Biggy shoe!
 

I had to wait for someone for half an hour today, and since it was dry managed to get a non-wet seat on Broadway.

In the thirty minutes I was there not one person bought a Big Issue magazine, from the woman that sells them on the corner. Thinking about it, I've never seen her sell any, despite her constant cries offering it.

In that time she sadly got hassled off two loads of lads.

In London the sellers at the busy tube stations were probably flogging two magazines per minute, in the rush hour, and the ones I used to see in Glasgow sold loads too, but that was mainly because they were quite aggressive in their 'marketing', and would chase you down the street to ensure a sale.

Have you ever bought the Big Issue?

I have very occasionally, mainly because of guilt, because I once fouind one on the tube, entered a competition and won tickets for a film premiere and a load of books on film.

I admire the fact that she's actually trying to earn money for herself, which can't be easy when you're homeless, but is she wasting her time?

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

Never actually bought or read one ... whats in them? Is it stories about homeless peoples plights?

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

There's a bit in about being homeless, but mainly it's just like any other magazine, interviews, reviews, etc.

Happily there isn't a Biggy Shoe Honey.:D

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

Have bought it once, didnt read it though, just felt kinda guilty

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

No Hobo Hunk or Honey of the Week?

Thats why no one buys it ... glamour sells :D

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

No never bought it, could be down to being selfish or it could be that I always assumed it was about homeless people and their rights.

Perhaps they need to change their image to put the magazine more up market?

Lets see them out there in Saville Row Suits trying to take my pound, maybe they have a too down at heel image for what the mag' represents?


I hope she does make a bit really, to stand there day after day trying to get us to open our eyes must be a hard job.

Re: Biggie shoe!
 

I bought on a few years ago in Manchester, but its so long since I've been in Accy centre or any town centre for that matter, so I ain't bought one lately

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

I thought this thread was about orthopaedic shoes. :D

http://www.cobcord.com/Images/benchM...ngLtLG4303.jpg

No, I have never bought the biggy shoe. :D

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

Bagpuss buys one from her regularly. ;)

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

I think you have a point.

It's not very well marketed, as people seem to assume it's all about homelessness, when in fact it's more like Hello, in as much as very often there are interviews with celebrities in.:D

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

Well it's nice to know he has clean sheets when he's sleeping on that park bench.
http://planetsmilies.net/tired-sleeping-smiley-4635.gif

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

Bless him; I’ll buy him a pint next time I’m over…….
I have seen the lady when I’ve been home but never bought one, nor have I over here. There’s a Polish chap that stands outside Tesco’s in Cleveleys, he calls out mildly but few seem to see him.

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

That seems to be the case in small towns, unlike the big cities.

Apparently they have to buy the magazine for seventy pence, and sell it on for £1.50, keeping the eighty pence profit, which there doesn't seem to be many of in Accy.

I do think they need to rethink their marketing, as people assume it's actually about homelessness.

This is from their website...

'The Big Issue is a weekly entertainment and current affairs magazine. The Big Issue group magazines have a shared aim – to produce consistently exciting, engaging and entertaining content, with the addition of stories relevant to the local communities in our regional editions in the North and South-West of England, Wales and Scotland. In every edition we publish a broad and balanced selection of articles, from investigative news features and in-depth spotlights on international issues, to reviews by leading critics of the week's must-see film, theatre, music, DVDs, gigs and visual arts, alongside challenging social comment and exclusive celebrity interviews.

Over the past 16 years The Big Issue has built up a strong reputation for journalistic integrity - our name is one which the readers, contributors and interviewees alike can trust. This reputation is a key factor in our continued success in attracting such a wide range of stars, whether they come from the world of arts, politics or sport, to grace our covers on a weekly basis. Sir Paul McCartney, David Beckham and George Michael are just a few of the celebrities who have chosen to talk to the Big Issue first over the years.'

Big Issue

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

Is the 'Biggy Shoe' sold on 'Pender Lil', or in 'Knotty Nil?

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

must admit i do buy it a few times a year, usually buy it from Manchester or Preston or some strange city i wander off to

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

In Accrington it's actually called Biggy Shoe Darlin

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

I don't go out of my way when I'm in town to find her but if i'm passing her by I get one.

But I'll bet that surprises no one.

I read them as well - quite often there are interesting articles plus usually a good competition or two.

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

I used to always buy the Big Issue from the lady on Broadway but stopped because they always smelled really bad resulting in me not reading it and wondering where they'd been to smell that bad. It is a while since I last bought one though and will give it another go another reason for me is I dont like to get my purse out on the street so will have to remember to put some change in my pocket.

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

the big issue chap in burnley dresses up as santa and sings 'big issue big issue' to the tune of jingle bells :D

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

I don't buy them : however I was really mad last year when the busker with the little dog. got moved on ? he is a very good musician but no "Not allowed " but its ok to sell the Bigger Shoe Darlin....
I have seen the one from Blackburn who's stand's outside Marks, she is from Stockport comes up every day on the train... she was sat across from me on the train counting her cash: We arrived at Manchester she was met by a man... who was driving a new car: say no more:
I really don't feel these people are genuine :

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

Has anyone seen her lately..............? i was in town today and could`nt believe my eyes.she was dressed as santa and singing her interpretation of jingle bells and doing a roaring trade......................hats off to the laydeee

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

It would seem that they have learnt a new marketing method.

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

not as good as the burnley chap...he has his own facebook fan club lol

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

She was doing much better on Tuesday too.

Her dressing up seems to have paid off.

Good for her.

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

Good, glad to see she is selling some more. I always try to get a copy of the Big Issue when I can, last Xmas, we were doing our shopping in Manchester, there was a guy outside Mark's bought a copy, asked him if he had eaten that day, he said he hadn't, so went to the food section got him a sandwich, cake and some juice. I will be doing the same this year as I come home on Tuesday for Christmas and need to go to Manchester to get my girl a pressie

Re: Biggy shoe!
 

Bought it a few times over here . dont mind supporting them. Our lad over here does the santa thing too.