What is happening to us all?

[g.ordon]

You must have missed one mark,there must be a newsageants/off licence for the kids to get there fags and drink

There's normally a frozen food outlet too

[kayos]

There's normally a frozen food outlet too

Yes, there is 2 newsagents and an Iceland and a Farmfoods!

[The Great Wallsendo]

We have a number of private retailers still operating and holding their own in Wallsend.

Have only lived here for little over ten years but in that time there are still some familiar faces when some of the larger brands have gone down the tube.

That said I think life is very hard for the smaller business these days - peeps just aren't spending the money....can't be ars ed to be dragged down the tired old political route by some dinosaurs on here but the problems were about long before the current party in power (anyway I promised myself not to get drawn in LOL)

One thing I am convinced would spur economic growth for new businesses is shorter leases for shops...it staggers me that Landlords are trying to tie in tenants to long leases and then act surprised when it all goes wrong?!

Surely shorter terms would encourage people to at least "give it a go"

I know of at least a few instances where the biggest drain on new starters has been the outlay on premises.

You would think a landlord would rather have someone in even if just for 12 months than the premises stand empty for longer??

Anywho just my two cents worth...I don't hate large corporate supermarkets either but can see how they do put the squeeze on the little man

[kayos]

Can someone explain to me, in the current climate, how 6 bookies' shops can survive in a 200 yard radius????

[The Great Wallsendo]

The same way you get can 6 corner shops in a 1/2 mile radius - they all have their loyal customers and postcodes that they cater for...but then with bookies I suspect the varying prices and odds will also get the same people going into all 6 at various times or another

[g.ordon]

Can someone explain to me, in the current climate, how 6 bookies' shops can survive in a 200 yard radius????

Ok, I think their getting cheaper goods on line or in superstores so therefore have more spare cash to blow away at the bookies

[kayos]

The same way you get can 6 corner shops in a 1/2 mile radius - they all have their loyal customers and postcodes that they cater for...but then with bookies I suspect the varying prices and odds will also get the same people going into all 6 at various times or another

But corner shops sell you goods for your money, Bookies sell you a dream which usually turns into a nightmare. Not the same thing. Where are the people that can afford to gamble in these shops!?

[The Great Wallsendo]

But corner shops sell you goods for your money, Bookies sell you a dream which usually turns into a nightmare. Not the same thing. Where are the people that can afford to gamble in these shops!?

It's a demographic Vs Social Vs cultural thing...no surprise that in the supposed less affluent areas there is a surfeit of betting shops

[g.ordon]

It must also be realised that betting can be an addiction to some, just like drugs, smoking and booze. The term is compulsive gambler, when any cash is available the first stop is the bookies.

[jack555]

Gateshead High streets just as bad, cash con 2 bookies pawnbrokers money loans, and a pound shop all in the space of 50-60 yards pmsl

[billynobaits]

Personally,a love the Metro centre,especially in the summer,as a can wear me
wrap round shades,an gawp at all the minge,without lookin too suss.

[regpude]

cos the jocks

[Red5]

I think most high streets are the same!
But can you blame people shopping online or in the big retail outlets when all you want is one small thing and the parking Stasi jump out and slap a ticket on your car when you have popped in to the local posty for your pension or the chemist for a prescription.