emailed Smiths and no acknowledgement never mind a suitable reply. Can anyone who goes in there let me know if the shop is any cleaner if not I will write a complaining letter.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
same with kent police on my request for information on cyclists being fined.
a reliable inside source advises me that the figure is "zero", no surprise there.
I have the same problem with M & S as Smiths. The aisles are very narrow and almost impossible to get round in a wheelchair without destroying the place. I know people in wheelchairs cannot be taken into account all the time willy-nilly but just another 8 inches would make a difference. For example do not have the problem in Co-op, Morrisons, Woolworths, Boots, etc.
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
Couldn't agree more, Diana. With an ageing population, some of the national retail chains need to take a long, hard look at their store layouts. M&S in Dover seem intent on cramming as much into the store as possible so it's impossible for customers to actually look at the proucts. Made the mistake of going into Poundstretcher the other day - an absolute disgrace. More stock on the floor than on the shelves. Clearly never heard of health and safety, nor customer service. I'm afraid this nation of shop keepers is now the worst in Europe as far as cleanliness, customer service, etc. is concerned.
There is a notice in Smiths window , they will no longer open on a Sunday , which seems a little odd
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
they were only open for 3 hours anyway, rather unfair on staff who may have to spend the same time travelling there and back as working.
i have to echo the comments about poundstretcher, always seem understaffed with stock just dumped anywhere.
some time back i went in to buy an item of cookware, there was a big pallet blocking the shelves, went back a week later and the same pallet was still blocking the shelves.
Guest 662- Registered: 18 Mar 2008
- Posts: 325
Dont know about Smiths but have you been in Poundstretcher lately? its a health and safety nightmare, stuff stacked in all the aisles and doesnt appear to be any order at all.
Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,883
I could not agree more about Poundstretcher, they could do with a surprise visit from Health and Safety.
Why do they never seem to have what I am looking for a bit like Smiths I only go there when I have to.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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I have to agree, as well, about access. I have recently had to use a walking stick for the first time ever (dodgy knee) and apart from the usual things such as the pain of trying to hoik yourself up onto slightly higher pavements (which can't be helped!) I had not properly appreciated the traps that lie in wait, such as the numerous bits between pavement blocks where the stick gets caught, the narrow shop (yes, M&S, I am looking at you!)aisles in which it is impossible to navigate effectively with stick and wonky leg, and the shiny floors in some shops that cause a stick to slip. Blinking nightmare!
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
Bern with a stick!! What a lethal combination.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
You'd better believe it!!!!