Habitat Bust

[scotman]

Inevitable or a sign of the times?

[Buenchico]

Habitat was great when Terence Conran was still in charge, and you could guarantee that they'd sell you stuff (at reasonable prices) that you couldn't get anywhere else. But the store has just become one of many which selling very similar things (but at prices that are no longer competitive).

IKANO (which is mainly a financial services company) didn't seem to have a clue as to how to run a retail business; Habitat simply stagnated. The sale of Habitat to Hilco always looked like the kiss of death to me. (Hilco is the 'restructuring' company which took on Woolworths, Allders, MK One and Allied Carpets).

[scotman]

Hi Chris

I was never much of a fan of Habitat. I always had the feeling that they were a bit 'Emperors new clothes' and would eventually be found out. They have had their day in the sun.

[craft1948]

I think it's quite sad as I think Habitat revolutionised furniture shopping....

[jno]

still going in London, the centre of taste and design. You provincials can go on getting stuff at the pound shop.

[ladybirder]

Ooh I wonder how quickly they'll disappear. I've seen some containers I want for the roof terrace. Better get down there smartish. Perhaps they'll be giving them away:-)

[Buenchico]

"London, the centre of taste and design"

Even if we ignore the fact that the good citizens of Paris, Rome, Milan, Stockholm and even Prague would fall about laughing at that statement, I would humbly suggest that you're far more likely to find innovative architecture outside of London than in it. Further, if 'taste' is taken literally, you'll find the best British restaurants well away from the capital.

[craft1948]

I've never been to a Pound shop.............

[Buenchico]

You don't know what you're missing, Craft!

[craft1948]

I think I'll manage Chris :-)

[jno]

goodness, Chris, I learn something new every day.

I must turn my attention further north

http://3.bp.blogspot....s+Summer+2010+024.jpg

[Buenchico]

Aha, Jno. That sign might well have come from Glasgow, which is a former European Capital of Culture (1990). I can't see London in the list:
http://en.wikipedia.o...an_Capital_of_Culture

[wolf63]

I am still in mourning for Woolworths.

I have never been to Habitat. Perth has only recently got a Primark and I haven't been there yet.

I like Ikea - we don't have one of those either.

[what..the?]

inevitable as I have vouchers....

[Buenchico]

Wolf:
"Perth has only recently got a Primark"
I note that Perth is currently applying to be recognised as a city. Perhaps having a Primark store should be the sole criterion for such a decision?
;-)

[wolf63]

Chris

Perth used to be a city - not sure what happened there.

Little brother moved to Nottingham - much too big for me, but not sure if that is a city.

[SkellieMonster]

Nottingham has been a city for many years, with or without a Primark!

[Buenchico]

Wolf:
Re Perth: http://www.thecourier...vers-and-shakers.html

Nottingham has been a city since 1897. (It's also got some very liberal women. Nearly every time I've been there I've had my my bum pinched on several occasions as I've walked around the shopping centres!)

[jno]

Edinburgh actually, Chris (though the dish is supposed to be from Glasgow, so maybe this place caters to expats).

I don't think really big cities get to be capitals of culture (except Paris, so far) and I'd be disappointed if London ever got on the list; it would sort of hint that it needed a leg up from the EU. The UK is due to come up again in 2022, so now's the time to start campaigning for Suffolk.

Having an Imax should probably be the criterion for being made a city.

[LoftyLottie]

Norwich wins over Ipswich!! ;o)

[LoftyLottie]

I am a Londoner who would never go back!! ;o)