Paperchase on the brink of administration
05/01/2021
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The stationery chain which has 127 stores and around 1,500 employees says shop closures hit it hard.
1
HenryArt
05/01/2021 14:20:35
35
6
bbc
It is sad. The High Street will be completely different post-Covid with the regular names gone. Survival of the fittest perhaps. Sad nonetheless.
If independent local shops took the place of the big chains, it would be good for the smaller high streets. But business rates would need to be reformed first.
what an absolute shambles we are in
vote clown get cicus
capiche????
capiche????
How can it be fair to these firms that supermarkets and garden centres are allowed to stay open and sell cards and stationary?
I agree up to a point, but in Wales they tried to make large stores cordon off the 'non-essential' goods, and there was a bad reaction from shoppers on social media.
I'm not surprised. I went there before Christmas and it was near impossible to find a diary. The shelves were rammed with all sorts of fun and novelty gifts. These were aimed at young people, none of whom shop on the high street anymore. There is a huge small business movement on Tiktok where people make and sell gifts just like Paperchase sell- i think this is the way forward. Not the high street
Online is sadly the way forward. Unless coffee shops start selling clothes etc
erm.. but clothes shops are already selling coffee??
Why not?
Another company that has been in and out of administration as long as I can remember. Covid may be administering the coup de grace, as it has to so many of these moribund zombie shops.
This one is a bit of a surprise as, unlike the dead shells that have been folding after years of struggles, this brand appeared to be doing well
This is a great brand with great products. I just hope they survive, even if it's just online.
Not really. The main users of pen and paper in this age are school students, and even education post-primary is moving increasingly to digital.
The article says Paperchase had entered a CVA agreement almost two years ago so I guess it couldn’t have been doing so well
"appeared to be doing well"?
Please tell me that's a wind-up??
You obviously missed the prominent bit in the article about their CVA less than two years ago? That's not ever a sign of a successful business, in case that needs spelling out to financial novices.
In medical parlance Paperchase was "in the bed nearest the door" and that was clearly long before Covid was ever brought into existence.
Please tell me that's a wind-up??
You obviously missed the prominent bit in the article about their CVA less than two years ago? That's not ever a sign of a successful business, in case that needs spelling out to financial novices.
In medical parlance Paperchase was "in the bed nearest the door" and that was clearly long before Covid was ever brought into existence.
The end of the High Street was sounded a long time ago, Covid has simply sped up the process! The main reason a lot of these shops can't continue to exist is they were rated out of existence even before Covid began by greedy Councils. When the shops are gone they will start on home owners - from my experience, that has already begun.
Time we trimmed them and their over spending and waste down!
Time we trimmed them and their over spending and waste down!
... 'greedy Councils' ? Not in my area! Their income has already been cut by more than half and most of the employees are on the minimum wage or barely above.
The only way to make the books balance is introduce swingeing increases in council tax for ordinary households where many are already paying 12-15% of their net income on the Poll Tax 'lite'.
The only way to make the books balance is introduce swingeing increases in council tax for ordinary households where many are already paying 12-15% of their net income on the Poll Tax 'lite'.
Councils are crying out for money - central government funding has been cut to the bone. When you say "greedy councils", what you mean is "Tory austerity". The ring wing press love to blame the councils when actually it's the govt that have forced the councils to find alternative sources of income. Like parking charges, rates & "litter fines" . All of which affect poorer councils more.
I couldn't agree more! The companies that are being truly affected are the ones that failed to develop an online presence. As the saying goes, "evolve to perish"
Yes, because councils are run to make a profit.
My my, how you have been blinded by conservatism, just go a little to the left and join the rest of us in reality my friend
My my, how you have been blinded by conservatism, just go a little to the left and join the rest of us in reality my friend
Nottingham City Council are a case in point. It wasn't enough to have lost taxpayers money in the Icelandic banking crisis, they have squandered over 45 million on the failed Robin Hood Energy company. When it went broke the Council leader was deeply apologetic to the few hundred who lost their jobs. Not a word of apology to council taxpayers who's millions they lost.
"Time we trimmed them and their over spending and waste down!"
Overspending and waste - what decade are you still stuck in? What do you suggest they stop paying for? Most local councils have cut their budgets to the bone. What's still left that they can they cut - street lighting, schools, libraries, roads, refuse collection? Give us all a good laugh and suggest where the axe should fall next.
Overspending and waste - what decade are you still stuck in? What do you suggest they stop paying for? Most local councils have cut their budgets to the bone. What's still left that they can they cut - street lighting, schools, libraries, roads, refuse collection? Give us all a good laugh and suggest where the axe should fall next.
'Greedy' councils?
You obviously havent checked how much central government has shifted responsibility for services onto councils whilst slashing their central funding.
You obviously havent checked how much central government has shifted responsibility for services onto councils whilst slashing their central funding.
You don't get it do you? A council doesn't benefit by whacking up the rates - thereby killing off business! That would be short term gain for long term pain.
The simple fact is that a lot of these high street chains just aren't needed. In the digital age stationery businesses are as wobbly as a 10 foot jelly in high winds!
The simple fact is that a lot of these high street chains just aren't needed. In the digital age stationery businesses are as wobbly as a 10 foot jelly in high winds!
Clueless comment - rates set by Council's are not to blame for the move to online and retail park shopping. The trend to move away from the high street is driven by the consumer not the local council........
I suspect you know little about council finances, which have been cut massively by the government in the last 10 years. It would take councils another decade to meet the waste of £billions by the government in the last year on PPE, test & trace, etc which hasn't worked, mostly given to cronies or contributors to party funds. Councils have been by far better on tracing than Serco
It’s the or site landlords that are the problems and the Tory government for messing about with rates and intentionally depleting councils if their income.
If the councils have less income (defunded by the tories) they can see valuable land and property to Tory donors.
If the councils have less income (defunded by the tories) they can see valuable land and property to Tory donors.
Councils are over stretched financially as it is. Yes there is some waste and incompetence but not to the degree may believe. The biggest issue is that out-of-town centres are rated too low. Add in all the warehouses and distribution parks that even lower and you see the problem. This is what gives all the online giants so much of an advantage. It is not a level playing field.
Shops became cash cows for both landlords and councils because they were easy money. Local monopolies once upon a time. Or travel miles to another town and hope for less rip off mark ups. It is going to cause problems for councils, landlords can go broke no one will care. Council wages will need cutting, jobs automating away etc. Spurious pc roles eliminated.
Though the health challenge is sad, you've got to seriously start wondering at what point are we going to say the economic collapse from lockdowns isn't worth it. I'd rather be seeing more nightingale hospitals spring up, and pay people who are tested positive to actually stay at home. Then the rest of us can get on with keeping the lights on and keeping a job.
It might work if we had available and accurate tests.
How do you get the trained staff for the nightingale hospitals - existing staff stretched to limit in hospitals because of sickness, can't spread them out any further - and each take a few years to train plus government has sent a lot of european and world wide staff out of the country by new brexit rules.
1 in 10 testing positive need hospitalisation. 1 in 4 of those going into hospital doesn't come out alive again. Opening a load of nightingales (if you could magic the staff to man them... you can't) doesn't change those figures. Personally I'd rather not be coughing my lungs up for a fortnight to keep paperchase in trade.... THAT isn't worth it.
Too late for that.
The way to tackle a pandemic is test, trace and isolate. UK Gov blatantly failed on all three counts.
You are suggesting letting the virus "run wild" which would decimate the economy and the NHS.
The health challenge is not "sad" it is a national emergency and your dangerous talk will cost more lives. Blood on your hands.
The way to tackle a pandemic is test, trace and isolate. UK Gov blatantly failed on all three counts.
You are suggesting letting the virus "run wild" which would decimate the economy and the NHS.
The health challenge is not "sad" it is a national emergency and your dangerous talk will cost more lives. Blood on your hands.
If we'd locked down sooner and fully, the virus wouldn't have spread so far or fast. The test & trace system is still inadequate. We don't have the staff for all the Nightingale hospitals. 800 people died in the last day. You only have one life. let's allow as many as possible to keep theirs. Mass vaccination is the only solution.
If everyone has the curious how can anyone work?
paperchase going under because the hound has been caught?????
Well done, Nicola, Boris, Rishi and whoever else. Your ineptitude is causing economic death.
they'll already get a knighthood
you don't really need to say thank you again
you don't really need to say thank you again
and you would do what that Civil servants, Sage scientists, Public health england, CBI etc etc has not thought off? nothing.. your like Starmer, you shout from the sidelines but offer no structured solution which, in fact, makes you AND HIM part of the problem.. Bye.. have a great day..
Leave out Nicola. She's got her priorities right. the others have not a clue.
what an absolute shambles we are in
and you would do what? and make sure your answer is not one that has already been considered by SAGE, Public health england, civil servants, CBI. Otherwise your just like starmer, you shout about the issues but have nothing concrete to add. In other words those that shout and have no solution are, in fact, part of the problem. Your gripe is Torys full stop, not the virus.. Try the truth
everything is fine.
Online is sadly the way forward. Unless coffee shops start selling clothes etc
The end of the High Street was sounded a long time ago, Covid has simply sped up the process! The main reason a lot of these shops can't continue to exist is they were rated out of existence even before Covid began by greedy Councils. When the shops are gone they will start on home owners - from my experience, that has already begun.
Time we trimmed them and their over spending and waste down!
Time we trimmed them and their over spending and waste down!
... 'greedy Councils' ? Not in my area! Their income has already been cut by more than half and most of the employees are on the minimum wage or barely above.
The only way to make the books balance is introduce swingeing increases in council tax for ordinary households where many are already paying 12-15% of their net income on the Poll Tax 'lite'.
The only way to make the books balance is introduce swingeing increases in council tax for ordinary households where many are already paying 12-15% of their net income on the Poll Tax 'lite'.
landlords??? they are absolutely cashing it in whilst the shops are shut. they still want their fill... thats were the issues is GREEDY LANDLORDS
You work for a council - vested interest perhaps?
Rows of empty shops in my area, when they close signs go up saying forced out by Council tax rises. Pubs close & frequently the business rates are higher than the rental they pay the brewery. My Council moved from offices -now empty to newly built with shopping centre that floods. They built it next to a river that has flooded since I was a kid!
Rows of empty shops in my area, when they close signs go up saying forced out by Council tax rises. Pubs close & frequently the business rates are higher than the rental they pay the brewery. My Council moved from offices -now empty to newly built with shopping centre that floods. They built it next to a river that has flooded since I was a kid!
You might to take a look at the council's ACTUAL spending before saying that spending has been cut by half. The figures usually quoted by Councils are after inflation- as they feel entitled to at least inflation plus increases every year.
Actual drop per person is around 10%
The Average salary for Council jobs is £47,500.
https://www.cwjobs.co.uk/salary-checker/average-council-salary
Actual drop per person is around 10%
The Average salary for Council jobs is £47,500.
https://www.cwjobs.co.uk/salary-checker/average-council-salary
Councils also have a number of staff on six-figure salaries, although they are always bleating that they do not have enough money.
That’s because a significant part of your council tax goes on paying the pension for their retired employees in the golden days of pensions.
nice! Sounds like your local council is straight as a dice! With a fair and proper planning office! Tell us the name of your council please, as mine is bent as anything and our MP - Jenrick -has been caught fiddling himself recently
The councils still employ thousands of safe overpaid beaurcratic Mickey Mouse jobs.
It wouldn't surprise me if most of them have well staffed congestion creation departments.
It wouldn't surprise me if most of them have well staffed congestion creation departments.
It depends on where you live. I’m guessing you don’t live in London.
I'm waiting for refund on my council tax for services halted with the excuse of Covid. Today another local play area closed after 'careful consideration'...meaning, we can save money on maintenance and emptying waste bins, when the government wants them to stay open.
The nation is once again divided.
There are those afraid of the virus despite the fact it has a mortality of 0.1% and overall it is the very old and vulnerable who are at risk.
There are those who see the treatment being worse than the disease.
We need to see the bigger picture.
Shield the high risk.
Rescue the economy.
There are those afraid of the virus despite the fact it has a mortality of 0.1% and overall it is the very old and vulnerable who are at risk.
There are those who see the treatment being worse than the disease.
We need to see the bigger picture.
Shield the high risk.
Rescue the economy.
If those who are high-risk were to shield themselves (supported by the actions of their families) then we wouldn't need lockdowns. It seems however that they are either unable or unwilling to do so.
you had any of your family die. Behind a screen, cant touch them, cant hold them.. I have.. work colleague watched his 21 year old son die.. cousin (24) has lost the use of one of his lungs.. You trivialise pathetically.. try compassion, WE ARE ALL ENTITILTED TO LIFE.. Money doesn't replace these things and businesses will pull through eventually.. death is permanent
The High Street has either to reinvent itself or die. Unfortunately the dead hand of local govt inertia hinders innovation because of needlessly restrictive processes around change of use, treating parking as a cash cow instead of a service etc. "Emergency" interest rates have kept some retailers alive for years longer than normal which has crowded out replacement businesses. Outlook: not good.
its all to do with greedy landlords who are not willing to compromise. In Hitchin where I live they are absolutely all about them selves.
We cannot allow town centres to become dead zones of luxury housing. We need new, low-cost, starter premises to help rebuild commerce in our towns in a form that people want - immediate, available and reflecting the character of the local area.
I miss the bustle of my local high street and its market.
I miss the bustle of my local high street and its market.
It is hard to reinvent whwn traditional shops are hemmed in. Council car parking charges, high rent, taxes vs online retailers take their pick of tax laws, shipping locations etc. In lockdown supermarkets can clean up, the likes of 'the range' doing the same. Not a level playing field.
Would that make them Origamichase?
You crease me up.
This one is a bit of a surprise as, unlike the dead shells that have been folding after years of struggles, this brand appeared to be doing well
The supermarkets are making a killing selling non-essential items at the expense of those shops forced to close.
The charity shops have been doing it for decades as well - low to zero rates, staff are mostly vunteers and they sell new products almost at cost - bit it's okay, it's all for charity, never mind the shop owners and their families.
Be interesting to see if that happens this time round. I can't say that on my in person visits I noticed much difference in the trolley contents. Because of an accident I bought countless pairs of slippers, could not get shoes on, spent loads and no-one said anything. Pillows, towels and bedlinen too.
Supermarkets (being castigated for selling non-essential items during lockdown, at the expense of shops forced to close) have always sold a range of items other than food and cleaning essentials.
Totally true - if the items are non-essential then the supermarkets should also be prevented from selling them.
The nation is once again divided.
There are those afraid of the virus despite the fact it has a mortality of 0.1% and overall it is the very old and vulnerable who are at risk.
There are those who see the treatment being worse than the disease.
We need to see the bigger picture.
Shield the high risk.
Rescue the economy.
There are those afraid of the virus despite the fact it has a mortality of 0.1% and overall it is the very old and vulnerable who are at risk.
There are those who see the treatment being worse than the disease.
We need to see the bigger picture.
Shield the high risk.
Rescue the economy.
there are millions at high risk, add in their family, add in the workers that care for them and of course then the workers families and you end up with most of the population locking down anyway
Everyone over 70 cannot be expected to stay in for the best part of a year. It is impossible to hava all food delivered (try it) and it takes a toll on mental health. Older people who are fit need to be able to go to the supermarket, they are put at risk by selfish people who will not keep their distance or wear masks, and expect to bring their kids. Just normal good manners is what is needed.
The High Street has either to reinvent itself or die. Unfortunately the dead hand of local govt inertia hinders innovation because of needlessly restrictive processes around change of use, treating parking as a cash cow instead of a service etc. "Emergency" interest rates have kept some retailers alive for years longer than normal which has crowded out replacement businesses. Outlook: not good.
Bricks and mortar retail will never be the same again after this pandemic. Paperchase is just another example.
And the greedy landlords of our cities and shopping centres who have been creaming in obscene rents for decades will need to re-assess their positions going forward.
I cannot say I feel sorry for them.
And the greedy landlords of our cities and shopping centres who have been creaming in obscene rents for decades will need to re-assess their positions going forward.
I cannot say I feel sorry for them.
Remember that many of those 'greedy landlords' are pension funds - perhaps yours!
Empty commercial premises represent a substantial tax write-off opportunity. Sometimes it's worth leaving them empty.
Spot on. Lockdown legislation prevents retailers from fully opening and earning sufficient income to pay overheads that include rent, business rates and staff wages.
There has been no legislation to require landlords to experience the same loss of income by imposing a moratorium on (i) rent and (ii) business rates.
Property owners are politically protected and the last to feel the cold draught.
There has been no legislation to require landlords to experience the same loss of income by imposing a moratorium on (i) rent and (ii) business rates.
Property owners are politically protected and the last to feel the cold draught.
Paperchase was the go to place for an great card or two or some eccentric wrapping paper but it was always niche. Design leaders but became so expensive and distracted by their own style they did not keep up with changes in the market. Failed to move with the times. Blame hedge fund managers who are out for profit and not with the designers who often sell their work so cheaply. Market is changing.
Agree. I liked, still like the shop. Would be card buyers take note, Oxfam have a great selection for all occasions, and the blank card range is really good. In shops and on-line. Look at Woodland Trust too.
Everyone bleating that covid killed this chain, should read the article a little more thoroughly.
"The company went through an insolvency process, known as a Company Voluntary Arrangement or CVA, almost two years ago to cut costs."
Seems their troubles predate Covid.....
"The company went through an insolvency process, known as a Company Voluntary Arrangement or CVA, almost two years ago to cut costs."
Seems their troubles predate Covid.....
Seems like their troubles predate Covid, but Covid killed them off. Probably like many people killed by the virus.
The issue isn't if they had a CVA before, it's if they otherwise would have been viable. Also covid hasn't killed any business, government has.
Yeh, it went through CVA two years ago.....and survived! Any greet card shop that looses Christmas and now Valentines Day will be in the ‘****’! Give them just a little sympathy!
This is one of several high street chains that were in trouble before covid hit. The taxpayers have paid furlough cash to keep jobs that never were going to be saved. That money must be reclaimed from any businesses that can be proved as failing before January 2020. Add to the list of creditors.
We cannot keep shutting businesses for months on end, the country will be bankrupt. There will be riots and anarchy on the streets soon. . The internet has made this pandemic much worse than 1918 when there were rules closing meetings ,theatres and the like but essentially life went on with care. Stagger opening hours and get the shops open again!
I agree! Three cheers for your common sense!
Stagger opening hours and get the shops open again! That is worth investigating. Surprised anarchy and riots not happened already.
And how many died in the 1918 pandemic?
(Answer: Nearly a quarter of a million in the UK alone)
(Answer: Nearly a quarter of a million in the UK alone)
In the internet age it’s mad that people still buy and send cards that aren’t kept or cherished, they are just sent to the recycling plant or landfill. And on top that they cost a ridiculous amount of money per card.
Sure, some artists rely on cards as an income and produce some beautiful work. But let’s face it, most cards are trashy.
Sure, some artists rely on cards as an income and produce some beautiful work. But let’s face it, most cards are trashy.
I sent cards and letters to older friends who do not have the internet, and I usually have plenty of cards, writing paper and stamps etc. There are beautiful cards available, handmade using different materials. I know the sort of cards you mean, a lot of the cards I get (even Christmas cards) go straight in recycling. Some I treasure. And a love letter, well... it's good for handwriting too.
The High Street has either to reinvent itself or die. Unfortunately the dead hand of local govt inertia hinders innovation because of needlessly restrictive processes around change of use, treating parking as a cash cow instead of a service etc. "Emergency" interest rates have kept some retailers alive for years longer than normal which has crowded out replacement businesses. Outlook: not good.
We cannot allow town centres to become dead zones of luxury housing. We need new, low-cost, starter premises to help rebuild commerce in our towns in a form that people want - immediate, available and reflecting the character of the local area.
I miss the bustle of my local high street and its market.
I miss the bustle of my local high street and its market.
Fair taxes for online please. Otherwise traditional shops can't compete. It's only fair.
So many positive social externalities from real shopping. Very say to see this happening.
So many positive social externalities from real shopping. Very say to see this happening.
The current arrangements are fair. Technology moves on. Nobody kept gas street lamps or blacksmiths when technology changed their lives. Time to let go of the past and move forward, not look backwards all the time.
Yeh, bring back the Luddites.
We run an online shop and we pay more to google to be on their first page than we would to have a high street shop
What a stupid comment. All of these high street chains have websites, and no one is forcing them to have a store in every small town.
It's economic natural selection. The strong survive and the stupid, slow and inefficient die off - leaving the population of the High Street leaner and stronger.
It's economic natural selection. The strong survive and the stupid, slow and inefficient die off - leaving the population of the High Street leaner and stronger.
As the actress Zsa Zsa Gabor once said “Being jealous of a beautiful woman will not make you more beautiful”. The online genie will not go back in its bottle & tech taxes will be passed on to the UK small businesses who pay fees to use tech platforms. Location/demographic/price/quality points, excellent customer service & an online presence will only save retail.
The nation is once again divided.
There are those afraid of the virus despite the fact it has a mortality of 0.1% and overall it is the very old and vulnerable who are at risk.
There are those who see the treatment being worse than the disease.
We need to see the bigger picture.
Shield the high risk.
Rescue the economy.
There are those afraid of the virus despite the fact it has a mortality of 0.1% and overall it is the very old and vulnerable who are at risk.
There are those who see the treatment being worse than the disease.
We need to see the bigger picture.
Shield the high risk.
Rescue the economy.
you had any of your family die. Behind a screen, cant touch them, cant hold them.. I have.. work colleague watched his 21 year old son die.. cousin (24) has lost the use of one of his lungs.. You trivialise pathetically.. try compassion, WE ARE ALL ENTITILTED TO LIFE.. Money doesn't replace these things and businesses will pull through eventually.. death is permanent
?????????? Love to all those affected ??????????
We must use this pandemic to rebuild a more compassionate world
We must use this pandemic to rebuild a more compassionate world
If those who are high-risk were to shield themselves (supported by the actions of their families) then we wouldn't need lockdowns. It seems however that they are either unable or unwilling to do so.
Bricks and mortar retail will never be the same again after this pandemic. Paperchase is just another example.
And the greedy landlords of our cities and shopping centres who have been creaming in obscene rents for decades will need to re-assess their positions going forward.
I cannot say I feel sorry for them.
And the greedy landlords of our cities and shopping centres who have been creaming in obscene rents for decades will need to re-assess their positions going forward.
I cannot say I feel sorry for them.
I don't think they are.
And even if they are, that simply highlights the failings of pension schemes - thanks to inflation and longer life expectancies very few pay in enough to cover their own pension and rely on the young to top them up, it's called a Ponzi or pyramid scheme.
And even if they are, that simply highlights the failings of pension schemes - thanks to inflation and longer life expectancies very few pay in enough to cover their own pension and rely on the young to top them up, it's called a Ponzi or pyramid scheme.
You go in in there then? I wonder.
This one is a bit of a surprise as, unlike the dead shells that have been folding after years of struggles, this brand appeared to be doing well
I write letters, personal and business, prefer doing the latter in ink and on paper as I can send it recorded delivery. Spending time at a screen isn't terribly healthy. Oh whoops look what I am doing right now.
Removed
... 'greedy Councils' ? Not in my area! Their income has already been cut by more than half and most of the employees are on the minimum wage or barely above.
The only way to make the books balance is introduce swingeing increases in council tax for ordinary households where many are already paying 12-15% of their net income on the Poll Tax 'lite'.
The only way to make the books balance is introduce swingeing increases in council tax for ordinary households where many are already paying 12-15% of their net income on the Poll Tax 'lite'.
Landlords aren't greedy for charging market rates. They are however somewhat foolish not to realise that the same rents they charged during the high streets glory years are not viable these days.
Not all landlords are greedy. Some own a single small property and have put their entire savings into it for a small income as a pension. Tenants unable to pay = no pension.
The end of the High Street was sounded a long time ago, Covid has simply sped up the process! The main reason a lot of these shops can't continue to exist is they were rated out of existence even before Covid began by greedy Councils. When the shops are gone they will start on home owners - from my experience, that has already begun.
Time we trimmed them and their over spending and waste down!
Time we trimmed them and their over spending and waste down!
Councils are crying out for money - central government funding has been cut to the bone. When you say "greedy councils", what you mean is "Tory austerity". The ring wing press love to blame the councils when actually it's the govt that have forced the councils to find alternative sources of income. Like parking charges, rates & "litter fines" . All of which affect poorer councils more.
Are they spending the money wisely? If my local councils are anything to go by, they have slashed front line spending but expanded their policy departments...
The nail has been hit bang on the head here. Nicely done my friend.
It depends on where you live. I’m guessing you don’t live in London.
Suggest you take a look at your council accounts. Full time officers pay, pension costs for staff, councillors expenses etc. You will be amazed
After the last local elections the very first thing that my local councillors did was to vote themselves an increase in their allowances.
Almost good, almost.
Works better in sound ;)
Works better in sound ;)
It was funny when Tommy Cooper said it.
Very droll, you pathetic creature! Taking the ‘proverbial’ out of those who have more sensibility than to respond! Shame on you!
I'm sure that all those people who are about to lose their jobs laughed their socks off at that.
Arrogant fool.
Arrogant fool.
We can all blame tiers of the clown for this...
Removed
... 'greedy Councils' ? Not in my area! Their income has already been cut by more than half and most of the employees are on the minimum wage or barely above.
The only way to make the books balance is introduce swingeing increases in council tax for ordinary households where many are already paying 12-15% of their net income on the Poll Tax 'lite'.
The only way to make the books balance is introduce swingeing increases in council tax for ordinary households where many are already paying 12-15% of their net income on the Poll Tax 'lite'.
You work for a council - vested interest perhaps?
Rows of empty shops in my area, when they close signs go up saying forced out by Council tax rises. Pubs close & frequently the business rates are higher than the rental they pay the brewery. My Council moved from offices -now empty to newly built with shopping centre that floods. They built it next to a river that has flooded since I was a kid!
Rows of empty shops in my area, when they close signs go up saying forced out by Council tax rises. Pubs close & frequently the business rates are higher than the rental they pay the brewery. My Council moved from offices -now empty to newly built with shopping centre that floods. They built it next to a river that has flooded since I was a kid!
Blacksmiths make £100 k per year or farriers as they like to call themselves now.
Two of my associates are in the trade, one of them drives a red 2015 Ferrari[not for work ]
Two of my associates are in the trade, one of them drives a red 2015 Ferrari[not for work ]
The current tax arrangements are not fair. High business rates on physical shops mean that traditional retailers are not competing on a level playing field with on-line.
Completely disagree. What is better:
-Bustling high streets full of workers in shops, or concreting over acres of countryside to build massive warehouses for Amazon run by actual robots and staff treated like robots
-Staff members socialising with the public in a shop or a staff member hidden away in a warehouse
-People walking around shops or sat on their behind at home ordering on a screen
-Bustling high streets full of workers in shops, or concreting over acres of countryside to build massive warehouses for Amazon run by actual robots and staff treated like robots
-Staff members socialising with the public in a shop or a staff member hidden away in a warehouse
-People walking around shops or sat on their behind at home ordering on a screen
But they should be subject to the same consumer taxes as the same products sold in a different way
Its the likes of Philip Greene that makes these situation much much worse
Greedy landlords pay our pensions.
Greedy councils provide our services.
We still need to raise that money somewhere.
Which means either we have to get a lot cuter taxing the internet, or
we will have to take more tax from the middle earners. (sorry the really high net worth people will leave UK - see effects of France's 75% rich tax)
Greedy councils provide our services.
We still need to raise that money somewhere.
Which means either we have to get a lot cuter taxing the internet, or
we will have to take more tax from the middle earners. (sorry the really high net worth people will leave UK - see effects of France's 75% rich tax)
It's a sad fact but it's true. I suspect middles earners are going to see some big tax hikes. It would be nice if well off pensioners also took some of the pain.
We also need to start making the likes of amazon, google and facebook pay tax more fairly. Unlike the really high earners they can't just leave without forgoing the profits and leaving a vacuum for potential competitors to grow in.
We also need to start making the likes of amazon, google and facebook pay tax more fairly. Unlike the really high earners they can't just leave without forgoing the profits and leaving a vacuum for potential competitors to grow in.
The High Street has either to reinvent itself or die. Unfortunately the dead hand of local govt inertia hinders innovation because of needlessly restrictive processes around change of use, treating parking as a cash cow instead of a service etc. "Emergency" interest rates have kept some retailers alive for years longer than normal which has crowded out replacement businesses. Outlook: not good.
Such a shame. A rare quality offering in a high street full of cheap imported tatt.
Shops have been full of imported tatt for over 30 years , you just maybe haven't noticed until recently.
I remember when stuff was made in the UK. Now that really was tat, especially BL cars and Hornby trains. We're quite good at some of the very high technology (biotech, chip design) and niche products but we are terrible at quality mass production, except under Japanese management.
I bought a few things before Xmas from paperchase. Every single one of them was made in China. Your point?
I remember getting a notebook made from Nepalese paper it was so lovely and smelled of roses I think I got it in Paperchase in Canterbury in the 1990s!?? sock shop was featured on the Gregg Wallace show this evening and Paperchase was around the same time. I'm surprise this has survived so long since we email instead
The only high street firms that will survive will be those with a strong online presence. The high street will evolve into somewhere you go for click and collect after you've purchased online. Shops will be drop-off points for online companies as the roads become saturated with delivery vans.
Independent shops of all kinds will continue, as they have a loyal customer base, and provided exemplary service over the years. I for one am no fan of on-line shopping, much prefer to see 'in real life'. Bought a pair of shoes during first lock down, another of the same size and style I already had. No good. Never again.
This one is a bit of a surprise as, unlike the dead shells that have been folding after years of struggles, this brand appeared to be doing well
Unnecessary comment
Sadly, Paperchase always depended on precinct shopping - it was never a go-to destination, so when online shopping made people realise that traipsing around a shopping centre was in fact absolute bloody hell its fate was sealed.
So very true....... having been an independent retailer in a medium sized town, we relied on the big shops to create the footfall. Each time a big name left, you'd see another fall trade.
The idea we can fill the high streets with independents, just won't work for most towns.
The idea we can fill the high streets with independents, just won't work for most towns.
vote clown get cicus
capiche????
capiche????
and you would do what? and make sure your answer is not one that has already been considered by SAGE, Public health england, civil servants, CBI. Otherwise your just like starmer, you shout about the issues but have nothing concrete to add. In other words those that shout and have no solution are, in fact, part of the problem. Your gripe is Torys full stop, not the virus.. Try the truth
The point is do not stand for office if you are incompetent, know your limits. Telling D Notice to do it instead is childish. BJ is where the buck stops, that is what he signed up for, no excuses for any of them in office. This is a problem with a govt that is more concerned with populism than actual civic welfare. He is the clown that was voted in, own it.
Paperchase have been in trouble for years, as they've clung to selling expensive niche products to a shrinking market where the share of available market is being split out to online indy specialists too, who are often cheaper and better quality. They were slow to move online and have been slow to adapt overall I'm afraid. This has little to do with Covid, but sadly may hasten their end.
I’m surprised they have lasted this long. Do people still send cards? I just send e-cards, have done for years now. Technology moves on, it’s unstoppable!
Well I still send cards but probably one of a dying breed. I just feel that an e-card is too transactional - if I can't be bothered to put the personal effort into writing a greeting then I don't think I should bother.
The only high street firms that will survive will be those with a strong online presence. The high street will evolve into somewhere you go for click and collect after you've purchased online. Shops will be drop-off points for online companies as the roads become saturated with delivery vans.
Independent shops of all kinds will continue, as they have a loyal customer base, and provided exemplary service over the years. I for one am no fan of on-line shopping, much prefer to see 'in real life'. Bought a pair of shoes during first lock down, another of the same size and style I already had. No good. Never again.
We cannot keep shutting businesses for months on end, the country will be bankrupt. There will be riots and anarchy on the streets soon. . The internet has made this pandemic much worse than 1918 when there were rules closing meetings ,theatres and the like but essentially life went on with care. Stagger opening hours and get the shops open again!
The supermarkets are making a killing selling non-essential items at the expense of those shops forced to close.
Excellent post.
Charity shops staffed by volunteers is in effect a legal way of competing in the High Street without paying the guaranteed minimum wage.
It represents therefore a grossly unfair distortion of fair competition and costs job opportunities elsewhere on the High Street, often among young workers just starting out.
Apologies to the snowflakes for a lack of sentimentality.
Charity shops staffed by volunteers is in effect a legal way of competing in the High Street without paying the guaranteed minimum wage.
It represents therefore a grossly unfair distortion of fair competition and costs job opportunities elsewhere on the High Street, often among young workers just starting out.
Apologies to the snowflakes for a lack of sentimentality.
A lot of people working in charity shops are actually on community service! So another good service performed by charity shops! That is a fact incidentally, not a critiscism.
Don't you just hate those pesky vunteers..
When charity shops stock new items, they are unsuccessful/discontinued lines, given free or for nominal cost by wholesalers who would otherwise have to pay to send the unwanted goods to landfill. Charities can hardly be said to be competing with other retailers if they are selling the stuff that those retailers were unable to shift a year or two ago.
Why the HYS on this BBC, so soon after the 30th Dec 2020? What biased linkages are you trying to engineer?
Another business on the verge of administration due to the wrongful prioritisation of the health of a minute proportion of largely very old/ill people, who are close to death anyway, over business, the economy & the wellbeing of 99.8% of the population. Absolutely crazy.
Completely wrong my friend ... do some background reading and realise this was a very sick, very indebted and over ambitious company.
It shot far too high due to greed and believing you can expand a company to infinity so long as you have enough idiots prepared to lend you the money to do it.
It shot far too high due to greed and believing you can expand a company to infinity so long as you have enough idiots prepared to lend you the money to do it.
If those who are high-risk were to shield themselves (supported by the actions of their families) then we wouldn't need lockdowns. It seems however that they are either unable or unwilling to do so.
Everyone over 70 cannot be expected to stay in for the best part of a year. It is impossible to hava all food delivered (try it) and it takes a toll on mental health. Older people who are fit need to be able to go to the supermarket, they are put at risk by selfish people who will not keep their distance or wear masks, and expect to bring their kids. Just normal good manners is what is needed.
In the internet age it’s mad that people still buy and send cards that aren’t kept or cherished, they are just sent to the recycling plant or landfill. And on top that they cost a ridiculous amount of money per card.
Sure, some artists rely on cards as an income and produce some beautiful work. But let’s face it, most cards are trashy.
Sure, some artists rely on cards as an income and produce some beautiful work. But let’s face it, most cards are trashy.
I sent cards and letters to older friends who do not have the internet, and I usually have plenty of cards, writing paper and stamps etc. There are beautiful cards available, handmade using different materials. I know the sort of cards you mean, a lot of the cards I get (even Christmas cards) go straight in recycling. Some I treasure. And a love letter, well... it's good for handwriting too.
I'm with you. Cards for this years birthdays plus occasion cards ready. Birthday dates and anniversaries listed for hubby just in case I'm no longer around.
Though the health challenge is sad, you've got to seriously start wondering at what point are we going to say the economic collapse from lockdowns isn't worth it. I'd rather be seeing more nightingale hospitals spring up, and pay people who are tested positive to actually stay at home. Then the rest of us can get on with keeping the lights on and keeping a job.
We cannot keep shutting businesses for months on end, the country will be bankrupt. There will be riots and anarchy on the streets soon. . The internet has made this pandemic much worse than 1918 when there were rules closing meetings ,theatres and the like but essentially life went on with care. Stagger opening hours and get the shops open again!
Thanks for pointing out that 40% is the same as "just under half".
I would have said it's closer to 'just over a third'.
Sad that’s your only comment when a business is about to go bust and 1500 people will lose their jobs.
I just spent a tenner on cards at Thortful so I didn’t have to go out to sainsburys. I’ve never really considered paperchase online. They are slightly more expensive and have prob suffered from this fact. I only used to go in when they gave me a free fiver to spend on my birthday. Prob needed to go more online more -much sooner and cut prices. Gotta be quick in these fast changing times.
No, but I hear the dolphins know all about it.
Paperchase was the go to place for an great card or two or some eccentric wrapping paper but it was always niche. Design leaders but became so expensive and distracted by their own style they did not keep up with changes in the market. Failed to move with the times. Blame hedge fund managers who are out for profit and not with the designers who often sell their work so cheaply. Market is changing.
I don't have much time for Oxfam. They employ a lot of people on high salaries. Some of their aid workers were paying women in poor countries for sex. They charge high prices compared with other charity shops.
The supermarkets are making a killing selling non-essential items at the expense of those shops forced to close.
Be interesting to see if that happens this time round. I can't say that on my in person visits I noticed much difference in the trolley contents. Because of an accident I bought countless pairs of slippers, could not get shoes on, spent loads and no-one said anything. Pillows, towels and bedlinen too.
Greedy landlords pay our pensions.
Greedy councils provide our services.
We still need to raise that money somewhere.
Which means either we have to get a lot cuter taxing the internet, or
we will have to take more tax from the middle earners. (sorry the really high net worth people will leave UK - see effects of France's 75% rich tax)
Greedy councils provide our services.
We still need to raise that money somewhere.
Which means either we have to get a lot cuter taxing the internet, or
we will have to take more tax from the middle earners. (sorry the really high net worth people will leave UK - see effects of France's 75% rich tax)
It's a sad fact but it's true. I suspect middles earners are going to see some big tax hikes. It would be nice if well off pensioners also took some of the pain.
We also need to start making the likes of amazon, google and facebook pay tax more fairly. Unlike the really high earners they can't just leave without forgoing the profits and leaving a vacuum for potential competitors to grow in.
We also need to start making the likes of amazon, google and facebook pay tax more fairly. Unlike the really high earners they can't just leave without forgoing the profits and leaving a vacuum for potential competitors to grow in.
We cannot keep shutting businesses for months on end, the country will be bankrupt. There will be riots and anarchy on the streets soon. . The internet has made this pandemic much worse than 1918 when there were rules closing meetings ,theatres and the like but essentially life went on with care. Stagger opening hours and get the shops open again!
On one hand, we are told to be considerate of the environment and to reduce paper waste
on the other, we're now being condemned for not spending money on small, physical cards, which require postage fee's and amazingly cannot have JPEG's attached to them of precious family moments for relatives who live thousands of miles away, in an increasingly interconnected, digital world
Strange eh?
on the other, we're now being condemned for not spending money on small, physical cards, which require postage fee's and amazingly cannot have JPEG's attached to them of precious family moments for relatives who live thousands of miles away, in an increasingly interconnected, digital world
Strange eh?
I don't think anyone is condemning anybody else for not buying cards. But if the world is so connected the jpegs can go via email at any time.
Buying and sending a card requires thought and effort.
Sending an email takes seconds and minimal effort or thought. Sending a picture from a phone if you bcc it takes 0 effort or thought.
Shallow behaviour leads to shallow lives.
It’s a bit like buying a thoughtful present or a gift token. One takes effort the other probably says “you’re not worth the effort”
Sending an email takes seconds and minimal effort or thought. Sending a picture from a phone if you bcc it takes 0 effort or thought.
Shallow behaviour leads to shallow lives.
It’s a bit like buying a thoughtful present or a gift token. One takes effort the other probably says “you’re not worth the effort”
Paperchase is massively in debt and has been in trouble for a good few years.
It was bought out by a private equity company in 2010 and went on the notorious rapid expansive route.
Well guess what ... It has run out of money due to falling sales, high overheads and too much debt.
Who remembers 'Tie Rack' and 'Sock Shop' ... ?
Paperchase occupies the same Euston Station shop as Tie Rack did.
It was bought out by a private equity company in 2010 and went on the notorious rapid expansive route.
Well guess what ... It has run out of money due to falling sales, high overheads and too much debt.
Who remembers 'Tie Rack' and 'Sock Shop' ... ?
Paperchase occupies the same Euston Station shop as Tie Rack did.
Never heard of this company I do remember Sweater shop , they didn't last long either Single product companies tend not to be around for long .
And someone else posted that stamps are almost as expensive as cards nowadays.
Many of the businesses must be run by the same type of clowns we have in government .
And someone else posted that stamps are almost as expensive as cards nowadays.
Many of the businesses must be run by the same type of clowns we have in government .
yes I said this above about the same shops in railway stations that I remember when I used to go to school in sussex in the 80s from London Victoria and the Sock Shop, Tie Rack, Paperchase,WH Smith the old burger king and the baguette place I remember loving the tuna one or having a McDonald's burger on the train I loved getting that back home! but hated going back to London still now
Because, probably many reasons, including filtering £1 billion to his wife just before a recent store collapse and so the pension funds couldn't get their hands on it would be a good example.
Also he was one of the many shopping mall "entrepreneurs " who murdered the high streets in the 70s and 80s. Removed
Also he was one of the many shopping mall "entrepreneurs " who murdered the high streets in the 70s and 80s. Removed
Do you know Philip greene and his history? Pension fund.. 570 million black whole when he took a dividend of 580 million from BHS and needed dragging through the streets to repay 350 mil.. lots of people lost their lives pension.. does that answer your “because” you flunking rshole
If they stocked up on "Sorry to hear you got COVID-19" cards, they'd have sold very few. Selling "Sorry to hear you lost your job" cards though: they would sell millions.