Retail Shut-Down.

Really feel for some retailers around Kilkenny and think the weather really hurt a lot of them leading up to Xmas.When you hear some of the rents they have to pay, really makes you wonder how they can survive and make a decent living from it.Not wishing to be a prophet of doom but can see a lot of closures in the coming weeks.

fabbydabby

Sales are down 10% on last year, which was a veritable sh!t sandwich in itself.

Rents are governed largely by the economics of supply and demand, and you can get seriously good deals on commercial rent these days as a result, despite the fact that some of the old boom boyso still think they'll get 2006 prices if they hold on long enough. Yeah. Course you will.

It's RATES, not rents which need to be addressed. Do we really need all those councillors? 12 people?

How would we go about getting it cut to maybe 3 or 4?

Dr.Sanchez

fabbydabby wrote: »

Do we really need all those councillors? 12 people?

How would we go about getting it cut to maybe 3 or 4?

Get rid of McGuinness. No good waste of space licking arse to get votes... I remember when the house across the road from me caught on fire and he was the first person on the scene. Cue some chin rubs and head scratching!!

catbear

00Blaine00 wrote: »

Get rid of McGuinness. No good waste of space licking arse to get votes... I remember when the house across the road from me caught on fire and he was the first person on the scene. Cue some chin rubs and head scratching!!

and were you in any way suspicious?

Threadhead

Probably trying to see what he could fleece out of the house and sell it on to make a tidy profit.

But yeah, council rates are ridiculous. They're the biggest headache to get in the post and if your business is struggling anyway it's just another kick in the teeth. 3 or 4 councillors is all we need. Send some of the old dinosaurs out to pasture. Or whatever it is old dinosaurs do with themselves.

Dymo

Not just retail, I was in the Hebron estate yesterday and their was a abundance of empty units everywhere which would of had business's there. Rates are now a big killer for business's. They kept increasing them in the good times and keep trying to do the same in the bad time. Small business's are the most vulnerable, they get absolutely no assistance from anybody.

Dr.Sanchez

catbear wrote: »

and were you in any way suspicious?

Hahaha nah, this house was rented out to three alcoholics. This was their third time to burn it down. The council just keep refurbishing it and putting them back into it...

Threadhead wrote: »

Probably trying to see what he could fleece out of the house and sell it on to make a tidy profit.

He doesn't need any money, I went out with an ex of his for sometime... I could tell you some stories!

Captain Havoc

00Blaine00 wrote: »

I could tell you some stories!

Do continue..................

Plug

00Blaine00 wrote: »

Hahaha nah, this house was rented out to three alcoholics. This was their third time to burn it down. The council just keep refurbishing it and putting them back into it...



He doesn't need any money, I went out with an ex of his for sometime... I could tell you some stories!

Pixs or GTFO:D

fabbydabby

I could tell you stories about trainers at low low prices, no questions asked.

Threadhead

I could tell you a few stories about men's aftershave and jeans at low low prices too.

We must have so many similar stories!

Firetrap

I think in general the price of a lot of things has to fall. We'll all see soon what our take-home pay will be like when the changes in the budget kick in. And that on top of the pay cuts that lots of people have taken and of course all the poor unfortunates who are on the dole. People just don't/won't have the spare change rattling around in their pockets the way they did a few years ago.

misterdeeds

fabbydabby wrote: »

I could tell you stories about trainers at low low prices, no questions asked.

and some b...... shoes (ahhheem if u know what i mean)

JohnMc1

Davidian_ie wrote: »

Really feel for some retailers around Kilkenny and think the weather really hurt a lot of them leading up to Xmas.When you hear some of the rents they have to pay, really makes you wonder how they can survive and make a decent living from it.Not wishing to be a prophet of doom but can see a lot of closures in the coming weeks.

The funny thing is they claim they're hurting yet some of those store for nearly a week after Christmas.

fabbydabby

It's hard for local businesses to turn a profit legitimately with all this low-overhead illicit street peddling of warez going on.

We should inform the counc.... oh wait.

Lord Derpington

JohnMc1 wrote: »

The funny thing is they claim they're hurting yet some of those store for nearly a week after Christmas.

Store what?

Captain Havoc

I'd say he meant shut

JohnMc1

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I'd say he meant shut

Yeah. I mean't shut for nearly a week. That will teach me to read my posts before hitting the submit reply button again.

Threadhead

fabbydabby wrote: »

It's hard for local businesses to turn a profit legitimately with all this low-overhead illicit street peddling of warez going on.

We should inform the counc.... oh wait.

That's hilarious, because one time I saw this guy selling stolen goods on my street and I thought 'I should tell one of my local councillors about this' but on closer inspection, it seemed as if one of them already knew all about it. It turned out that he was going undercover as a guy selling stolen goods!

They are on the ball in fairness to them.

I also have to say I agree with the above poster. So many businesses have been shut down post Christmas (when there was no cold snap) that you really do have to wonder if they're hurting as much as they say.

t63m

"So many businesses have been shut down post Christmas (when there was no cold snap) that you really do have to wonder if they're hurting as much as they say."

Read the revenue returns from the revenue comissioners before making scattergun statements. The retail market is dead. Even 30 and 40 % reductions in prices make no difference to sales as people dont have the remaining 70 or 60% to spend. Lets get real here. A small high st unit is costing a retailer average 55000+ a year in rent, so with rates insurances and before staffing you are up to the bones of 80 to 90 grand before you open the door. No point opening the door if its costing you money down the drain. Do you work for nothing? Would you work for a loss?. I employ people, My efforts feed and educate people. My taxes pay for the local services you enjoy. So please don't insult people who take the risks with your blanket uninformed statments.

t63m

"'I should tell one of my local councillors about this' but on closer inspection, it seemed as if one of them already knew all about it. It turned out that he was going undercover as a guy selling stolen goods! "

It is the Gardai who investigate the sale of stolen goods not the council!.The council have no powers of arrest.

fabbydabby

You're right, I was thinking of the Jedi council.

t63m

fabbydabby wrote: »

You're right, I was thinking of the Jedi council.

I think we'd be better off with the Jedi at least we'd see more action. Our local council put more emphasis on recycling christmas trees than basic services. BTW has anyone seen the Happy Christmas from Kilkenny Local Authorities road signs the council erected? Worthy of "1984"

t63m

Took some visitors to see the city yesterday. Wow a chip shop on the parade complete with cheap led sign. My God only in Kilkenny! Centre of culture and future centre of Norman Excellence. Time to throw in the towel!

Captain Havoc

I think chips are what tourists want to be honest. Better than tacky souveniers.

Dozen Wicked Words

Captain Havoc wrote: »

I think chips are what tourists want to be honest. Better than tacky souveniers.

Especially when you get a towel thrown in too. A Win/Win situation.

t63m

Yeah why not throw the parade tower open to hen parties while youre at it!

Captain Havoc

There's catering for the tower and I'm sure if you had the dosh a hen could be arranged.

Threadhead

t63m wrote: »

[I employ people, My efforts feed and educate people. My taxes pay for the local services you enjoy. So please don't insult people who take the risks with your blanket uninformed statments.

I run a business in the city centre, I pay my council rates and I pay my taxes, so how dare you condescend me in such a self righteous manner. You, sir, have some serious neck. Did you dare to presume that I am unemployed? Did you dare presume that I am somehow unappreciative of local businesses? I am just as informed as you and how dare you assume otherwise just because you don't agree with what I said. You certainly didn't have to agree but there was absolutely no need to make assumptions on me and my character. Maybe you should focus your efforts on educating yourself and see if that benefits you?

I worked throughout December at an absolute loss. I was back in work on December 27th simply because it needed to be done. I genuinely don't get why some businesses were closed over the Christmas holidays when there was at least the opportunity to take advantage of the little custom that was there. I would have considered it an opportune time to try and maximise earnings in as much is possible. I will stand by my statement and I certainly won't be patronised by someone who does not know me in the slightest.

Threadhead

t63m wrote: »

"'I should tell one of my local councillors about this' but on closer inspection, it seemed as if one of them already knew all about it. It turned out that he was going undercover as a guy selling stolen goods! "

It is the Gardai who investigate the sale of stolen goods not the council!.The council have no powers of arrest.

You should also educate yourself in the difference between joking and being serious before replying in such a patronising manner.

Do you jump guns for a living per chance?

t63m

Threadhead wrote: »

I run a business in the city centre, I pay my council rates and I pay my taxes, so how dare you condescend me in such a self righteous manner. You, sir, have some serious neck. Did you dare to presume that I am unemployed? Did you dare presume that I am somehow unappreciative of local businesses? I am just as informed as you and how dare you assume otherwise just because you don't agree with what I said. You certainly didn't have to agree but there was absolutely no need to make assumptions on me and my character. Maybe you should focus your efforts on educating yourself and see if that benefits you?

I worked throughout December at an absolute loss. I was back in work on December 27th simply because it needed to be done. I genuinely don't get why some businesses were closed over the Christmas holidays when there was at least the opportunity to take advantage of the little custom that was there. I would have considered it an opportune time to try and maximise earnings in as much is possible. I will stand by my statement and I certainly won't be patronised by someone who does not know me in the slightest.

Ah "The fox with no tail"

Threadhead

Much better to be the fox with no tail than the ass in the lions' skin.

t63m

Threadhead wrote: »

You, sir, have some serious neck. Did you dare to presume ....Maybe you should focus your efforts on educating yourself and see if that benefits you?QUOTE]

Yeah I'll learn to cut and paste from Jane Austen like you.

This is becoming boring................................................

Threadhead

You would presume I've read Jane Austen wouldn't you?

Break time is over little man, go back to class.

catbear

I believe Mary's lane is the traditional venue for the settling of ungentlemanly behaviour. Rotten tomatoes at twenty paces!

Seriously though guys, both your businesses are suffering but neither one of you are at fault for that. Redirect your attention towards the elephants on the main street, AIB and Bank of Ireland, each bailed out by you and me the taxpayer. (everyone is indirectly taxed through VAT)
Both of these zombie entities and the politicians who saved them (don't forget FG, they voted for the bailout too) are more worthy of your scorn and frustration. It has become them (bankers and the political protectors) versus us (all of us, consumers, workers and employers) and they would be quite happy for us to tear eachother apart first.

fabbydabby

What businesses do ye run, if you don't mind me asking?

In happier news, I discovered the wonders of Nelly's Farm Shop today. Will definitely be back. Nice place, nice stuff.

Looks like the council are asleep regarding the pain being suffered by shop owners. Probably will attempt to address the rates issue when it's too late and shop owners are gone beyond breaking point. Retailers really should unite and march on the council, it's time that they are answerable to their true paymasters; the rates payers.

In the meantime, we say goodbye to:

Celtic Bookmakers - 2 shops.
Mocha on William St. & Rose Inn St.
Toni & Guy http://tinyurl.com/3agm8s8

Interesting article by Lord Sugar today regarding small businesses.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/lord-sugar/my-message-to-small-businesses-for-2011/179399492080555

RobitTV

NEWS:::

HMV IN KILKENNY AT RISK OF CLOSURE, AS HMV ANNOUCES THE CLOSURE OF 60 STORES UK AND IRELAND!

Read..

kensutz

RobitTV wrote: »

NEWS:::

HMV IN KILKENNY AT RISK OF CLOSURE, AS HMV ANNOUCES THE CLOSURE OF 60 STORES UK AND IRELAND!

Read..

I think you started enough threads about it already! :rolleyes:

up for anything

RobitTV wrote: »

NEWS:::

HMV IN KILKENNY AT RISK OF CLOSURE, AS HMV ANNOUCES THE CLOSURE OF 60 STORES UK AND IRELAND!

Read..

Ah bugger! Santy bought an xBox there the week before Christmas. I even asked the assistant whether there was a chance of them closing down post Christmas just like Zavvi did a few years ago and leaving Santy in the shite if there was problem with it and was told no chance. Grrrrr. :mad:

Captain Havoc

up for anything wrote: »

Ah bugger! Santy bought an xBox there the week before Christmas. I even asked the assistant whether there was a chance of them closing down post Christmas just like Zavvi did a few years ago and leaving Santy in the shite if there was problem with it and was told no chance. Grrrrr. :mad:

I'd say if there's an issue you could visit one of the other stores, I know it'd be a trek or maybe they'd allow you to post it? You probably won't have to visit that avenue (I hope you don't). I hope it doesn't close, it'd be bad for the staff and MacDonagh really needs all it can get. At the moment, it's idle speculation that they're going to close the one in Kilkenny, I know it's about 1/5 of their stores closing, which if evenly spread would be 3-4 in the republic. They have 10 stores in Dublin, 2 in Limerick and one in Sligo so there's good hope there, as far as I'm concerned (I'm assuming Cork and Galway stores are safe). I remember when a company I was working for went into administration and we found out via a customer who saw it on Sky news, really uncomfortable. Unfortunately when it hits the news, people are afraid to shop there for more expensive stuff like an XBox. I don't think RobitTV has done anyone any favours by pointing Kilkenny out, especially as no reason was given why Kilkenny in particular, who knows, maybe the Kilkenny store has the biggest % profit for their Irish stores.

Regarding rates for business owners,might be worth taking a look at this site

http://www.cpssurveyors.ie/businessrates.php

500sel

Advance pitstop is gone aswell along with several other outlets nation wide.

fabbydabby

Retreat pitstop.

Plug

500sel wrote: »

Advance pitstop is gone aswell along with several other outlets nation wide.

I think they are gone now. Only one lad didn't get let go and he's gone down to the Carlow branch. Bad fcuking times:(

Threadhead

I noticed Kim's Cakes on John Street is closed down. And Maria's Cakes on Kieran Street is gone too. Yesterday was a bad day to go cake shopping.

Maria's Cakes is still in operation.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=355265311950

I notice Home Heat Solutions(think this is the name) is gone also beside Kim's Cakes.

Great article by David McWilliams this weekend,

http://www.davidmcwilliams.ie/2011/01/08/if-i-was-taoiseach-what-i-would-do-to-save-ireland

Comment by editor of Independent on the article,

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/a-new-dawn-people-not-banks-2489520.html

Advertiser on Kilkenny Council Budget 2011, claims Kilkenny has lowest rates in the country.

http://www.advertiser.ie/kilkenny/article/34981

catbear

Good post Davidian.

So far we've had the "Don't cut me" marches but we need to cut the banks from the taxpayer. I've told my local TD years ago but it has to be from everyone for them to take action.

Threadhead

I don't think it is open anymore though, there was a book shop in there over Christmas. The same book shop that used to be Tall Stories and then was on High Street for a while.

Sky King

I started a facebook page.

I know 'facebook pages never did anything' etc etc but they're quite useful for organising protests and gathering like minded individuals etc. Please feel free to join and tell your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-want-a-referendum-on-the-bank-bailout/117684131636405

I should have stated that Maria's Cakes is operating from her own home now. Details are on her facebook page.