Future of “DIY” shops.

Discussion in 'Just Talk' started by quasar9, May 10, 2021.

  1. quasar9

    quasar9 Screwfix Select

    Those long enough in the tooth will remember the demise of several chains in the late 1990/2000 like Texas, Focus, Champion and Do it All. After that the only major chains left were Homebase and B&Q. Now these seems to be faltering as well.

    Homebase has struggled since it’s takeover by the Australian group Wesfarmers and not doing too well with its new owners Hilco. The three nearest stores to me have all closed, with flats coming up in its space.

    with B&Q, our hosts sister company, the two nearest have closed, again with one flattened to build flats, the nearest large one to me now over 7miles. However, they now seem to be opening small stores within ASDA as well as high street but I am not sure where this will go. I tried one in an high street recently but regretted it immediately, as I had to lug the stuff I had bought , up the hill to my house as there is no where to park. With Screwfix too trying to move into the high street I suspect they will eat into each other’s trade to an extent.

    wickes alone seems unimpacted although it’s parent co Travis Perkins has started to close down depots and try the high street approach. I know there are many other chains and independents hidden in the industrial estates


    Is anyone else thinking that one day it will be just Amazon or it’s internet ilk ! It will be no longer “I am going to get some parts and be back in half an hour!” But I will be back when the parts arrive .
     
  2. Dan Greenslade

    Dan Greenslade Active Member

    It is worrying when it comes to store closures but I just cant imagine shopping online for materials and tools etc. I like to go in and pick out what I need etc as i'm sure many others do. I dont think it will ever get to the point where the likes of B&Q, Screwfix, Wickes, Toolstation, Proper Job etc all go. Maybe a few of them will but my guess is that something else will just take their place..
     
  3. furious_customer

    furious_customer Screwfix Select

    I think the writing is on the wall for a retailer whenever you hear a customer ask if they stock some particular product and the reply is "no, we don't - maybe try Amazon".
     
    BiancoTheGiraffe likes this.
  4. Dan Greenslade

    Dan Greenslade Active Member

    I rarely go to my local B&Q for this reason now.. the stock is pretty shocking there, rarely ever have what I need these days
     
  5. Jord86

    Jord86 Screwfix Select

    Seen the cost of building materials at the moment? The way it's going we'll all be buying off Amazon soon, bye bye to the merchants.
     
  6. Dan Greenslade

    Dan Greenslade Active Member

    Yeah its not looking good at the moment, we can only hope it picks up because I dont fancy waiting weeks for materials off Amazon :D
     
  7. candoabitofmoststuff

    candoabitofmoststuff Screwfix Select

    Wickes nearest me is closing down for good next week.

    Cando
     
  8. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    I’ve just ordered some paint online from The Paint Shed - Crown Fastflow Satin 5lt - £50.00

    It’s not widely stocked by likes of Wickes, BQ, SF, but I do have a Crown Paint Centre near me and after all, they make the stuff

    Was shocked as same paint for 5lt was £69.00 for exactly the same paint - not retail versus trade - same paint, same size, £19 more expensive from Crown

    I’m well served in my area by all the big names, loads of builders merchants, timber yards and nice to see, a fair few independents also

    Only recent closures I can recall is Homebase, 2 stores gone over maybe 5 years, but have a third store couple miles up the road (but they’re expensive on everything so tend to avoid)

    Wickes has just had a massive refit to store and the local BQ moved some years ago to a huge new site so guess their not planning on closing any time soon (but things change in business I realise)

    SF just opened a new store next to T.Stn on a retail park so good choice for the consumer
     
  9. Rob_bv

    Rob_bv Active Member

    I miss Texas - my grandad used to take me with him to the nearest one when I was a nipper; they had a cracking little cafe at the back of the store.
     
  10. kitfit1

    kitfit1 Screwfix Select

    All these big "sheds" have come and gone over the years and as the one's we have now go, new one's will pop up.
    The annoying thing about the likes of Screwfix and Toolstation is that they have systematically put the specialist hardware and toolshops out of business. Those we will never get back, mainly because the professional knowledgeable people that staffed and run them have long gone.
     
  11. Dan Greenslade

    Dan Greenslade Active Member

    I love the little independent shops. If I was ever in need of a certain nut/ bolt or whatever then you could guarantee to go in there and they would have one. Still got a few around by me but not sure how long they will last nowadays
     
    TangerineDream likes this.
  12. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    Regarding the hardware shops and independents, it’s a geographical thing I would imagine

    I’m in Essex, ok, it’s a big county but not giving away anymore details than that, too many nutters online :)

    We’ve got countless independent hardware shops in a small radius, can think of around ten, all within 30 minute drive, along with independent hire shop, painting and decorating shops (new one only just opened) timber yards and all manner of related businesses. Many have been trading for decades in same spot

    I would guess business is tough for them all but, they’re still going

    Do I support them ?
    Occasionally, but can’t beat the convenience of the big boys, offering long opening hours and 7 days a week and huge range of products

    Not to mention the ease that we can check prices online for same products over several suppliers from comfort of our house / car / and then make a decision on price / location / stock availability /
     
  13. quasar9

    quasar9 Screwfix Select

    Greedy landlords have not helped the clicks and bricks brigade ! Many department stores and chains have gone under after a last hour plea with landlords to reduce rents have failed. A classic case of “goose that laid golden egg”. Then again most retailers have become semi virtual by reducing assets. Gone are the days when shops used to own the building and stock and had loyal knowledgable employees. Instead the larger chains get the stock on a 90day sale or return basis, the building often leased and staff on zero hour contract.

    As an example, I looked at Halfords for a bog standard H4 bulb. £9 for one or £15 for a pair for their own brand of unknown origin. Amazon marketplace had a pair of Philips 60% brighter for just £12.75inc posting. As I did not have to use the van that night, decision was straightforward!
     
  14. Adamfya

    Adamfya Screwfix Select

    We are all guilty of buying the best deal to be had at the time, its so easy to price match now, and competition has never been so aggresive. Why wouldnt anyone want or need to save money where they can?? Lets be honest about it, the cost of living is rising at an alarming rate...

    This doesnt necessarily make good moral or business sense for the local independants though, and we will all eventually pay the price for our woes.

    So, why when i have a winge about a trade going on early do i get slated to f.c.k??

    Little difference in my eyes. If i pay a bloke a two day rate, i couldnt give a monkeys f.c.k. if hes done early, for all i care, he can sit in the corner and pick his nose. At least untill a reasonable time to leave site, esp. If he leaves a mess.

    Not much difference in diy dave saving 19 on a pot of paint-no brainer, would he accept the pot if it was 3/4 full??
     
  15. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    5lt's..........that's two 4 bedroom houses worth. :eek:....does that total include the undercoat?
     
  16. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    You forgot 'MARLEY'...pre Wickes
     
  17. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    If you really want to know, I’ve ordered 5lt of primer/undercoat and 5lt of Satin Fastflow, perhaps I should have checked with you before clicking to pay and confirm my order ?

    Or you just taking an interest and trying to prevent me from wasting my money and over-ordering ?

    Perhaps I’m planning on painting at home, with some painting for my mum also, or maybe for my sister ? We’re a close family and help each other out in lots of ways

    I’m assuming that you don’t actually know how many bedrooms my house has ? Or how may reception rooms, snugs, lounge, dinning rooms, drawing rooms, etc ?

    Any luck so far with my ancient posts where I claim to be a world renowned kitchen extract expert ?

    Thanks anyway Astra for your concern but really, it’s not needed, rest assured, I won’t be wasting any of my purchase
     
  18. CGN

    CGN Screwfix Select

  19. Jord86

    Jord86 Screwfix Select


    It's stretching it a bit to compare a tin of paint to two plasterers finishing half day, struggling to see the comparison. You didn't get "slated to fxxk" if I recall, a couple of members including myself politely disagreed with your complaint that trades quoted for two days but left after a day and a half, you omitting to mention they gave you a price for the job that you agreed to, not a day rate.

    Anyways, the way prices are rising you'd better learn to plaster with breadcrumbs rather than hire anybody because none of us will be able to afford gear if it keeps going up.
     
  20. Astramax

    Astramax Super Member

    Once again an innocent question kicked in the nuts, the hand of friendship has been bitten off again, or wrong time of month is it sweetie or did your dumplings get overcooked, I really don't give a f~@!, you can drink it for all I care. Please be careful DIYDave you may find the 5lts container a lot heavier than the sample sizes you usually scrounge.

    PS use a synthetic filament brush with FastFlow.:p
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2021
    RolandK likes this.

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