Originally Posted by SPUGGIE J (Post 604210)

Is there not likely to be uproar from those who are electrical retailers already her that they couldn't compete? Change in the town will be good but at what expense?

Originally Posted by g jones (Post 604094)

In the end only a kamikaze pilot would have turned it down because it was unwinable (with a costly defeat in prospect). In an ideal world we should be able to say no to almost anything and not have to be held to account by people (or big business) outside of the Borough. That would be true democracy but no party has (or is currently) in favour of that.

Originally Posted by Gayle (Post 604283)

This is an interesting point because I think one of the reasons why Accrington has gone down hill is because of people saying 'no' all the time. The local Chamber of Trade or Shopkeepers Forum (whatever they're called - I can't remember) seem to be up in arms about stuff all the time. If they'd been saying yes then possibly there would be more things going on in the town centre. The only way to get investment into the town centre is to drag it in other retailers and create some competition.

Now, I realise that people are nervous about a Tesco taking their trade but let's face it, if you're going to shop in a supermarket you're already in Asda each week anyway.

What has to happen is that the town centre team has to capitalise on this and use it to draw other retailers in and to encourage business to thrive in the area.

Originally Posted by Royboy39 (Post 604294)

Unless masssive incentives are offered and, more important ongoing trade, to make it sustainable it will be very difficult to attract anyone.

Originally Posted by Royboy39 (Post 604294)

The council probably draw in more money from major supermarkets than they do from say.......all the revenue paid by Market Traders and the like.
Local traders will always struggle against the Supermarkets because of buying power.
Unless masssive incentives are offered and, more important ongoing trade, to make it sustainable it will be very difficult to attract anyone.

Originally Posted by Gayle (Post 604283)

This is an interesting point because I think one of the reasons why Accrington has gone down hill is because of people saying 'no' all the time. The local Chamber of Trade or Shopkeepers Forum (whatever they're called - I can't remember) seem to be up in arms about stuff all the time. If they'd been saying yes then possibly there would be more things going on in the town centre. The only way to get investment into the town centre is to drag it in other retailers and create some competition.

Now, I realise that people are nervous about a Tesco taking their trade but let's face it, if you're going to shop in a supermarket you're already in Asda each week anyway.

What has to happen is that the town centre team has to capitalise on this and use it to draw other retailers in and to encourage business to thrive in the area.

Originally Posted by entwisi (Post 604164)

I agree Bernie, it would make sense for multiple entrances, hopefully these are details that aren't yet set in stone.
Personally I am and was always 'for' it as I'm one of those who currently goes out of town to shop ( I absolutely HATE the car park layout at ASDA to teh point that i don't want to shop there). I also believe that it is a chance for teh town centre to get some oomph back. Once people are going into town for whatever reason its then up to the shops and market to make it an enjoyable experience to shop there.

Graham, not sure if this is something teh council could or should get involved with but IMHO some form of 'supermarket trolley' that can be used round the whole of town would be a cracking idea. The only bad part of shopping on the market and in town is that you end up lugging half a hundredweight of veg etc round with you. If we turned the whole of the 'market town' into a true 'Supermarket' with trolley zones by the car parks etc I reckon more peole would be willing to shop at the small stores. ake them "£1" deposit ones or whatever I'd still use one.