Marks and spencer to close in naas

paddylonglegs

Obviously not a place to do your weeks shopping but nice for the odd treat. Unfortunate to see a high profile chain closing down in the town. Can't help but think that lack of free parking in the area was a major contributor to this

beertons

Bang on with the free parking. The town council will never learn.

Le_Dieux

More decimation of Naas Town centre. Where will it end?

I haven't been in Naas for years now. Main reason for me was the cost of parking the car. Seems they have dropped it a bit from when I was last up there ( as someone pointed out to me on another thread). But now what? Half built SC, and they can't get an anchor tenant. Stand to correction, but last time I drove through Naas the superquin site was still boarded off, and now M & S. Naas Town Council ( NTC) will have get up off their asses now and make moves otherwise the town centre will be a pure ghost town, which really would be a pity.

HonalD

beertons wrote: »

Bang on with the free parking. The town council will never learn.

I don't understand what you mean beertons and paddylonglegs. Do you think that all public parking should be free? And if not, it will ruin a business?

Le_Dieux

HonalD wrote: »

I don't understand what you mean beertons and paddylonglegs. Do you think that all public parking should be free? And if not, it will ruin a business?

I'm not speaking for either Beertons or Paddylonglegs here, but for me, I would have a choice for the grocery shopping - Go to M& S and fork out to park the car, or go out to Tesce on the Monread and park for free?I know which option I'll opt for & it won't be contributing to someone's extortionate salary.

L1011

The parking in that centre isn't KCC controlled, though.

Le_Dieux

MYOB wrote: »

The parking in that centre isn't KCC controlled, though.

Fair enough, but the street's is either KCC's or NTC's patch. And also, I am sure some joker who owns the multi-storey parking in that building is creaming it. Having said that, who owns the parking spaces is not the issue for me, I would still rather go out to the Monread than fork out to park at that end of the town where M&S is...for now. And as I say, I don't know either of the other 2 Poster's thinking behind their comments, but for me, there isn't a choice to make.

Interesting read in The Leinster Leader on this topic: http://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/business/despair-in-naas-over-m-s-announcement-1-5363638

Maura74

M&S have not being doing very with sales, I expect that is why they have clsoed the Naas store. They were not very happy when the lost the sale in the link below.

http://www.theweek.co.uk/business/52031/qatar-launch-%C2%A38bn-marks-spencer-bid

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/10073773/Why-the-rest-of-the-high-street-is-in-better-shape-than-MandS.html

beertons

Free parking before midday every day would help. Tralee brought that in a few months ago and there was a great crowd round the town in the mornings. And for what they are charging, it's too much. Breaks my heart going into the multistory. And parking down Gleann na Greine isn't always a given. I still check out the road anyway, as it's free.

raven136

Le_Dieux wrote: »

Fair enough, but the street's is either KCC's or NTC's patch. And also, I am sure some joker who owns the multi-storey parking in that building is creaming it. Having said that, who owns the parking spaces is not the issue for me, I would still rather go out to the Monread than fork out to park at that end of the town where M&S is...for now. And as I say, I don't know either of the other 2 Poster's thinking behind their comments, but for me, there isn't a choice to make.

Interesting read in The Leinster Leader on this topic: http://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/business/despair-in-naas-over-m-s-announcement-1-5363638

Surely he isnt.He has now lost his anchor tenant to the Centre

HonalD

Le_Dieux wrote: »

I'm not speaking for either Beertons or Paddylonglegs here, but for me, I would have a choice for the grocery shopping - Go to M& S and fork out to park the car, or go out to Tesce on the Monread and park for free?I know which option I'll opt for & it won't be contributing to someone's extortionate salary.

What you have done is compare apples with oranges. Paying a couple of euro for parking and shopping in the more expensive shop can't be compared to the biggest tesco in Ireland, with multiple other shops in situ outside town centre.

Having to pay a couple of euro for parking couldn't be one of the main reasons for shopping out of town, it doesn't make sense.

HonalD

raven136 wrote: »

Surely he isnt.He has now lost his anchor tenant to the Centre

The developer in question has let the majority of his tenants leave or close down. It's difficult to know what business strategy he has.

HonalD

beertons wrote: »

Free parking before midday every day would help. Tralee brought that in a few months ago and there was a great crowd round the town in the mornings. And for what they are charging, it's too much. Breaks my heart going into the multistory. And parking down Gleann na Greine isn't always a given. I still check out the road anyway, as it's free.

The horse is long gone - there is no business in Naas town centre that is not available out of town. The decision to grant permission for the tesco site is the biggest factor.

aaakev

Le_Dieux wrote: »

Fair enough, but the street's is either KCC's or NTC's patch. And also, I am sure some joker who owns the multi-storey parking in that building is creaming it. Having said that, who owns the parking spaces is not the issue for me, I would still rather go out to the Monread than fork out to park at that end of the town where M&S is...for now. And as I say, I don't know either of the other 2 Poster's thinking behind their comments, but for me, there isn't a choice to make.

Interesting read in The Leinster Leader on this topic: http://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/business/despair-in-naas-over-m-s-announcement-1-5363638

Thats not a good comparrison at all, they are two completly different shops and not in competition with each other...

Most people i see in m&s know what they are after and are in and out quick, the 15mins free parking in the multi story has always been enough for me running in there or into one of the other shops in the centre...

raven136

HonalD wrote: »

The developer in question has let the majority of his tenants leave or close down. It's difficult to know what business strategy he has.

I dont think thats a business stragegy,more just the tenants that were there have moved.OBriens off licence moving to Tesco,the takeaways gone due to lack of business
Cant imagine the owner of the centre/car park has let them leave or not tried to get new tenants in?:????

Le_Dieux

beertons wrote: »

Free parking before midday every day would help. Tralee brought that in a few months ago and there was a great crowd round the town in the mornings. And for what they are charging, it's too much. Breaks my heart going into the multistory. And parking down Gleann na Greine isn't always a given. I still check out the road anyway, as it's free.

I was up in Donegal Town last month on a Wednesday on holidays. Couldn't get parking on the street at 09h30 in the morning, because they charge the sum of 30 cents per hour. I stopped in Boyle on the way up, and there parking is FREE. Town was buzzing.

Surely there MUST be a message in there somewhere.

Le_Dieux

HonalD wrote: »

What you have done is compare apples with oranges. Paying a couple of euro for parking and shopping in the more expensive shop can't be compared to the biggest tesco in Ireland, with multiple other shops in situ outside town centre.

Having to pay a couple of euro for parking couldn't be one of the main reasons for shopping out of town, it doesn't make sense.

Let me see, I need some meat? There is a butchers on the Monread, I need to buy something for a present...there is Argos....I need bread and milk.....sure why don't we go out to Monread, and have free parking, and can enjoy a coffee, albeit an expensive one, I must admit.

I agree, one wouldn't be doing their month's shopping M&S, but at the same time there are things that one does go there for.No more anyhow.

Who knows where the exodus from NTC will end, but it seems to be all one way traffic, and it's out of Naas to the Monread as far I can see.

Le_Dieux

raven136 wrote: »

I dont think thats a business stragegy,more just the tenants that were there have moved.OBriens off licence moving to Tesco,the takeaways gone due to lack of business
Cant imagine the owner of the centre/car park has let them leave or not tried to get new tenants in?:????

Not to mention Ryans (?) ( where one used to be able to get a good decent breakfast) or the furniture shop. There may be more, but I am not aware.

Le_Dieux

raven136 wrote: »

Surely he isnt.He has now lost his anchor tenant to the Centre

Apology, I should have used PAST tense. Yes He was, but not now if based on whats left in that SC. Now 2 SC's in Naas and the old Superquin building either going to rack and ruin, or on the way. Not to mention my old favourite steak house - Angus Joes.

What sad times for Naas.

HonalD

Le_Dieux wrote: »

I was up in Donegal Town last month on a Wednesday on holidays. Couldn't get parking on the street at 09h30 in the morning, because they charge the sum of 30 cents per hour. I stopped in Boyle on the way up, and there parking is FREE. Town was buzzing.

Surely there MUST be a message in there somewhere.

Just on this post:

1. Donegal Town was full because it charges; and
2. Boyle was buzzing because parking is free........?

HonalD

Le_Dieux wrote: »

Apology, I should have used PAST tense. Yes He was, but not now if based on whats left in that SC. Now 2 SC's in Naas and the old Superquin building either going to rack and ruin, or on the way. Not to mention my old favourite steak house - Angus Joes.

What sad times for Naas.

Agreed except for the Angus Joe reference!

Le_Dieux

HonalD wrote: »

Just on this post:

1. Donegal Town was full because it charges; and
2. Boyle was buzzing because parking is free........?

Listen You seem to have a MAJOR issue with parking fees, or lack thereof in other parts of the country.

PLEASE tell me where in the Naas commercial area (if there is still one) one can park for free, and also pay 30c/hr?

HonalD

Le_Dieux wrote: »

Listen You seem to have a MAJOR issue with parking fees, or lack thereof in other parts of the country.

PLEASE tell me where in the Naas commercial area (if there is still one) one can park for free, and also pay 30c/hr?

Less of the capitals please mate.

My only point is that the main reason for a business to close or fail has nothing to do with the price of public parking.

It may be one of the reasons but can't ever be the main reason. Market forces prevail.

My comment referred to the contradiction in your post re. Donegal and Boyle.

Le_Dieux

HonalD wrote: »

Less of the capitals please mate.

My only point is that the main reason for a business to close or fail has nothing to do with the price of public parking.

It may be one of the reasons but can't ever be the main reason. Market forces prevail.

My comment referred to the contradiction in your post re. Donegal and Boyle.

Fierstly, please refrain from using the word mate, ok?

Secondly, if you cant see that parking fees are a detriment to people going to a SC/town etc, well, .....Your problem. What would You put Donegal being so busy before banks open down to then? I'm not saying they are only busy because of parking charges, but for me, they sure represented a welcome relief from the rip off charges we have to endure here.

Agree on the market forces though, and firmly believe its a combination of both the accessability ( parking fees etc) coupled with this abhorent LPT, and the water charges coming down the road which are closing these places up., I also firmly believe we ain't seen the worst yet. But of course the clowns in Kildare Street can't see that.

Le_Dieux

You don't get it, do you? Donegal was 30c per hour, Boyle was free...last time I was in Naas it was €2 per hour..in that backstreet parking lot opposite Superquin. And why have I not been back? Because am damned if I will pay €2 to park a car in Naas.

I notice you only included the Donegal as far as 'it charges' You conveniently decided to omit the 30 cents per hour. If You want to make a point PLEASE play on a level playing field

Joe Public

Le_Dieux wrote: »

I was up in Donegal Town last month on a Wednesday on holidays. Couldn't get parking on the street at 09h30 in the morning, because they charge the sum of 30 cents per hour. I stopped in Boyle on the way up, and there parking is FREE. Town was buzzing.

Surely there MUST be a message in there somewhere.

The fact is, there are not many parking places in Donegal town and plenty in Boyle.

HonalD

Le_Dieux wrote: »

You don't get it, do you? Donegal was 30c per hour, Boyle was free...last time I was in Naas it was €2 per hour..in that backstreet parking lot opposite Superquin. And why have I not been back? Because am damned if I will pay €2 to park a car in Naas.

I notice you only included the Donegal as far as 'it charges' You conveniently decided to omit the 30 cents per hour. If You want to make a point PLEASE play on a level playing field

Calm down mate, I get exactly what you posted about Boyle/donegal and it was contradictory.

We live in a free country and therefore we can choose to shop wherever we want. Other punters are happy to pay €2 - less than the cost of a newspaper - so the market works itself out.

If like yourself you don't want to pay then there are two options, risk a clamp (it is a private car park) or shop elsewhere.

Can we move on please?

Le_Dieux

HonalD wrote: »

Calm down mate, I get exactly what you posted about Boyle/donegal and it was contradictory.

We live in a free country and therefore we can choose to shop wherever we want. Other punters are happy to pay €2 - less than the cost of a newspaper - so the market works itself out.

If like yourself you don't want to pay then there are two options, risk a clamp (it is a private car park) or shop elsewhere.

Can we move on please?

Will You PLEASE refrain from using the word 'mate'...I don't know You, I am not nor do i wish to be your mate and I certainly do not agree with your theories.

If you wish to pay €2 to keep some gombeen in a hugely inflated salary in Aras Cill Dara, then thats your choice, I'm NOT going to. I'll go to Monread and shop and park for free...now, as You say, lets move on.

Rightwing

Le_Dieux wrote: »

Will You PLEASE refrain from using the word 'mate'...I don't know You, I am not nor do i wish to ne your mate and I certainly do not agree with your theories.

If you wish to pay €2 to keep some gombeen in a hugely inflated salary in Aras Cill Dara, then thats your choice, I'm NOT going to. I'll go to Monread and shop and park for free...now, as You say, lets move on.

Everyone knows that car parking charges are a disaster...well almost everyone.

Several shops closed down in Limerick city and they moved out to the suburbs,,,,,,the reason they cited,,,car charges. The numpties in limerick city council 'it's got nothing to do with car charges' City centre is dead now.....and they still haven't learnt :mad:...and our taxes are going paying these numpties some of the biggest salaries in Europe. :rolleyes:

Le_Dieux

Joe Public wrote: »

The fact is, there are not many parking places in Donegal town and plenty in Boyle.

And the source to prove your statement is?

Le_Dieux

I have googled to find the answers to your claim about the plenty of parking spaces in Boyle, and 'not many' in Donegal, and can find nothing.

Please if You wish to make a statement be prepared to have proof to back it up, or else rather say nothing.

Le_Dieux

Just on the pay for parking thing, and this is no dig at HonalD: I was in A shopping centre I have never been in before - The Pavillion in Swords. There the first 2 hours parking is FREE and then the next hour is €1. Also why did Dundrum drop their charge for the first 3 hours from €6 to €2 a few years ago, and have never reversed this decision?

Alas HonalD, I think the first 2 posters hit the nail on the head with regard to the parking being an aspect of the demise of M&S and NTC in general.

L1011

Joe Public wrote: »

The fact is, there are not many parking places in Donegal town and plenty in Boyle.

Massive carpark heading down the bay, fair amount of parking around the Diamond, free parking in the Supervalu which is within walking distance of the Diamond - that's not "not many".

HonalD

Le_Dieux wrote: »

Will You PLEASE refrain from using the word 'mate'...I don't know You, I am not nor do i wish to be your mate and I certainly do not agree with your theories.

If you wish to pay €2 to keep some gombeen in a hugely inflated salary in Aras Cill Dara, then thats your choice, I'm NOT going to. I'll go to Monread and shop and park for free...now, as You say, lets move on.

Please refrain from attacking me and not the contents of my posts. I have plenty of mates who have different views to me, that's the beauty of democracy.

With regard to you comment above linking the €2 charge in a private car park to a local authority salary, this is rubbish, if it was a public car park, that would make sense.

HonalD

Le_Dieux wrote: »

Alas HonalD, I think the first 2 posters hit the nail on the head with regard to the parking being an aspect of the demise of M&S and NTC in general.

You have already said that you don't know the posters and don't represent their views.

I have not said that charging for parking has nothing to do with shops closing, but it is definitely not the primary reason as argued by yourself.

I getting tired of being involved in a never ending cycle of comment. As I suggested before, please move the discussion on........please.

Le_Dieux

HonalD wrote: »

You have already said that you don't know the posters and don't represent their views.

I have not said that charging for parking has nothing to do with shops closing, but it is definitely not the primary reason as argued by yourself.

I getting tired of being involved in a never ending cycle of comment. As I suggested before, please move the discussion on........please.

Let's just say we agree to disagree. Okay, I agree with You on let's move on.

The tragedy is that where there once was a beautiful town centre is now being decimated ( for a number of reason's,, right HonalD? ). And whatever we feel, seeing the centre of Naas gutted is not good.

sandin

Naas's main problem is parking - but not necessarily the parking charges but the utter lack of parking availability on the main street for popping in somewhere.

A maximum of one hour should be enforced at a charge of 50c for 30 minutes or €2 for an hour.

By using this method most spaces would be used for 30minutes or less and the average space would be used by up to 10 cars a day - mulitply that by the number of spaces and you get a lot of casual custom.

Naas TC, simply can't see this approach and allow 2 hours parking thus spaces being used 3 times a day.

For those who wish to stay 2/3/4 hours there are plenty of options in the carparks off the main street.

Le_Dieux

sandin wrote: »

Naas's main problem is parking - but not necessarily the parking charges but the utter lack of parking availability on the main street for popping in somewhere.

A maximum of one hour should be enforced at a charge of 50c for 30 minutes or €2 for an hour.

By using this method most spaces would be used for 30minutes or less and the average space would be used by up to 10 cars a day - mulitply that by the number of spaces and you get a lot of casual custom.

Naas TC, simply can't see this approach and allow 2 hours parking thus spaces being used 3 times a day.

For those who wish to stay 2/3/4 hours there are plenty of options in the carparks off the main street.

But why a charge at all? I was in The Pavillion SC in Swords on Saturday - first time ever there - and was stunned to see the first 2 hours FREE, and the 3rd only €1. Dundrum SC charge €2 for the 1st hour and You get the next 2 free. Liffey Valley is free, Blanchardstown is also free. I also heard today that Tallaght has reversed their policy of charging to park a car.

I was in Whitewater this evening, and according to my parking ticket I was 19 minutes in there, and was charged €1.30. I'll NEVER darken Whitewater's CP again.

Somehow, the SC's in Dublin seem to have their act together, while we down here in Co. Kildare seem to want to charge joe public to park, NO MATTER WHAT! I am sorry for ranting, but for me, I'll always go to Tesco in future on the Monread, and if Whitewater is not careful, they could also end up like the place ( not sure what that building is named...sorry) where M&S was in Naas.

I could do a lot of shopping in Naas but rarely ever go there because of the parking space availability and the price of parking.
I would rather drive to Tallaght or Liffey Valley. I can't even go to the barber in Naas with my 4 boys because its impossible to know whether we would be in and out in less than an hour or end up having to wait.
My wife and her friends would love to have their coffee get together in one of the many cafes in Naas but again the ease and no cost of going to Costa in Monread is worth paying the premium coffee prices.
I can't see how so many businesses survive at all in Naas.
If I could just drive to the town, pay a nominal fee and worry too much if I go over the time by 5 or 10mins without getting a parking ticket, I would frequent Naas a lot more. Just over 2 years ago I got a parking fine because I was just under 10mins late (coming from OB1). Haven't been back since except for dropping off and picking up kids from the schools in town.

beertons

The missus went in there earlier. She parked in Tesco, and had her parking validated by buying a few baby wipes in there. She said moral was really low, heads down, shelves half empty. Speaking with one of the women there, she said she wasn't able to transfer to Newbridge or Liffey Valley, they were finishing up at the weekend.

Le_Dieux

beertons wrote: »

The missus went in there earlier. She parked in Tesco, and had her parking validated by buying a few baby wipes in there. She said moral was really low, heads down, shelves half empty. Speaking with one of the women there, she said she wasn't able to transfer to Newbridge or Liffey Valley, they were finishing up at the weekend.

You are talking about M&S in Naas, I assume Beertons? That's the tragedy in all this, X number of people who worked there are on the street within the next 2 weeks, and let's be honest, with 400k ( give or take) already on the dole, prospects ain't looking too rosy out there. As for the Newbridge shop, as I say above, if Whitewater don't get their arses in gear, they too could be in trouble down the road. The day of screwing people for what they can to park a car is gone IMHO.

beertons

Oh yeah, Naas I meant. I use the Aldi/Lidl carpark when I go to whitewater, free parking. (It's one of them, I always mix them up)

Le_Dieux

beertons wrote: »

Oh yeah, Naas I meant. I use the Aldi/Lidl carpark when I go to whitewater, free parking. (It's one of them, I always mix them up)

Lidl FYI:)

Joe Public

Le_Dieux wrote: »

I have googled to find the answers to your claim about the plenty of parking spaces in Boyle, and 'not many' in Donegal, and can find nothing.

Please if You wish to make a statement be prepared to have proof to back it up, or else rather say nothing.

Just going on experience.

prospect

I have one main 'gripe' with paid street parking, and that is the predictive element of it. If I go into Naas I am supposed to know how long I'll be gone and then if I am slightly delayed I face a fine (or a clamp in some of the private car parks).

Naas needs to resolve the parking issue quickly, this does not necessarily mean they should make it free, but they should make it more user friendly.

Personally I would prefer if they removed most of the on-street parking in favour of wider foot paths and nice landscaping.
I am not sure of the politics or legality of it, if they are licensed or have planning stipulations, but the current parking should be legislated. There could be maximum daily/hourly rates, no clamping, maximum fines and pay as you leave systems.

Also, a town strategy is an absolute must. Most of the damage is done now after granting permission for 3 large out of town shopping centers (Tesco, Woodies & B&Q). Surely they can incentivise certain businesses, low rates for Restaurants etc.


Sorry bit of a wandering post.

sandin

Le_Dieux wrote: »

But why a charge at all? I was in The Pavillion SC in Swords on Saturday - first time ever there - and was stunned to see the first 2 hours FREE, and the 3rd only €1. Dundrum SC charge €2 for the 1st hour and You get the next 2 free. Liffey Valley is free, Blanchardstown is also free. I also heard today that Tallaght has reversed their policy of charging to park a car.

I was in Whitewater this evening, and according to my parking ticket I was 19 minutes in there, and was charged €1.30. I'll NEVER darken Whitewater's CP again.

Somehow, the SC's in Dublin seem to have their act together, while we down here in Co. Kildare seem to want to charge joe public to park, NO MATTER WHAT! I am sorry for ranting, but for me, I'll always go to Tesco in future on the Monread, and if Whitewater is not careful, they could also end up like the place ( not sure what that building is named...sorry) where M&S was in Naas.

Free carparking and every space will be taken up by the hundreds of offcie workers and leave no space at all.

New shopping centres have to have parking charges as per planning conditions - whitewater comes under that as does Dundrum. Whitewater have a maximum charge of €4 (i think), so it encourages longer shopping and you not being worried about the parking charge.

Tallaght had to start charging because of the huge number using it as a carpark for the luas and for offices. - they now have a very strict limit and clamp on a regular basis those who out stay (I think they put a warning notice on the first offence and clamp if it happens again)

But a low off main street long term parking charge to encourage 2 - 3 hours stays and a low short temr charge on the main street.

Excessive charges, just drive you away.

beertons

M&S won't be the last to pull out of there either. Tkmaxx had the right idea in Newbridge, pay a percentage of their turnover as rent.

Le_Dieux

sandin wrote: »

Free carparking and every space will be taken up by the hundreds of offcie workers and leave no space at all.

New shopping centres have to have parking charges as per planning conditions - whitewater comes under that as does Dundrum. Whitewater have a maximum charge of €4 (i think), so it encourages longer shopping and you not being worried about the parking charge.

Tallaght had to start charging because of the huge number using it as a carpark for the luas and for offices. - they now have a very strict limit and clamp on a regular basis those who out stay (I think they put a warning notice on the first offence and clamp if it happens again)

But a low off main street long term parking charge to encourage 2 - 3 hours stays and a low short temr charge on the main street.

Excessive charges, just drive you away.

And the excessivity of Whitewater has driven me away. €1.30 for 19 minutes? :mad:

I agree on Tallaght, but why have they reversed their charging then? Albeit, I hear it's the first 2 or 3 hours free thereafter the fees kick in, as it does in Dundrum and The Pavillion. When Dundrum opened they were charging €2/hr flat. When the crap hit the fan they dropped to €2 for the forst 3 hours, and thereafter the fees increased which I have no problem with.

Something will have to give in Whitewater, or else they will surely see another centre becoming a white elephant.

brian_t

According to the Leinster Leader, Red Cottage Retail (formerly known as the Dandelion Market) located beside M&S is to close at the end of the month.

Le_Dieux

brian_t wrote: »

According to the Leinster Leader, Red Cottage Retail (formerly known as the Dandelion Market) located beside M&S is to close at the end of the month.

Yes, here's the link: http://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/business/naas-marketplace-to-shut-its-doors-1-5379799

Also in the same edition of the LL is this: http://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/business/naas-marks-spencer-staff-had-no-idea-shop-was-going-to-close-1-5379727

Last 3 paragraphs were very telling and precise imho:

Naas Fianna Fail representative James Lawless said fresh thinking is needed to promote Naas.

“We’ve seen new supermarkets develop and do good business outside the town. There are plenty of people here to support local business but they need to be brought back into the town centre.”

Mr. Lawless said rates competition between in-town and out-of-town developments needs to be stopped and he wants “plentiful and clamp free” parking within the town.