Kellys 76 the Quay to close - just announced

mike65

One of the oldest retail outlets in the country is about to shut its doors. 160 years in business.

Finnbar01

Just read about it on Waterford News and Star. 166 years in business and now gone. Also mentioned that Benetton, Warehouse, Pulse and Monsoon also gone.

I'd say more will go what with the new increased rates.

Max Powers

yeah, heard it on radio yesterday. its a shame. I know when these things happen, I can get a little down spirited. 2 things:
firstly, i feel this and the other few shops that closed is a consequence primarily of our desperate unemployment problem, i feel the government has talked a half decent game about Waterford but delivered little, i feel abandoned by them and our 3 govt TDs.

Secondly, we need to pick ourselves up, support the city centre shops, pubs, restaurants even more than ever, the situation isnt improving and waiting for those in power to do anything significant it seems is futile.

Gael23

Rates is one thing but people just don't have money to spend in these shops ay more

wendydoll

Max Powers wrote: »

Secondly, we need to pick ourselves up, support the city centre shops, pubs, restaurants even more than ever,

I would love if smaller concession that are in likes of Debenhams and Shaws had their own shop fronts. There's plenty of places in the city centre that they could rent.

I wish the city council would look logically at the issue of rates and empty properties. Does it not make more sense to take a hit on the rates and get people into premises or leave the building sit there empty and get zero out of it.

Also I was in Kilkenny the other day and most empty shops (and there was several up there as well) had decorative decal window coverings rather than something fired up in haste with a "closing down" sign left there.

Max Powers

wendydoll wrote: »

I would love if smaller concession that are in likes of Debenhams and Shaws had their own shop fronts. There's plenty of places in the city centre that they could rent.

I wish the city council would look logically at the issue of rates and empty properties. Does it not make more sense to take a hit on the rates and get people into premises or leave the building sit there empty and get zero out of it.

Also I was in Kilkenny the other day and most empty shops (and there was several up there as well) had decorative decal window coverings rather than something fired up in haste with a "closing down" sign left there.

agree with that more attractive sticker on windows thing. Im pretty sure rates are determined by the council anymore.

wendydoll

Max Powers wrote: »

agree with that more attractive sticker on windows thing. Im pretty sure rates are determined by the council anymore.

I can't stand passing the old Audi showroom by PC World. The plants were just left there to wither and die. It looked dreadful. They could have at least cleared the place properly. See if the stickers were on the windows it wouldn't annoy me

Well whoever determines the rates hmm would we rather lesser money from rates vs. zero money from empty premises. I know which I'd prefer if I were in charge.

wellboytoo

Awful pity about kellys but to look for the bright side it is a very lettable property and has great frontage , and could open up the lane behind to retail if a retailer had their head switched on, might be a case of new broom sweeps clean.Not very many high street properties of this size and location around in Waterford( don't mention Johnny Hearnes)

Minister

It is a shame, alright. However, I and others I know, avoid the city centre because of the traffic mess on the Quay and time spent in traffic - not to mention the off putting parking charges.

Sadly, I believe other established businesses will go the same way.

When I left school in the early eighties and studied/worked in Waterford the city centre was a busier and more upbeat place to be - even in a recession as there was then. Even in the evenings there was activity. Pedestrianisation, coupled with ineptitude at a senior Local Authority level have, imho, contributed to the dereliction of what was once a fine city.

Trick of the Tail

This is yet more evidence, if any were needed, that the City Council are succeeding in their apparent mission to destroy the retail centre of Waterford City.

Poor traffic management, coupled with a seeming desire to actually discourage people to drive their cars into town, ridiculously high rates (with no understanding or appreciation of the hardship this causes to businesses - "we don't care, you have to pay it") are some but not all of the evidence of this policy.

They are a blinkered, obstinate, unsympathetic, inefficient crowd of self-serving delusionists.

With them in charge it's no wonder the city centre is going down the toilet.

The blame lies squarely and fully at the feet of the City Council, for either their actions or omissions.

decies

The Glass Factory kept the city going in the 80,s huge loss to the city . Went in to wish the owner all the best , he is still devasted , said the footfall collapsed, and never thought it would end like this . I think the Viking triangle is dragging all the tourists up that part of town. Damien Tiernan was hanging around the place so expect something on TV , if somebody sees anything let us know.

Professey Chin

decies wrote: »

The Glass Factory kept the city going in the 80,s huge loss to the city . Went in to wish the owner all the best , he is still devasted , said the footfall collapsed, and never thought it would end like this . I think the Viking triangle is dragging all the tourists up that part of town. Damien Tiernan was hanging around the place so expect something on TV , if somebody sees anything let us know.

It was on 6.1

tombliboo83

It is sad. I drove up to Kilkenny with family to pick up some bits from H&M for the little fella. At about 11am on a Friday the town was very vibrant. We headed to MacDonagh Junction and got parking in a lovely big bright carpark with roomy spaces for €2 for three hours the centre was full, there was a free kids play area and when we went to leave we could change the baby and use the toilet in clean free toilets.

I understand shopping local and my wife works in the city centre and often goes around the shops at lunch time if the kids or the house need anything but because of all the closures 7 times out 10 she can't find what she needs.
It really feels like the city is dying and no amount of positivity can change that. Until people can afford to shop in town and also find the things they need it's just not going to happen.

wendydoll

Was up in Kilkenny on Monday and it was busy enough, didn't pass many with shopping bags though. Seemed like most people were just pottering around. The street were busy but the shopping centres were pretty much empty.

Have to agree with Minister above, I think pedestrianisation has killed the hustle and bustle of the city. Sometimes I think are they farting around with the quay roadworks so the traffic is mental along the viking triangle area so it appears to tourists as this busy city.

cbl593h

But ask yereselves- have ye EVER been in Kellys ??? Do you ever remember yere mother's in the 80s/90s/00s going in their for a frock or a bra??? Probably not. Shaws yeah, Roches yeah, Cassidys yeah.

I crossed the door once to pass a message to me friend's missus of the time ( he used to work in Egans if anyone tuned can work it out ) but never before or after..............

Times change, are we going to all going to lament what we didn't use?? I think not. Aside though, there are people up the thread who the city governors (or so called) should heed- there has been no wisdom in the direction the city centre has gone and the pain inflicted by that lack of wisdom isn't close to ending.

mike65

cbl593h there is some truth in that, places like Kelly's are retail relics, always looked a bit "Are You Being Served?". I'd imagine the wedding trade was what just about kept it going as long as it was open.

sugoo69

Its very sad but seems to be the way of things. Ive only been here 10 years and the difference in the city is huge. It used to be a great place for a night out and a buzzing shopping spot. Even when the shops out by the new Audi garage moved in like TK Maxx whe it was out there was great - Id go there then on into town.
But nowadays parking is a joke, the quays are a nightmare and the closing stores just go to remind you that the city seems to be falling deeper into a depression.
Now as to what can be done I couldnt suggest - its not my city & I dont have the history. I can say that now it saddens me & I now avoid coming in. At the risk of retribution I have to say I would happily drive to Mahon point rather than go to Waterford city.

magick

sugoo69 wrote: »

Its very sad but seems to be the way of things. Ive only been here 10 years and the difference in the city is huge. It used to be a great place for a night out and a buzzing shopping spot. Even when the shops out by the new Audi garage moved in like TK Maxx whe it was out there was great - Id go there then on into town.
But nowadays parking is a joke, the quays are a nightmare and the closing stores just go to remind you that the city seems to be falling deeper into a depression.
Now as to what can be done I couldnt suggest - its not my city & I dont have the history. I can say that now it saddens me & I now avoid coming in. At the risk of retribution I have to say I would happily drive to Mahon point rather than go to Waterford city.

Im from Waterford and completely agree with this, I come back as much as i can and I have to agree the "planners" for the quay are a joke. However one thing I did notice was with all the shops closing it does remind me of the 80s when Waterford was a ghost town. People shouldnt be so depressed every town/city/country goes though this, and as things go we will bounce back. So heads up, move on things can only get brighter.

wmpdd3

It says alot when they have to encourage people to stay shopping on the quay:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=535354859865151&set=a.473943766006261.1073741828.473924096008228&type=1&relevant_count=1

Nypd

wmpdd3 wrote: »

It says alot when they have to encourage people to stay shopping on the quay:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=535354859865151&set=a.473943766006261.1073741828.473924096008228&type=1&relevant_count=1

I think the quay when finished will look good when finished hopefully it will breath a bit of life back along it.
It does have a very industrial look to it.
The green route should make it more appealing

bilibob

I have to be honest I never went in there, I dont even know if they stocked mens wear, but the place looked fairly tacky. A few years ago they upped their game with a redgreen section but it was tiny and they were charging crazy prices. It seemed to be targeted at tourists more than anything else. Between the bus stop outside and being on the quay, looking at the carparks, It was in an ideal location. Penneys behind it is absolutely jampacked any time I'm in there and its the only one open late. They are expanding for the second time in three years right at the back of Kellys. If this were the boomtime I would say that Kellys being vacant and Penneys there now would create an ideal 'opera lane' style development on Conduit Lane with the shops that people want, with the clothes people want, instead of paying 130 euro for plain old trousers from a few years ago in Kellys. Most of their business seemed to be pensioners with accounts they paid into every week. We really can't blame people for not shopping there if its not what people want!

Psychedelic

Re: driving up to Kilkenny, what does it cost, must be €10-€20 worth of petrol for the round trip, and yet those people are the ones complaining about a couple of Euro for car parking in Waterford.

I was only reading this morning on Twitter that you can get parking for €1 per hour now in Railway Square, as well as Millers Marsh and Bolton Street car parks: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BSOFRSrIUAAdKY1.jpg

The City Council are also supposed to be starting work on a new 400-space car park in the city centre which is due to be completed before the end of the year.

I don't know how the Quay's are a "nightmare", Christ almighty a few traffic delays and people acting like their life is ruined, ffs get over it....works will end eventually, and they will look better when done. Also, once work is completed on the Viking Triangle the Council will be able to invest in the other city centre areas. And anyone who actually follows what City Council does will know the other great work they are doing in general.

Pedestrianisation is fine, I don't know why it keeps coming up as an issue. Lots of traffic isn't going to make the place seem busier, and even if it did, it would only make it seem busier - traffic does not equal footfall.

I'm not saying the city isn't in serious trouble, but the constant complaining about car parking as the sole reason for it does my head in.

wellboytoo

bilibob wrote: »

I have to be honest I never went in there, I dont even know if they stocked mens wear, but the place looked fairly tacky. A few years ago they upped their game with a redgreen section but it was tiny and they were charging crazy prices. It seemed to be targeted at tourists more than anything else. Between the bus stop outside and being on the quay, looking at the carparks, It was in an ideal location. Penneys behind it is absolutely jampacked any time I'm in there and its the only one open late. They are expanding for the second time in three years right at the back of Kellys. If this were the boomtime I would say that Kellys being vacant and Penneys there now would create an ideal 'opera lane' style development on Conduit Lane with the shops that people want, with the clothes people want, instead of paying 130 euro for plain old trousers from a few years ago in Kellys. Most of their business seemed to be pensioners with accounts they paid into every week. We really can't blame people for not shopping there if its not what people want!

I think the above is an excellent and accurate post, sometimes you need new blood in any organisation or just give up.

Jason Todd

Psychedelic wrote: »

Re: driving up to Kilkenny, what does it cost, must be €10-€20 worth of petrol for the round trip, and yet those people are the ones complaining about a couple of Euro for car parking in Waterford.

I was only reading this morning on Twitter that you can get parking for €1 per hour now in Railway Square, as well as Millers Marsh and Bolton Street car parks: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BSOFRSrIUAAdKY1.jpg

The City Council are also supposed to be starting work on a new 400-space car park in the city centre which is due to be completed before the end of the year.

I don't know how the Quay's are a "nightmare", Christ almighty a few traffic delays and people acting like their life is ruined, ffs get over it....works will end eventually, and they will look better when done. Also, once work is completed on the Viking Triangle the Council will be able to invest in the other city centre areas. And anyone who actually follows what City Council does will know the other great work they are doing in general.

Pedestrianisation is fine, I don't know why it keeps coming up as an issue. Lots of traffic isn't going to make the place seem busier, and even if it did, it would only make it seem busier - traffic does not equal footfall.

I'm not saying the city isn't in serious trouble, but the constant complaining about car parking as the sole reason for it does my head in.

Honestly, I don't understand the problem with parking or traffic either. If I need to go to town, I go to town. I'll either park on The Quay, City Square, Millers March or find a handy spot along O'Connell St. You're right in town, a little stroll does nobody any harm. Don't mind paying the €2-€3 if it means I don't have miles to walk back with shopping bags or the kids buggies. In terms of traffic, I don't understand it either. More often than not you can get from one side of town to the other in ten minutes. If you're living in a built-up area it's understandable to have some delays at lights at peak times or where there are works, that happens everywhere ffs.

Cabaal

wmpdd3 wrote: »

It says alot when they have to encourage people to stay shopping on the quay:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=535354859865151&set=a.473943766006261.1073741828.473924096008228&type=1&relevant_count=1

Maybe, but wouldn't it be worse if they did nothing?

Also if you want a bigger comparison, think of the pubs.
It says alot when the Vintners run adverts from time to time asking people to go to their local pub. Something they never did for decades.

Trick of the Tail

There was a piece about this on The LAst word on Today FM this eve, they had Eddie Mulligan on spouting about how they'd formed a committee and a facebook group etc to promote Waterford, and attract tourists, but he didn't seem to consider that it's the high rates and poor support for existing, non-tourist businesses from the city council that is a large part of the problem.

Nice sentiments Eddie, but a Facebook group ain't gonna save the city.

Apparently they had many texts in saying that it is the doubled rates and crazy traffic management that is a large part of the problem, and I agree.

Tourists don't support the city, local people do. And it's the local people who should be encouraged, and furnished, to visit the city moreso.

Cheaper (MUCH cheaper) rates for businesses; Cheaper parking; Less restrictions on cars. Those are some of the things that are needed.

Oh, and sack the inept, wasteful, deluded city council. The lot of them.

tombliboo83

Psychedelic wrote: »

Re: driving up to Kilkenny, what does it cost, must be €10-€20 worth of petrol for the round trip, and yet those people are the ones complaining about a couple of Euro for car parking in Waterford.

I was only reading this morning on Twitter that you can get parking for €1 per hour now in Railway Square, as well as Millers Marsh and Bolton Street car parks: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BSOFRSrIUAAdKY1.jpg

The City Council are also supposed to be starting work on a new 400-space car park in the city centre which is due to be completed before the end of the year.

I don't know how the Quay's are a "nightmare", Christ almighty a few traffic delays and people acting like their life is ruined, ffs get over it....works will end eventually, and they will look better when done. Also, once work is completed on the Viking Triangle the Council will be able to invest in the other city centre areas. And anyone who actually follows what City Council does will know the other great work they are doing in general.

Pedestrianisation is fine, I don't know why it keeps coming up as an issue. Lots of traffic isn't going to make the place seem busier, and even if it did, it would only make it seem busier - traffic does not equal footfall.

I'm not saying the city isn't in serious trouble, but the constant complaining about car parking as the sole reason for it does my head in.

Cost me €10 for petrol and €2 for parking. I would have paid over €5 for parking in City Square. One pair of trousers I needed for my son (aged 6) was €21 in Next (drawstring jeans not available in Dunnes or Penneys Waterford) and €9.95 in H&M. I saved over €10 on them. I bought about €100 worth or clothes (saving at least €40 on what they would have cost in Next) so a trip to Waterford City would have cost me €50 more.

I for one don't have €50 to throw around, and added to the money it was a nie experience (no traffic, toilets, kids play area, convienient, cheap parking etc etc ).

Demonical

Jason Todd wrote: »

Honestly, I don't understand the problem with parking or traffic either. If I need to go to town, I go to town. I'll either park on The Quay, City Square, Millers March or find a handy spot along O'Connell St. You're right in town, a little stroll does nobody any harm. Don't mind paying the €2-€3 if it means I don't have miles to walk back with shopping bags or the kids buggies. In terms of traffic, I don't understand it either. More often than not you can get from one side of town to the other in ten minutes. If you're living in a built-up area it's understandable to have some delays at lights at peak times or where there are works, that happens everywhere ffs.

Have you tried gettin from the Dunmore Road to the Quay recently? Traffic backed up from De la Salle every time I've tried over the past few weeks and doesn't ease until you get past the clock tower. In a car it takes the bones of a half hour.

Sad to see Kellys going. I remember going in there with my nan and mam every week years ago.

Jason Todd

Demonical wrote: »

Have you tried gettin from the Dunmore Road to the Quay recently? Traffic backed up from De la Salle every time I've tried over the past few weeks and doesn't ease until you get past the clock tower. In a car it takes the bones of a half hour.

Sad to see Kellys going. I remember going in there with my nan and mam every week years ago.

I have, my girlfriend works in Ardkeen and we live near Bilberry. Most times we'll take the ORR, but we take the Quay too. It's the roadworks doing the damage, and they are temporary thankfully.

Has anyone else seen Le Blaa open recently or are they gone too?

madfcuker

Jason Todd wrote: »

I have, my girlfriend works in Ardkeen and we live near Bilberry. Most times we'll take the ORR, but we take the Quay too. It's the roadworks doing the damage, and they are temporary thankfully.

Has anyone else seen Le Blaa open recently or are they gone too?

La blaa is gone. When they did blaas they were delicious.

Nypd

Jason Todd wrote: »

Has anyone else seen Le Blaa open recently or are they gone too?

Noticed that today that it was closed

Jason Todd

Nypd wrote: »

Noticed that today that it was closed

I noticed at Spraoi that they weren't open. They originally opened at last years Spraoi iirc, that's when I first went in there. Strange that they wouldn't stick around for what you would assume would be their busier time. It's also a shame because it looked well there and now that part of the Mall looks quiet again.

Max Powers

IF le Blaa has closed, that is a big disappointment. I used to be in there regularly when i worked in city centre and every now and again after that (try to spread my cafe business around). Everyone on here was saying great things about it, what a great idea, promoting blaa, our culture etc. Pity it wasnt followed up with numbers going in there and buying blaas/coffee.

Need to support city centre, not just talk about it.

madfcuker

The biggest problem with La Blaa was when it changed owners, they stopped doing sausage and rasher blaa. And the prices went up also. I used to frequent the place regularly before this.

7upfree

Sad to see some people - again - pi$$ing on people's graves (or jobs in this case). "Oh they should have moved on" etc. Eight people's livelihoods destroyed. And the obscene increase in rates played a huge part. Hope it keeps fine for all of you.

Jason Todd

7upfree wrote: »

Sad to see some people - again - pi$$ing on people's graves (or jobs in this case). "Oh they should have moved on" etc. Eight people's livelihoods destroyed. And the obscene increase in rates played a huge part. Hope it keeps fine for all of you.

What are you on about?

cbl593h

Jason Todd wrote: »

What are you on about?

Indeed, what are you on about ???

What has happened has happened, nobody posting in this thread has said anything negative or disparaging about the unfortunate people who have lost their livelihoods.

Why are you attacking the previous posters who are engaging in what the purpose of Boards is, debating and stating opinions ??? Last time I looked Ireland was a democracy, although a somewhat damaged one. :mad:

invalid

It should be mentioned that a big problem for Waterford City centre is the size of the retail units for rent. They are all to small for any of major retail store the city needs like M&S, H&M or even Zara etc. they all want a minimum of 5000 sq feet to open up a decent sized store. The best sites (Old Cinema & Broad street Centre, or the site beside Flash's old place on High street) are in private ownership with the owners doing noting to try and develop the sites. they see no reason to bother (and these sites are not in NAMA, and in many cases have been in the same ownership for a long time.

As for rates, the city council employs about 280 people, down form over 400 at its height. The rates help pay for the street lighting, street cleaning, city improvements, road repair, traffic lights and all the other things required to run and manage an urban area. things cost money and the money must come from somewhere. However, I would agree that rates is an archaic collection system (but ever city in the western world has a business tax) but them i have formed the opinion that Irish people (and Waterford people in particular) see no value paying for things and believes that all should be done as some god given right.

Kellys closed because few shopped there. I didn't, my wife didn't and nobody I know went in twice. It like when bewleys closed on Grafton street, it was full of people lamenting its demise and wallowing in fond memories. But ask them when did the last go there and the answer was not for a long time.

If you want retail in Waterford to survive or thrive, shop here. If a shop doesn't have what you want tell them. Big retailers won't come to Waterford to sell because Waterford people won't come to Waterford to buy.

Sully

Yeah kept meaning to ask re Le Blaa. Seemed to be gutting it today but the past few weeks it looked a bit grubby so I assumed it was closed. Thought it would do okay being in the heart of the Viking Triangle, Waterford Crystal etc. But I guess not.

Max Powers

invalid wrote: »

It should be mentioned that a big problem for Waterford City centre is the size of the retail units for rent. They are all to small for any of major retail store the city needs like M&S, H&M or even Zara etc. they all want a minimum of 5000 sq feet to open up a decent sized store. The best sites (Old Cinema & Broad street Centre, or the site beside Flash's old place on High street) are in private ownership with the owners doing noting to try and develop the sites. they see no reason to bother (and these sites are not in NAMA, and in many cases have been in the same ownership for a long time.

As for rates, the city council employs about 280 people, down form over 400 at its height. The rates help pay for the street lighting, street cleaning, city improvements, road repair, traffic lights and all the other things required to run and manage an urban area. things cost money and the money must come from somewhere. However, I would agree that rates is an archaic collection system (but ever city in the western world has a business tax) but them i have formed the opinion that Irish people (and Waterford people in particular) see no value paying for things and believes that all should be done as some god given right.

Kellys closed because few shopped there. I didn't, my wife didn't and nobody I know went in twice. It like when bewleys closed on Grafton street, it was full of people lamenting its demise and wallowing in fond memories. But ask them when did the last go there and the answer was not for a long time.

If you want retail in Waterford to survive or thrive, shop here. If a shop doesn't have what you want tell them. Big retailers won't come to Waterford to sell because Waterford people won't come to Waterford to buy.

thats it, i fear us Irish people would just prefer to point out where everyone else is doing wrong and f-all about it except complain to the wrong people and no bother to get off their ar$e

invalid

Max Powers wrote: »

thats it, i fear us Irish people would just prefer to point out where everyone else is doing wrong and f-all about it except complain to the wrong people and no bother to get off their ar$e

Not unique to Ireland, but next to begrudgery its tantamount to a national trait at the moment. I suppose its easier to blame someone else that acknowledge that you are part of the problem.

I would say this there are people within the city trying to get things moving again. People of intelligence, motivation and with the best interests of the city at heart. Unfortunately as usual motives are questions and minor issues like parking and road works tend to derail any attempts at improving the city. Only through the City Council and private business working together will there be any improvement.

I personally work in events, and other than sproai i have worked with pretty much every single event in Waterford City in varying degrees of involvement. I can tell you this, you try and do something here and the first this you will be told is that's great but don't do it near me. Then you will hear (and not just on boards) is it too expensive (even when free), its badly organsied and why would you bother going as its better in [insert Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny] from people who frankly haven't a clue about events, probably couln't find there ar$e with there hands tied behind there backs and who wouldn't go anyway.

To be back on point, Kellys closed because few shopped there. No other reason. The question to be asked is why did people not shop in a premises 20m from the biggest car park in the city with a name know by all in the city and surrounds?

Psychedelic

7upfree wrote: »

And the obscene increase in rates played a huge part.

There was no increase in rates so that didn't play a part in Kelly's closing. Rates have remained frozen for the past 3 or 4 years. The news in the last couple of months about rates increases meant that some businesses would see their rates increase from January 2014, so that didn't affect Kelly's.

7upfree

Psychedelic wrote: »

There was no increase in rates so that didn't play a part in Kelly's closing. Rates have remained frozen for the past 3 or 4 years. The news in the last couple of months about rates increases meant that some businesses would see their rates increase from January 2014, so that didn't affect Kelly's.

Do you not seriously think that the impending increase factored into this? Given the amount of square footage that all three floors of Kelly's covered?

Seriously?

Remember, one local business has already advised that they have to make a staff member redundant in order to pay these outrageous - and outdated - charges.

7upfree

cbl593h wrote: »

Indeed, what are you on about ???

What has happened has happened, nobody posting in this thread has said anything negative or disparaging about the unfortunate people who have lost their livelihoods.

Why are you attacking the previous posters who are engaging in what the purpose of Boards is, debating and stating opinions ??? Last time I looked Ireland was a democracy, although a somewhat damaged one. :mad:

Some earlier posts from this thread:

"cbl593h there is some truth in that, places like Kelly's are retail relics, always looked a bit "Are You Being Served?". I'd imagine the wedding trade was what just about kept it going as long as it was open."

"Times change, are we going to all going to lament what we didn't use?? I think not."

I would certainly lament the closure of ANY business in this city. ANY.

As I said, hope it keeps fine for everyone.

Eight lobs lost. Plus the knock-on effect of suppliers, etc.

But hey - it's only eight jobs. Have we become that uncaring?

And downright smug?

7upfree

Trick of the Tail wrote: »

This is yet more evidence, if any were needed, that the City Council are succeeding in their apparent mission to destroy the retail centre of Waterford City.

Poor traffic management, coupled with a seeming desire to actually discourage people to drive their cars into town, ridiculously high rates (with no understanding or appreciation of the hardship this causes to businesses - "we don't care, you have to pay it") are some but not all of the evidence of this policy.

They are a blinkered, obstinate, unsympathetic, inefficient crowd of self-serving delusionists.

With them in charge it's no wonder the city centre is going down the toilet.

The blame lies squarely and fully at the feet of the City Council, for either their actions or omissions.

The best and most realistic post on this thread. By a long shot.

Finnbar01

7upfree wrote: »

Some earlier posts from this thread:

"cbl593h there is some truth in that, places like Kelly's are retail relics, always looked a bit "Are You Being Served?". I'd imagine the wedding trade was what just about kept it going as long as it was open."

"Times change, are we going to all going to lament what we didn't use?? I think not."

I would certainly lament the closure of ANY business in this city. ANY.

As I said, hope it keeps fine for everyone.

Eight lobs lost. Plus the knock-on effect of suppliers, etc.

But hey - it's only eight jobs. Have we become that uncaring?

And downright smug?

Out of interest how many times did you shop in Kelly's?

7upfree

Finnbar01 wrote: »

Out of interest how many times did you shop in Kelly's?

Does it matter Finnbar? Have we really become this callous?

Finnbar01

7upfree wrote: »

Does it matter Finnbar? Have we really become this callous?

I don't see where anyone posting on this thread is callous.

What we have to do is face up to the facts. I shopped in Kelly's once for a wedding present and that was it. I've asked other people have they ever shopped in Kelly's and the answer was no or just the once, usually for a gift.

There is also stiff competition, not only from other shops but from online shopping as well.

Of course I hate when anyone loses their job. I've lost mine, my sister lost hers and I know plenty of others who are unemployed or underemployed and struggling to pay mortgages and raise children.

7upfree

Finnbar01 wrote: »

I don't see where anyone posting on this thread is callous.

What we have to do is face up to the facts. I shopped in Kelly's once for a wedding present and that was it. I've asked other people have they ever shopped in Kelly's and the answer was no or just the once, usually for a gift.

There is also stiff competition, not only from other shops but from online shopping as well.

Of course I hate when anyone loses their job. I've lost mine, my sister lost hers and I know plenty of others who are unemployed or underemployed and struggling to pay mortgages and raise children.

I am truly sorry to hear that Finbar. But should we think less of other people's woes? I have given examples above of how callous people have been.

Jason Todd

7upfree wrote: »

I am truly sorry to hear that Finbar. But should we think less of other people's woes? I have given examples above of how callous people have been.

Callous? By pointing out that they had a product or service that clearly not many people wanted anymore?

That's like wondering why my **** on a stick business isn't doing the business I thought it would. Nobody wants it, that's why. You're completely missing the point of people's posts here.

Nobody's thinking less of it, they're just pointing out why it may not have done so well.

7upfree

Jason Todd wrote: »

Callous? By pointing out that they had a product or service that clearly not many people wanted anymore?

That's like wondering why my **** on a stick business isn't doing the business I thought it would. Nobody wants it, that's why. You're completely missing the point of people's posts here.

Nobody's thinking less of it, they're just pointing out why it may not have done so well.

I'm not disagreeing Jason. But people's choice of words and phrases leave an awful lot to be desired. They really do.