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Agreed bst I think we'll see the demise of the huge shopping centres unless they adapt and change, the idea of basing a visit on a changeable attraction with shopping and eating a part of that experience is a good concept.
I agree. But the decline of town centres starts and ends with them.
I don't think Doncaster is too bad, streets ahead of Barnsley, Rotherham, Scunthorpe but the town has to evolve.
Quote from: big fat yorkshire pudding on December 04, 2020, 09:00:03 amI don't think Doncaster is too bad, streets ahead of Barnsley, Rotherham, Scunthorpe but the town has to evolve.Not sure Barnsley is worse than usI was speaking to a market trader this week who has had a stall at Doncaster for nearly 50 years and they have opened up two small shops in Barnsley and that's keeping them afloat. He's thinking of pulling out of Doncaster all together as they get no assistance at all from the Council yet Barnsley council are much more approachable.This is an outdoor market clothes stall.
Barnsley has sunk a small fortune into their new market development, with street food stalls and the like dotted throughout it. It's been a great success.
I would argue rents are the largest issue. Pick out arcadia, why did their stores leave the Frenchgate or downsize, the rents are far too big when other retailers online have no rents and thus are cheaper. The problem is how do these centres survive?I don't think Doncaster is too bad, streets ahead of Barnsley, Rotherham, Scunthorpe but the town has to evolve.Right now with the demise of arcadia its more pressing to find jobs for those who will now likely be unemployed like Mrs bfyp unfortunately.
Quote from: big fat yorkshire pudding on December 04, 2020, 09:00:03 amI would argue rents are the largest issue. Pick out arcadia, why did their stores leave the Frenchgate or downsize, the rents are far too big when other retailers online have no rents and thus are cheaper. The problem is how do these centres survive?I don't think Doncaster is too bad, streets ahead of Barnsley, Rotherham, Scunthorpe but the town has to evolve.Right now with the demise of arcadia its more pressing to find jobs for those who will now likely be unemployed like Mrs bfyp unfortunately.Really sorry to hear that BFYP. I hope you don't get hit too hard by this.
What is the most popular prefered option:1) Go to your nearest supermarket or outlet and park for free while you walk the short distance to buy your goods. Then, walk the short distance back to your car, with the stuff still in the supermarket trolly, and avoiding the occasionally unavoidable scenario of having to pay for something to be delivered.Or:2) Pay to park your car in town. Walk a much greater distance to buy your goods. Then carry your stuff back in several bags (unless they are too big and heavy so you have to pay for delivery), while avoiding bumping into, or tripping over the occasional smackhead?
Additionally they also need to make parking for free between certain times or at weekends bring people into the town centre.Scunthorpe do it at a weekend where their retail offering is and markets I believe etc.The issue is it is all shops, shops and shops and when they're closing it shows you that the general public aren't using them. Everyone always seems to blame online shopping if anything the independent shops are a lot better than the bigger shops as there is more of a customer orientated feels to it where as you could walk in 80% of the shops and not one person in the shop speaks to you on the shop floor.The issue is the rents and business rates are that high they will inevitably take their business online and trade via their own website, or amazon ebay etc.Who is it that is actually making the decisions on the plan for the town centre.I like what they've done at the train station looks very smart, in my opinion the Cast is pretty decent too but besides that I don't really see what they're are doing with it.The only thing I can think of on the top of my head is shops, banks and betting shops that is generally about it and not much else. Totally uninspiring.With Debenhams now going from the Frenchgate and Argos as well it is looking bleak for the retail offering in the town centre. Maybe time for a re think.Maybe they ought to do a survey for the general public see what they actually want, at least no one can then complain. But do businesses want to come to Doncaster especially when in my opinion it looks scruffy and worn down.
I think price is a big factor. Businesses like Boohoo compete very aggressively on price.Primark is one high street store that keeps dragging the customers in. Somehow it remains very competitive on price.
Quote from: River Don on December 04, 2020, 09:17:19 pmI think price is a big factor. Businesses like Boohoo compete very aggressively on price.Primark is one high street store that keeps dragging the customers in. Somehow it remains very competitive on price.Helps that they likely pay about 2p an hour to the people that make their tat, though. And that it's hardly long-lasting material.
Quote from: River Don on December 04, 2020, 09:17:19 pmI think price is a big factor. Businesses like Boohoo compete very aggressively on price.Primark is one high street store that keeps dragging the customers in. Somehow it remains very competitive on price.Neither myself or my wife would buy clothing online.We like to try stuff on and feel the quality of the product, something you can’t do when buying online.
Quote from: drfchound on December 04, 2020, 09:18:59 pmQuote from: River Don on December 04, 2020, 09:17:19 pmI think price is a big factor. Businesses like Boohoo compete very aggressively on price.Primark is one high street store that keeps dragging the customers in. Somehow it remains very competitive on price.Neither myself or my wife would buy clothing online.We like to try stuff on and feel the quality of the product, something you can’t do when buying online.No trying on clothes at the moment, hope your wardrobe is well stocked