2020 Retailers in trouble thread

[anonymous-user]

Wacky Racer said:

I was offered a pre registered Volvo top of the range V90, list 47k for 33k last week.

Volvo gave Santander £15k off my V60 lease car (I leased via Volvo and collected from local dealer, and signed off the dealer invoice).

[Red 4]

Wacky Racer said:

Al Gorithum said:

A client of mine just got a 35% discount off a previously registered but new BWM M4. A sign of things to come?

I was offered a pre registered Volvo top of the range V90, list 47k for 33k last week.

But if you look at the motor traders thread on the main forum you'll see that they are telling everybody how busy they are and how business has never been better ...

Even lockdown just moved their sales to online purchases. Apparently.

[HTP99]

Red 4 said:

Wacky Racer said:

Al Gorithum said:

A client of mine just got a 35% discount off a previously registered but new BWM M4. A sign of things to come?

I was offered a pre registered Volvo top of the range V90, list 47k for 33k last week.

But if you look at the motor traders thread on the main forum you'll see that they are telling everybody how busy they are and how business has never been better ...

Even lockdown just moved their sales to online purchases. Apparently.

Heavy discounting of certain hard to shift, end of life, whatever reason, models and specs, has been going on for years, it is nothing new.

[anonymous-user]

survivalist said:

Red 4 said:

jammy-git said:

They tried this and the number of cases and deaths was increasing incredibly quickly because people are morons and inconsiderate.

Do you not remember the two week of Boris saying "work from home if you can, try to keep 2m away from each other", then hardly anyone actually did it before he then had to order businesses to shut down and people to stay at home?!

Nonsense. The country locked down before Boris made anything compulsory.

The government followed, they did not lead.

The government have followed popular opinion all the way through this. Tons of polling to see what would be acceptable, U turns where the polling was incorrect.

Sadly the polling sources are largely a bunch of morons who read the Daily Mail, which is why we have ended up in our current situation.

How many times have you been polled? Must be quite a few?

[Red 4]

HTP99 said:

Red 4 said:

Wacky Racer said:

Al Gorithum said:

A client of mine just got a 35% discount off a previously registered but new BWM M4. A sign of things to come?

I was offered a pre registered Volvo top of the range V90, list 47k for 33k last week.

But if you look at the motor traders thread on the main forum you'll see that they are telling everybody how busy they are and how business has never been better ...

Even lockdown just moved their sales to online purchases. Apparently.

Heavy discounting of certain hard to shift, end of life, whatever reason, models and specs, has been going on for years, it is nothing new.

No doubt. The traders over on the main forum who have been doing splendidly during lockdown must have a load of these hard to shift, end of life, whatever reason, models and specs, which they had the foresight to stockpile knowing, using their legendary psychic abilities, that the pandemic was coming.

It is the only logical explanation.

[HTP99]

Red 4 said:

HTP99 said:

Red 4 said:

Wacky Racer said:

Al Gorithum said:

A client of mine just got a 35% discount off a previously registered but new BWM M4. A sign of things to come?

I was offered a pre registered Volvo top of the range V90, list 47k for 33k last week.

But if you look at the motor traders thread on the main forum you'll see that they are telling everybody how busy they are and how business has never been better ...

Even lockdown just moved their sales to online purchases. Apparently.

Heavy discounting of certain hard to shift, end of life, whatever reason, models and specs, has been going on for years, it is nothing new.

No doubt. The traders over on the main forum who have been doing splendidly during lockdown must have a load of these hard to shift, end of life, whatever reason, models and specs, which they had the foresight to stockpile knowing, using their legendary psychic abilities, that the pandemic was coming.

It is the only logical explanation.

The heavy discounting capability will be provided by the manufacturer.

[Red 4]

HTP99 said:

Red 4 said:

HTP99 said:

Red 4 said:

Wacky Racer said:

Al Gorithum said:

A client of mine just got a 35% discount off a previously registered but new BWM M4. A sign of things to come?

I was offered a pre registered Volvo top of the range V90, list 47k for 33k last week.

But if you look at the motor traders thread on the main forum you'll see that they are telling everybody how busy they are and how business has never been better ...

Even lockdown just moved their sales to online purchases. Apparently.

Heavy discounting of certain hard to shift, end of life, whatever reason, models and specs, has been going on for years, it is nothing new.

No doubt. The traders over on the main forum who have been doing splendidly during lockdown must have a load of these hard to shift, end of life, whatever reason, models and specs, which they had the foresight to stockpile knowing, using their legendary psychic abilities, that the pandemic was coming.

It is the only logical explanation.

The heavy discounting capability will be provided by the manufacturer.

Whilst you are undoubtedly correct the heavily discounted cars are also pre-reg so it appears dealers have been trying to fill a quota.

[anonymous-user]

Broad speed offer 23% discount off a new BMW M4 so not a far reach for 35%.

[Butter Face]

Red 4 said:

HTP99 said:

Red 4 said:

HTP99 said:

Red 4 said:

Wacky Racer said:

Al Gorithum said:

A client of mine just got a 35% discount off a previously registered but new BWM M4. A sign of things to come?

I was offered a pre registered Volvo top of the range V90, list 47k for 33k last week.

But if you look at the motor traders thread on the main forum you'll see that they are telling everybody how busy they are and how business has never been better ...

Even lockdown just moved their sales to online purchases. Apparently.

Heavy discounting of certain hard to shift, end of life, whatever reason, models and specs, has been going on for years, it is nothing new.

No doubt. The traders over on the main forum who have been doing splendidly during lockdown must have a load of these hard to shift, end of life, whatever reason, models and specs, which they had the foresight to stockpile knowing, using their legendary psychic abilities, that the pandemic was coming.

It is the only logical explanation.

The heavy discounting capability will be provided by the manufacturer.

Whilst you are undoubtedly correct the heavily discounted cars are also pre-reg so it appears dealers have been trying to fill a quota.

Which will also be supported and encouraged by the manufacturer. Dealers don't just pre-reg cars for the sake of it, there will be sound financial decisions behind it.

[Jamescrs]

vaud said:

Yup... look at the house prices in North Leeds that are on a good railway line and/or <£20 taxi into Leeds...

I can agree with that, I live in a nice part of North Leeds, I bought my house well just over 5 years ago, right place at right time. I probably couldn't afford to buy it now on it's current value, not that it means much as I have no intention of moving so the only benefit to me is equity for a remortgage.

I've been into Leeds city centre twice since the pandemic took hold, once as I had a lump of cash to pay into a bank as it was a pain trying to use it in shops when everyone asks for card payment, that was a quick in and out visit, fairly painless. The other occasion was for a browse on Briggate and around that area, Trinity etc, I stayed for less than an hour and left again, simply couldn't be bothered with queuing to get into shops just to browse, If I do need to go to a shop now other than a supermarket I'll either head into Headingley or Horsforth.

[rover 623gsi]

Halfords announces plans to close 60 stores - although it hopes to do so without many jobs losses by redeploying staff

Edited by rover 623gsi on Monday 13th July 15:56

[PistonBroker]

Wife and I drove through town to bank some cheques this morning - we have the odd client who insists on paying by cheque still, frustratingly - and one stretch is particularly noticeable - Next moved out pre-lockdown as, apparently, they'd prefer to be out of town - and then Monsoon/Accessorize is next to them. So that's a particularly soulless sight right now.

Though it doesn't look quite so bad as the old folk queuing for Natwest runs right past all 3 shopfronts.

Taunton looks as busy as ever to these eyes, but then there is a lot of NHS and local government employment here.

[anonymous-user]

rover 623gsi said:

Halfords announces plans to close 60 stores - although it hopes to do so without many jobs losses by redeploying staff

Edited by rover 623gsi on Monday 13th July 15:56

Halfords is a strange one, what exactly do people buy from there anymore?

1)Sat Nav = Everyone has Google Maps on their phone or built in sat nav.
2)Service Parts = They don't really seem to stock anything anymore.
3)Car Stereos = Because they are inbuilt now very few people replace them.
4)Car cleaning products = Most people just get their car washed at the local EE hand wash place.
5)Car batteries = Half the price from a motor factor.
6)bulbs = way cheaper online.
7)Wiper blades = way cheaper online.
8)Max power go faster bolt on exhaust tips, fake vents etc. = died out years ago.
9)Spray paint, primer, sand paper, fiberglass etc. = Cars don't rust like they used to, who does bodywork repairs themselves anymore.

I would imagine the only thing they really make money on is bicycles, but surely now lockdown is over the demand will fall and there will be millions of the things sitting unused in garages?

I admit I used to go to Halfords all the time in the 90s for bits and pieces, but it must be 15 or 20 years since I last bought anything from there.

[Carrot]

Joey Deacon said:

Halfords is a strange one, what exactly do people buy from there anymore?

1)Sat Nav = Everyone has Google Maps on their phone or built in sat nav.
2)Service Parts = They don't really seem to stock anything anymore.
3)Car Stereos = Because they are inbuilt now very few people replace them.
4)Car cleaning products = Most people just get their car washed at the local EE hand wash place.
5)Car batteries = Half the price from a motor factor.
6)bulbs = way cheaper online.
7)Wiper blades = way cheaper online.
8)Max power go faster bolt on exhaust tips, fake vents etc. = died out years ago.
9)Spray paint, primer, sand paper, fiberglass etc. = Cars don't rust like they used to, who does bodywork repairs themselves anymore.

I would imagine the only thing they really make money on is bicycles, but surely now lockdown is over the demand will fall and there will be millions of the things sitting unused in garages?

I admit I used to go to Halfords all the time in the 90s for bits and pieces, but it must be 15 or 20 years since I last bought anything from there.

With you 100%

I got my recent e-bike from there for the regular commute to work, everything else purchased via amazon (lights, bike lock etc) as they were just too expensive to justify buying from there.

For the car stuff, bang on. I do wash my own car just to have something to do sometimes on a quiet weekend and get a bit of sun. Can't be arsed with servicing my own vehicles these days, would rather spend the money chucking it at the garage and enjoy something I want to do. Been there done that for many years.

Online for any other motoring related bits or off to the local factors for parts.

[toastyhamster]

Their tools are decent, but as previous posters point out, there aren't that many people maintaining their own cars these days. I'm impatient enough that I'll do a click and collect on a tool they have in stock rather than wait for online.

Interestingly looking for the Halfords story led me to this, no surprises but at least we have data now.

https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2020/07/footf...

[PF62]

Joey Deacon said:

rover 623gsi said:

Halfords announces plans to close 60 stores - although it hopes to do so without many jobs losses by redeploying staff

Edited by rover 623gsi on Monday 13th July 15:56

Halfords is a strange one, what exactly do people buy from there anymore?

1)Sat Nav = Everyone has Google Maps on their phone or built in sat nav.
2)Service Parts = They don't really seem to stock anything anymore.
3)Car Stereos = Because they are inbuilt now very few people replace them.
4)Car cleaning products = Most people just get their car washed at the local EE hand wash place.
5)Car batteries = Half the price from a motor factor.
6)bulbs = way cheaper online.
7)Wiper blades = way cheaper online.
8)Max power go faster bolt on exhaust tips, fake vents etc. = died out years ago.
9)Spray paint, primer, sand paper, fiberglass etc. = Cars don't rust like they used to, who does bodywork repairs themselves anymore.

I would imagine the only thing they really make money on is bicycles, but surely now lockdown is over the demand will fall and there will be millions of the things sitting unused in garages?

I admit I used to go to Halfords all the time in the 90s for bits and pieces, but it must be 15 or 20 years since I last bought anything from there.

Sat Navs - there are still lots of old fogeys who don't have smartphones (or don't know their smartphone does Sat Nav or has their smartphone on £10 once a decade PAYG plan) and want a Sat Nav

Along with Sat Navs the new thing is Dash Cams - which they will also charge to fit (although don't, just don't).

Batteries, bulbs, wipers - I bet they make a good chunk of their money from the fitting costs. There are a lot of people, myself included on occasion, when I would sooner pay someone a fiver to fit a bulb rather than get my hands dirty.

But generally yes, which is why their stores seem to be full of bikes and camping stuff.

[Red 4]

Carrot said:

Joey Deacon said:

Halfords is a strange one, what exactly do people buy from there anymore?

1)Sat Nav = Everyone has Google Maps on their phone or built in sat nav.
2)Service Parts = They don't really seem to stock anything anymore.
3)Car Stereos = Because they are inbuilt now very few people replace them.
4)Car cleaning products = Most people just get their car washed at the local EE hand wash place.
5)Car batteries = Half the price from a motor factor.
6)bulbs = way cheaper online.
7)Wiper blades = way cheaper online.
8)Max power go faster bolt on exhaust tips, fake vents etc. = died out years ago.
9)Spray paint, primer, sand paper, fiberglass etc. = Cars don't rust like they used to, who does bodywork repairs themselves anymore.

I would imagine the only thing they really make money on is bicycles, but surely now lockdown is over the demand will fall and there will be millions of the things sitting unused in garages?

I admit I used to go to Halfords all the time in the 90s for bits and pieces, but it must be 15 or 20 years since I last bought anything from there.

With you 100%

I got my recent e-bike from there for the regular commute to work, everything else purchased via amazon (lights, bike lock etc) as they were just too expensive to justify buying from there.

For the car stuff, bang on. I do wash my own car just to have something to do sometimes on a quiet weekend and get a bit of sun. Can't be arsed with servicing my own vehicles these days, would rather spend the money chucking it at the garage and enjoy something I want to do. Been there done that for many years.

Online for any other motoring related bits or off to the local factors for parts.

Halfords will price match everyone apart from eBay sellers and Amazon.
Just show them the price on your phone.
I find them handy occasionally but you're right, the sticker prices are quite high.

[clockworks]

Joey Deacon said:

Halfords is a strange one, what exactly do people buy from there anymore?

1)Sat Nav = Everyone has Google Maps on their phone or built in sat nav.
2)Service Parts = They don't really seem to stock anything anymore.
3)Car Stereos = Because they are inbuilt now very few people replace them.
4)Car cleaning products = Most people just get their car washed at the local EE hand wash place.
5)Car batteries = Half the price from a motor factor.
6)bulbs = way cheaper online.
7)Wiper blades = way cheaper online.
8)Max power go faster bolt on exhaust tips, fake vents etc. = died out years ago.
9)Spray paint, primer, sand paper, fiberglass etc. = Cars don't rust like they used to, who does bodywork repairs themselves anymore.

I would imagine the only thing they really make money on is bicycles, but surely now lockdown is over the demand will fall and there will be millions of the things sitting unused in garages?

I admit I used to go to Halfords all the time in the 90s for bits and pieces, but it must be 15 or 20 years since I last bought anything from there.

About the only thing I buy in Halfords is spray paints. I build RC model boats, and it's great to be able to buy whatever colour paint I need in a local shop. Does anywhere else actually sell a large selection of acrylic spray cans?

[hyphen]

Red 4 said:

Carrot said:

Joey Deacon said:

Halfords is a strange one, what exactly do people buy from there anymore?

1)Sat Nav = Everyone has Google Maps on their phone or built in sat nav.
2)Service Parts = They don't really seem to stock anything anymore.
3)Car Stereos = Because they are inbuilt now very few people replace them.
4)Car cleaning products = Most people just get their car washed at the local EE hand wash place.
5)Car batteries = Half the price from a motor factor.
6)bulbs = way cheaper online.
7)Wiper blades = way cheaper online.
8)Max power go faster bolt on exhaust tips, fake vents etc. = died out years ago.
9)Spray paint, primer, sand paper, fiberglass etc. = Cars don't rust like they used to, who does bodywork repairs themselves anymore.

I would imagine the only thing they really make money on is bicycles, but surely now lockdown is over the demand will fall and there will be millions of the things sitting unused in garages?

I admit I used to go to Halfords all the time in the 90s for bits and pieces, but it must be 15 or 20 years since I last bought anything from there.

With you 100%

I got my recent e-bike from there for the regular commute to work, everything else purchased via amazon (lights, bike lock etc) as they were just too expensive to justify buying from there.

For the car stuff, bang on. I do wash my own car just to have something to do sometimes on a quiet weekend and get a bit of sun. Can't be arsed with servicing my own vehicles these days, would rather spend the money chucking it at the garage and enjoy something I want to do. Been there done that for many years.

Online for any other motoring related bits or off to the local factors for parts.

Halfords will price match everyone apart from eBay sellers and Amazon.
Just show them the price on your phone.
I find them handy occasionally but you're right, the sticker prices are quite high.

The Halfords stores also price match Halfords.com (which competes on price with online so cheaper), and if you can't be botherd to click and collect, just show it on your phone.

Halfords is mega convenient, you know it will have free parking spaces and be open long hours. The motor factors/inde bike shops will all be shut and may not have convenenient parking. And you know it will have branded products on the car side, and well regarded own brand bikes.

If I need a bulb, it tends to be as one has just gone out, as opposed to me holding stock.

Edited by hyphen on Monday 13th July 18:37

[hyphen]

For those in SW London, the well known chocolate shop in Kingston is going it appears, unit up for lease. £67k rent and £30k Rates. Have to sell a lot of chocolate!

https://www.realla.co.uk/details/16691005

Im browsing commercial property sites for Surrey area, as always fancied a shop. And if they go cheap enough may get lease for a year, and work out why after

Edited by hyphen on Monday 13th July 18:40