Which high street name is going to go bust next sweestake?

[expat]

I hope not JL is one of the few shops I really like, some people perceive JL as expensive but the overall quality of the goods on offer is very high and their warranties, price matches and customer service have been excellent IMO.

I agree, value for money high. When price is a factor but not the only one, it's a good choice.

[OwlHoot]

Yes, I agree. They sell good quality Jonelle bed linen, duvets and sheets etc, and it'll be a damn shame if that goes. Mind you, I didn't think much of their menswear dept when I looked in recently. But then you could say the same of Harrods now.

I was in Harrods a couple of months ago, with a view to buying some trousers whose legs needed taking up, and the assistant said they'd be ready in several hours. When I mentioned that the "turnaround" time (literally!) was only half an hour a couple of years ago, he said with a weary sigh "Ah, that was then". Obviously things aren't what they were. He was evidently an old timer and must have been pretty disillusioned to reveal his feelings like that to a customer.

So maybe add Harrods to the list, mug tourists not withstanding?

[expat]

Yes, I agree. They sell good quality Jonelle bed linen, duvets and sheets etc, and it'll be a damn shame if that goes. Mind you, I didn't think much of their menswear dept when I looked in recently. But then you could say the same of Harrods now.

I was in Harrods a couple of months ago, with a view to buying some trousers whose legs needed taking up, and the assistant said they'd be ready in several hours. When I mentioned that the "turnaround" time (literally!) was only half an hour a couple of years ago, he said with a weary sigh "Ah, that was then". Obviously things aren't what they were. He was evidently an old timer and must have been pretty disillusioned to reveal his feelings like that to a customer.

So maybe add Harrods to the list, mug tourists not withstanding?

<grumpy old man>
that is true of much of Britain: what once had an outstanding reputation because it had earned it, now lives off selling that to tourists, and doesn't need to be really outstanding any more.
</grumpy old man>

[Cheshire Cat]

Robert Dyas. Went in looking for a pack of fuses last week and couldn't move for all the "JML" tat and dancing, singing, plastic xmas trees.

[DimPrawn]

Poundland.

I mean, what's a pound going to buy you?

[TimberWolf]

Poundland.

I mean, what's a pound going to buy you?

These shops appear to be opening up all over the place. A new one on a posh street near me, and in town, two on opposite sides of the same street. There seems to be a few varieties of these shops though. PoundShop and PoundLand or something like tat.

[Moscow Mule]

No chance, they’re one of the darlings of the high street though I have noticed a drop in quality over the past year or so.

So much so I bought my winter ‘V’ necks from Marks & Sparks this year, nice Italian wool with silk weave.

Yes, unfortunately that was wishful thinking on my part. Was dragged there by Mrs MM - plenty of customers.

John Lewis (or so I heard a month or two ago)

Not a chance - absolutely heaving on Saturday in Kingston.

[DimPrawn]

M&S was bursting. I thought the tills were going to catch fire.

There is no downturn (or credit is easy again).

[AtW]

There is no downturn (or credit is easy again).

35% APR store cards

[DodgyAgent]

Poundland.

I mean, what's a pound going to buy you?

Wrong again DP

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7783200.stm