House of Fraser - Business Woes

Yes, indeed. Just means retailers need to up their game and be more competitive.

hspexy This could also mean to make the streets more enviromental friendly and with more business stores that offer affordable prices for everyone, while the stores keep on making a profit.

Cafe stores are big in Iberian countries but in UK going to one isn't worth it.

The UK really needs to change drastically their ways of handling things, citizens should be able to legally own a gun for protection, the streets should be clean and people shouldn't rely heavily on fast-food (or at least keep it under control). As I honestly see the current UK govt, they're not going to improve anything at all but there may be light at the end of the tunnel.

Rockman I know what you mean. I’ve seen a rise in pop up shops in my area recently and they seem to work well, creating a trend for a specific area before moving on. A bit like when the circus comes to town

Hopefully that and not more god forsaken buildings.

Let’s hope so too. I prefer the independent shops, as they have more character

Rockman I agree. There’s so many new builds these days, with no character whatsoever. Have you seen Chinatown lately? It’s become unrecognisable :-(

hspexy UK is trying to be a wannabe US but everyone knows that'll never work. lol

Rockman lol UK always trying to follow the US

hspexy And the funny thing is, that it was UK who made US happen (colonized), now the father is trying to be like the son. lol

Rockman lol yes, it’s the eternal cycle of life

Think these guys are expensive? Try Selfridges.

I only go to HOF when my MIL is over visiting as she likes going to the one on Princes Street. I only look on the website when there is a sale on. I remember that I used to love visiting the one in Glasgow when I was younger with my mum because we didn't have one in Inverness, so it used to be a special treat, but the department stores are all so similar now, HOF doesn't really stand out anymore.

I agree. For whatever reason (though I suspect it was the Chinese owner of the company), HOF decided they wanted to become more up market, so they inevitably up the prices to curate and upscale image and attract higher ends clientele. That obviously hasn’t worked, and it’s alienated their previous customer base, who was probably your average high street shopper. I used to shop there loads as a student, as there used to be some good bargains...though that was eons ago (showing my age!)

Rockman lol I have to admit that at least the Selfridges store in London has more class and ambience. The HOF a few stores down looks pretentious and has an awful vibe...and that’s only my experience of using their loos! Lol

MrsCraig that’s very true, as I also feel it’s lost it’s identity. It used to be more welcoming and cater for everyone, but I think they’ve obviously wanted to change that

Rockman Maybe they will be the next one , oh I never check Selfridges, sell fridges but they do not sell fridges... Hahahahaha

AgnesFaludi I just googled 'Selfridges Dubai' and nothing came up, I thought they'd have a branch in Dubai since that's a country where people drop bread like crazy.

hspexy Totally agree, it is not the same as it used to be. It has definitely changed.

I agree. A lot of people shop online nowadays. The only place that seems to do well without an actual online shop is Primark

Stores closing down can be a really good thing so that the country can do some sort of a reboot/restructure itself from what it was before.

These type of buildings are being taken down, thankfully.

And replaced with more civilized and decent looking ones.

The Greenfell tragedy was an example of why "apartments" like that can't exist, they're just not safe in the event of an emergency. Plus, they look ugly as hell.

Rockman proper eye sores! Lots of the ones near me have been demolished but it’s taken years of negotiations and effort. Not many people like change