Our picture shows the Lighting Centre, closing its doors after 65 years in Newbury.
The Lighting Centre in Bartholomew Street , one of Newbury’s oldest established independent retailers, will be closing its doors at the beginning of May. Ian Bennett who is Managing Director said that the current economic situation coupled with difficult trading conditions for Newbury in particular, had been contributory factors, but the final decision had been taken based on the forthcoming retirement of key members of staff. The electrical contracting and events side of the business is to continue. All current retail stock is being sold at half price. Business is tough for the independent retailer in Newbury at the moment, a view shared by Barry Forkin of Barry Forkin/Toomers and Wendy Berkeley at the Empire Café Mrs Berkeley blames lack of car parking, extensive road works and road closures plus the aggressive attitude of the parking wardens (Green Meanies). The current euphoria surrounding Parkway is countered by the reality of anticipated empty property as stores and businesses relocate or vacate Newbury Town Centre completely. Stores and businesses relocating include Debenhams, New Look, Barclays Bank (2 branches), Fat Face, Jones the Bootmaker. Stores expected to leave Newbury between now and Christmas include Currys (August), Cotton Traders, Early Learning Centre, Anne Summers. Whilst uncertainty surrounds the future of HMV and Waterstones. The independent traders are suffering from a swingeing increase in business rates following the recent rating revaluation, and are very suspicious of the proposed BID (Business Improvement District) which could add another 5% to their total rates bill.
A whole heap of suggested reasons for the business to be closing, but the primary one (not listed) is competition from online shopping. People go into these shops to get some ideas then go away and buy it online, ...cheaper... And perhaps they were selling tat?
But yet another shop blaming the GMs... How long does it take to buy a lamp? More than 30 minutes? If the shop owners down that end of town think it would be better with one or two hours they should get the council to change the signs. But the logic for me is to get drivers to pop in then out again and create turnover rather than kill off parking spaces by being parked there for ages...
A whole heap of suggested reasons for the business to be closing, but the primary one (not listed) is competition from online shopping. People go into these shops to get some ideas then go away and buy it online, ...cheaper... And perhaps they were selling tat?
But yet another shop blaming the GMs... How long does it take to buy a lamp? More than 30 minutes? If the shop owners down that end of town think it would be better with one or two hours they should get the council to change the signs. But the logic for me is to get drivers to pop in then out again and create turnover rather than kill off parking spaces by being parked there for ages...
After studying this and your previous postings, Mr Spartacus, I have come to the conclusion that you work for West Berkshire Council. Probably in their Highways Department, judging by your knowledge of things highways related.
The GM's as you call them caused lots of the regulars to desert Bart Street because of the tactics being employed at the behest of the parking supremo who refuses to take any phone calls from mere mortals who request to speak to him.
I understand that the appraisals have just been undertaken for the new staff following their first 2 years on the job. I have been told that those with the best appraisal are those who issue the largest number of tickets and in consequence raise the highest revenues, regardless of how many of these tickets are challenged.
The parking regime in West Berks has similarities to the Gestapo as has been intimated in other posts.
I"m sure that Mr. Bennett has had to make a tough decision,and its not easy,after many decades of business in Bart. ST.,and knowing "TUB" in his sporting days,he never gave in without a jolly good fight[as in our 1971 semi-final match in the old Corn Exchange]....so lets say thanks for the service,but farewell now,...last one out SWITCH OFF THE LIGHT.
After studying this and your previous postings, Mr Spartacus, I have come to the conclusion that you work for West Berkshire Council. Probably in their Highways Department, judging by your knowledge of things highways related.
Close but no cigar..... If you've read my previous posts (going back a way now - to the days of VBird and his Maserati and his constant carping about the state of roads etc... (On reflection I may have had a different name then as I think this site went tits up a year or more ago.) ..) I admitted then to having worked for the council in highways (I still do).... just not THIS one...!! It's very close though, a reasonable commute... I've worked for a number of them actually. I've LIVED in the area for years. I just don't work here...
As for my knowledge on highways related matters... it doesn't take the brains of an archbishop to Google some 'instant knowledge' these days to make yourself out to be cleverer than you actually are.... I think even you might manage to do that!
Anyway I just stick my oar in occasionally when it warrants a comment.. and to me allowing 30 minutes in a town centre is better than 1 hour as small traders generally want to get some rapid turnover of shoppers through their front doors.... (That's not 'highways' that's just logical)
Not according to the NWN. The owner mentioned a general downturn in the economy and lack of support for this end of the town. Only an idiot wouldn't employ someone to replace the retiree if it was still a successful business.
It's pretty obvious when council staff post as they are so rabidly pro the most ridiculous council rubbish.
Sure it's not just people that have a differing opinion to your own? I can't imagine for a second that all those on here who don't take every opportunity to slag off WBC are council employees.
I know everyone thinks that User is WBC, but I can't think that anyone else's posts have been so pro-council to make me think that they are WBC people.
Sure it's not just people that have a differing opinion to your own? I can't imagine for a second that all those on here who don't take every opportunity to slag off WBC are council employees.
I know everyone thinks that User is WBC, but I can't think that anyone else's posts have been so pro-council to make me think that they are WBC people.
Well you often have a different opinion to mine, but I tend not to think that you work for WBC.
Not according to the NWN. The owner mentioned a general downturn in the economy and lack of support for this end of the town. Only an idiot wouldn't employ someone to replace the retiree if it was still a successful business.
Or jay? It's pretty obvious when council staff post as they are so rabidly pro the most ridiculous council rubbish.
Nah... It was sportbilly I think (though my 'Sport' days are long behind me now) As for being a Councillor - give me a break! I couldn't give a flying fudge about local politics...
But if a 'Public Outing' has started on everyone's Real Names and occupations then you'll have to please excuse me as I enter myself onto the Local Authority Witness Protection program
It's pretty obvious when council staff post as they are so rabidly pro the most ridiculous council rubbish.
Can this rather specialised shop REALLY blame it's demise on lack of parking (or over-zealous officials goose-stepping up and down Bartholomew St?) And what's so rabid about my post? Shops are folding across the country for a combination of reasons but probably a main killer of business is the explosion of online shopping. Too many of us go to shops to feel the goods and decide whether we want them in the first place. With big outlays we're looking for a bargain and that's where the more ruthless will just take the details and go home to put on the PC and see how much they can save by using Amazon etc.
Bigger retailers can absorb this but the small traders are struggling... or going under...
Not according to the NWN. The owner mentioned a general downturn in the economy and lack of support for this end of the town. Only an idiot wouldn't employ someone to replace the retiree if it was still a successful business.
This forum is full of WBC employees.
Best not call the shop owner an idiot before you know all the facts. Where exactly is he supposed to find two or more replacements for the retirees (plural, read the original post again) with decades of knowledge of their trade? I'm guessing it's the ability for his staff to offer expert advice that has kept the shop going for so long.
You know what, some recent posts have led me to the conclusion that there's a small amount of forum users who just aren't very nice people. No wonder they're annoyed at everything.
Can this rather specialised shop REALLY blame it's demise on lack of parking (or over-zealous officials goose-stepping up and down Bartholomew St?) And what's so rabid about my post? Shops are folding across the country for a combination of reasons but probably a main killer of business is the explosion of online shopping.
Indeed. Perhaps those with their head in the sand should visit other towns and see just how well they're doing compared to Newbury.
I have little doubt that the main reason places like the Lighting Centre struggle is due to a change in people's shopping habits (Internet access/retail parks), and little to do with the area, although I suspect one thing that works against the shops would be the lack of availability of parking in the streets off of Bartholomew Street, but the residents have to park somewhere.
Let's be really honest about the Lighting Centre. Nothing in the shop would do in a modern home, nothing that said "Wow". Loads of brass chandelier, boring old table and bedside lights. And price. Forget it. Maybe they were quality lights that would last two lifetimes but that's not what today's buyers want. Cheap and cheerful B&Q or Homebase.
Let's be really honest about the Lighting Centre. Nothing in the shop would do in a modern home, nothing that said "Wow". Loads of brass chandelier, boring old table and bedside lights. And price. Forget it. Maybe they were quality lights that would last two lifetimes but that's not what today's buyers want. Cheap and cheerful B&Q or Homebase.
Quality remark...Is that what you have...Blimey! Anyone got a Fender for sale?
You know what, some recent posts have led me to the conclusion that there's a small amount of forum users who just aren't very nice people. No wonder they're annoyed at everything.
Me too. In fact one of you is a nuisance phone caller.
Where exactly is he supposed to find two or more replacements for the retirees (plural, read the original post again) with decades of knowledge of their trade? I'm guessing it's the ability for his staff to offer expert advice that has kept the shop going for so long.
They aren't closing the business. The centre next to the Red House is staying open so I'm quite sure that there is lots of knowledge still within the business. Obviously there is no shortage of shop assistants (as that seems to be what we are talking about) locally as otherwise Parkway will have no employees.
Or jay? It's pretty obvious when council staff post as they are so rabidly pro the most ridiculous council rubbish.
What did I say to upset you? I have not even commented on this post. You may think I post ridiculous council rubbish, but please do not accuse me of working for them.
Me too. In fact one of you is a nuisance phone caller.
Oh, just to point out that the nuisance phone calls that were around 3-4 a day stopped about a week ago, but started again within an hour of this post. So you are right User. There are some nasty people here.
Oh, just to point out that the nuisance phone calls that were around 3-4 a day stopped about a week ago, but started again within an hour of this post. So you are right User. There are some nasty people here.
Oh, just to point out that the nuisance phone calls that were around 3-4 a day stopped about a week ago, but started again within an hour of this post. So you are right User. There are some nasty people here.
Sounds like a Tele-sales company using an auto dialler. I used to get the same all the time before I moved. As most of them are based overseas they seem to ignore the TPS.
I highly doubt that anyone on here could be bothered to find your phone number and wage a campaign of intimidation against you, as you seen to be suggesting.
Sounds like a Tele-sales company using an auto dialler. I used to get the same all the time before I moved. As most of them are based overseas they seem to ignore the TPS.
I highly doubt that anyone on here could be bothered to find your phone number and wage a campaign of intimidation against you, as you seen to be suggesting.
Can you elaborate on these auto-diallers ?? I too have been receiving calls (for hours on end, day in, day out - no-one there and withheld number) Have to say Ed. never imagined anyone one here doing it ! Tried to block with-helds via BT but it doesn't appear to work.
Can you elaborate on these auto-diallers ?? I too have been receiving calls (for hours on end, day in, day out - no-one there and withheld number) Have to say Ed. never imagined anyone one here doing it ! Tried to block with-helds via BT but it doesn't appear to work.
It's basically a computer connected to a phone line that spends all it's time phoning up numbers it has and playing pre-recorded messages to people trying to flog stuff.
Sometimes they go wrong and don't play the message or phone the same number over and over again.
It's basically a computer connected to a phone line that spends all it's time phoning up numbers it has and playing pre-recorded messages to people trying to flog stuff.
Sometimes they go wrong and don't play the message or phone the same number over and over again.
Can they be stopped ? The landline rings all through the night occasionally, to the point where the upstairs phone ringers are now switched off permanently.
Do you think that the business is closing simply because he is unable to find suitable staff to replace those that are retiring?
Your opening post in this thread sounded very sure of itself, now it seems it is based supposition like the rest of us.
I'm not ducking the question at all. I have answered it. I think the shop is closing because the owner is retiring. It happens all the time. No-one to pass the business to, capital tied up in a building you own etc etc. Didn't Vinyl Revival close for the same reason? The OP chose to dwell on the negative aspects & conotations of a shop closing when the actual reason is old age of most of the staff.
Ian Bennett who is Managing Director said that the current economic situation coupled with difficult trading conditions for Newbury in particular, had been contributory factors, but the final decision had been taken based on the forthcoming retirement of key members of staff
A shop which has been trading for 65 years will have seen difficult economic situations before.
I'm not ducking the question at all. I have answered it. I think the shop is closing because the owner is retiring. It happens all the time. No-one to pass the business to, capital tied up in a building you own etc etc. Didn't Vinyl Revival close for the same reason? The OP chose to dwell on the negative aspects & conotations of a shop closing when the actual reason is old age of most of the staff.
Ian Bennett who is Managing Director said that the current economic situation coupled with difficult trading conditions for Newbury in particular, had been contributory factors, but the final decision had been taken based on the forthcoming retirement of key members of staff
A shop which has been trading for 65 years will have seen difficult economic situations before.
The business isn't closing though. Just the shop. Presumably the directors took the view that as the shop wasn't profitable, they may as well close it.
I'm not ducking the question at all. I have answered it. I think the shop is closing because the owner is retiring. It happens all the time. No-one to pass the business to, capital tied up in a building you own etc etc.
Exactly; business wasn't good enough to continue. When you stop trading you logically have two options: sell the business as a going concern, or flog everything off. Which ever is the more lucrative wins. I suggest, therefore, that there was more money in selling off than selling on.
Quoted from 78
The OP chose to dwell on the negative aspects & conotations of a shop closing when the actual reason is old age of most of the staff.
And you refused to acknowledge other contributing factors.
Quoted from 78
Ian Bennett who is Managing Director said that the current economic situation coupled with difficult trading conditions for Newbury in particular, had been contributory factors, but the final decision had been taken based on the forthcoming retirement of key members of staff
A shop which has been trading for 65 years will have seen difficult economic situations before.
And I would imagine in 65 years this isn't the first time they have let staff go, or have had any retire.
Where in the original post does the owner say that this is the case? He doesn't. You added it because, for some reason, it seems that you would prefer that to be why the shop is closing.
When you stop trading you logically have two options: sell the business as a going concern, or flog everything off. Which ever is the more lucrative wins.
Hardly. It all depends on what the owner wants to do. It may be more lucrative to sell the business, but if the owner doesn't want to do that - for whatever reason - then he won't do.
If you want to believe that the store is closing because of parking, the green meanies, Parkway or anything else that lays blame with WBC then do so. But just know that, from the article at least, that's not what the owner has said.
I have little doubt that the main reason places like the Lighting Centre struggle is due to a change in people's shopping habits (Internet access/retail parks), and little to do with the area, although I suspect one thing that works against the shops would be the lack of availability of parking in the streets off of Bartholomew Street, but the residents have to park somewhere.
Hardly. It all depends on what the owner wants to do. It may be more lucrative to sell the business, but if the owner doesn't want to do that - for whatever reason - then he won't do.
Of course not, but you or I are not in a position to know, are we? According to Lovejoy, however; retirement is the 'sole' reason, I suggest that it might not be. That's all.
If you want to believe that the store is closing because of parking, the green meanies, Parkway or anything else that lays blame with WBC then do so. But just know that, from the article at least, that's not what the owner has said.
I'll refer you to my quote above, but you are wrong if you think that the article doesn't hint at what has happened in recent past has had an effect.
I'll leave the last word to what the MD was quoted to have said: "...the current economic situation coupled with difficult trading conditions for Newbury in particular, had been contributory factors, but the final decision had been taken based on the forthcoming retirement of key members of staff."
...you or I are not in a position to know, are we?
Yes we are. The MD made it as clear as can be. The current economic climate, and difficult trading conditions in town contributed to his decision, but the deciding factor was the members of his staff retiring. That's what he is quoted as saying! How can anyone not be in a postion to know from that?
Yes we are. The MD made it as clear as can be. The current economic climate, and difficult trading conditions in town contributed to his decision, but the deciding factor was the members of his staff retiring. That's what he is quoted as saying! How can anyone not be in a postion to know from that?
But stating that he closed the business due to key staff retiring doesn't explain why he didn't sell the business on. He stated, 'difficult trading conditions contributed to the decision'. I infer that had the economic climate and trading conditions been favourable, he might have been in a position to keep it going or sell. As it was, it is worth more closed than sold.
The OP chose to dwell on the negative aspects & conotations of a shop closing when the actual reason is old age of most of the staff.
Negative publicity on this site is no doubt a contributing factor to the Lighting Centre closing too. Perhaps only a minor one, but one none the less.
I know for a fact that some people read the exaggerated reports and emphasis on talking Newbury down as somewhere to shop and are dissuaded from visiting the town.
Negative publicity on this site is no doubt a contributing factor to the Lighting Centre closing too. Perhaps only a minor one, but one none the less.
I know for a fact that some people read the exaggerated reports and emphasis on talking Newbury down as somewhere to shop and are dissuaded from visiting the town.
I know some people who don't like to go to Newbury now because of how it has changed.
This business was established for over 60 years but seems to sell quite modern stuff.... Now there's an idea.... I wonder if they have a parking problem in St James Street Liverpool?
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If you've read my previous posts (going back a way now - to the days of VBird and his Maserati and his constant carping about the state of roads etc... 
I've worked for a number of them actually. I've LIVED in the area for years. I just don't work here...
