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Archive => Archived Boards => Local Issues => Topic started by: marveld on June 02, 2010, 03:33:50 PM

Title: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marveld on June 02, 2010, 03:33:50 PM
I popped into the Spar today and noticed two chaps gutting the closed off-license. I asked the lady who owns the Spar if she knew what the new shop was going to be. She told me a multi-millionaire who already owns 40 shops was going to open up a convenience store. She was obviously not best pleased. On the one hand I think competition is good for consumers, but Rose Hill only needs one shop of that nature. There is an argument for saying the Spar opened selling wines and confectionery when the off-license was still open, but I'd rather see something like a hair-dressing salon open up (just something different). Anyone else got any views on this?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: chicken lady on June 03, 2010, 10:28:40 AM
seems pretty daft to have 2 convenience stores next to each other. have the council had to grant planning permission I wonder?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Jay on June 03, 2010, 02:17:04 PM
Not another hair dresser! Marple's got about 10 already! How about a decent shoe shop, we've not got one of those?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Harry on June 03, 2010, 03:01:27 PM
We used to have a Clarks shoe shop in Marple.

It closed. Obviously not enough demand.

Now how about a takeaway food shop ?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Barbara on June 03, 2010, 07:58:46 PM
Oh please!!!  We don't have half enough of them, do we? >:(
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Jay on June 04, 2010, 11:18:39 AM
Even at a guess I couldn't count how many takeaways we have. Defiantly not another takeaway  :-\
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: CTCREP on June 05, 2010, 09:18:41 AM
It is a pity it won't be a cycle shop, situated near the Middlewood Way it would be ideal.  In my young days the cycle shop was another community meeting place. Today, elsewhere, cycle shops occasionally provide simple refreshments, another reason for wanting it there. Of course we had a cycle shop, and we have plenty of cafes, but for some reason - presumably the same reason the BMX course has been demolished - someone on the Council is extremely opposed to catering for cyclists, and for that matter Marple traders as well, as Stockport MBC refuses to signpost a route into the town centre from the Middlewood Way. Not everyone knows that there is more than the Council refuse tip at the end of the Middlewood Way.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: nbt on June 05, 2010, 10:42:35 AM
Sadly, it's not a just  case of wanting the shop to be "this kind of shop", that kind of shop needs to have a market  and clients or it will fail, witness the closure of the fancy dress shop opposite the Red cross charity shop - Marple had a bike shop just three or four years ago but it didn't do well enough and had to close. There is a very good bike shop in Hazel Grove (Bicycle Smithy) and I understand one has recently opened in Disley, although I haven't been there yet
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: alan@marple on June 09, 2010, 01:41:38 PM
Well I would welcome a KFC,Burgerking or a Subway, cos there's not many places to hang around these days.

And we haven'nt got a kebab house at Rose hill.

Or what about a "Bookies" or another Tatoo Parlour,     init!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: amazon on June 09, 2010, 03:18:03 PM
Well I would welcome a KFC,Burgerking or a Subway, cos there's not many places to hang around these days.

And we haven'nt got a kebab house at Rose hill.

Or what about a "Bookies" or another Tatoo Parlour,     init!
Do you have a newsagent come what ever down there .
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: nbt on June 09, 2010, 05:22:13 PM
Quote
Well I would welcome a KFC,Burgerking or a Subway, cos there's not many places to hang around these days.
Well, there's always The Railway right opposite, I usually find pubs are great places to hand about as you can often buy reasonable beer there  ;D
Title: Spar at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on July 01, 2010, 06:22:44 PM
The Spar at  Rose Hill has proved very popular and has a steady flow of customers throughout the day.  Its fantastic for all us living nearby and the couple who run it are really helpful and friendly.  So what's the problem I hear you all say !!  Well once again our planning department have surpassed themselves.  I have just heard from the builder working on the old wine shop next door that its to become a genreal store  Now there's competition and there's competition but sadly theres liquidation and bankruptcy.  If its true it must be very concerning for the couple in the Spar  :-\
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marveld on August 03, 2010, 04:25:53 PM
The new shop at Rose Hill is due to open next week if all goes to plan. I feel quite sorry for the Spar owners. You can't pick your neighbours can you? I occasionally buy these Red Bull type energy drinks, and to be honest, I think they're all very similar. You can buy a budget brand at Bargain Booze for 35p and Spar's own brand is 81p. As much as I want to be loyal to the Spar when I'm shopping at Rose Hill, I guess I'll be checking out the new shop when it opens. A bit of a dilemma! The obvious answer is to stop buying those nasty non-nutritional caffeine loaded sugary drinks! Now, who's selling wine cheapest this week.....  :)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Barbara on August 03, 2010, 08:41:15 PM
Yeah, give up the sugar!  Nothing wrong with good old British beer, or if really pressed tap water!! ;D
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: elpram on September 04, 2010, 08:58:29 PM
I guess the dilemma is ... shall I support the shop which is owned by a couple (for whom it's their livelihood and home) who gave up everything to pursue the venture ?

Or shall I patronise the shop owned by a couple of businessmen who are just adding to their portfolio and to be honest, must be a bit ruthless to set up next to an almost identical shop in a place where there are only two shop premises!

Pity they didn't take their Premier store to Marple Bridge after the demise of Town Street Stores where it is needed much more  ::)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on September 05, 2010, 12:48:23 AM
I really like the couple in the spar shop,  they are always nice and friendly and always have been since it opened .

I cant bring myself to walk in the shop next door,  for some bonkers reason  ( or maybe not bonkers ) I would feel totaly disloyal ???

But we have had discussions ( and usually in the car when we have driven past !)  .. when you run a spar shop, do you buy the franchise, and run it like your own  to make your own profit, or are you employed as managers, and get a set wage regardless of custom or not ??

And another question  ... was it the spar shop that was not supposed to sell alcohol  when it first applied for the tenancy of the premises because of the off licence next door, or was it Mace  ( and then it didnt become a mace store  and was a spar shop instead ) .... and are Mace stores and spar shops related  ??
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Jo Scarlett on September 05, 2010, 09:54:03 AM
Well I for one WILL NOT be using the new store at any cost.

The Spar has everything which I'd need from a convenience store and with the Somerfield/Coop at the petrol station up the road I don't think I'll have a need to use the new one.

I do not understand how they get away with opening a 'like for like' store next door to one which already exists?  What were SMBC thinking, surely they must be able to have an input into what type of retail operation occupies a retail unit??

I hope that the couple at the Spar are able to keep their spirits up and put up a strong fight (with the support of Spar for promotional stock etc), hopefully if they can stick it out they may see them off.

There is also a facebook page seeking support for the Spar :
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Support-our-local-Spar/150334644987609 (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Support-our-local-Spar/150334644987609)

Just edited the link so that it works! Admin
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Dave on September 05, 2010, 12:27:05 PM
when you run a spar shop, do you buy the franchise, and run it like your own  to make your own profit, or are you employed as managers, and get a set wage regardless of custom or not ??

I'm pretty sure it's the former - i.e. the people who run it own the business.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: alan@marple on September 05, 2010, 08:48:34 PM
I do seem to recall, that the Spar shop originally was not going to sell alcohol in deference to Victoria Wine, which was next door at the time it opened. But did so all the same.
I am sure they said that in the application to planning -What about that then?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Victor M on September 06, 2010, 06:39:47 PM
With regard to the ongoing discussions about planning permission. The rules are that you only need to apply for planning permission when there is a change of use. The premises before were a shop and the new premises are still a shop. Hence no planning permission required, so in this instance don't blame the council. However if you feel that the second shop should not have opened then don't patronise it and go to the Spar instead. That's what I'll be doing.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: chicken lady on September 06, 2010, 06:53:44 PM
I don't plan to use the new shop, am very happy with the SPAR, however it is interesting to note that the new shop, despite claiming to open at 6am, was just raising its shutters at 6.35 this morning when I was on my way home from walking the dog. are they giving up already? watch this space.........
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: chicken lady on September 12, 2010, 03:33:54 PM
this thread seems to have gone quiet, but I think it needs to keep going. I understand that the new Raja Bros shop is giving free energy drinks to children who buy sweets there, and also selling alcohol without checking ID. I am so glad I don't have young children any more (my 21 year old moved out yesterday - hurrah !!!!!) these drinks are not good for children and young people,  and I would be very unhappy if my children were given them for free.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: andy+kirsty on September 13, 2010, 09:34:41 AM
this thread seems to have gone quiet, but I think it needs to keep going. I understand that the new Raja Bros shop is giving free energy drinks to children who buy sweets there, and also selling alcohol without checking ID. I am so glad I don't have young children any more (my 21 year old moved out yesterday - hurrah !!!!!) these drinks are not good for children and young people,  and I would be very unhappy if my children were given them for free.

You can follow a trail of empty cans all the way to Marple Hall. I think I remember reading somewhere that local councils can prohibit the dale of such drinks in the vicinity of schools as the amounts of caffeine et al in these drinks leads to poor behaviour and educational attainment. Might be worth looking into especially if they are giving them away. Doesn't seem all that responsible, I wonder what it says in their licencing terms.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on September 17, 2010, 03:23:01 PM
I have no allegiance to the new Premier store but I do welcome the competition and I have to say that there are a number of things I dislike about the Spar.

The owner spends a lot of the time stood outside smoking, this in my opinion is not a good way to greet your customers especially if you are a non smoker. That alone is reason enough for me to visit next door!

Prior to the shop opening next door he used limit the number of school kids entering the store and didn't make them feel welcome at all, now because they are going next door he stands outside staring at them and making them very feel very uneasy. My own son has told me that he feels intimidated by him.

As previously mentioned how he can complain about a shop opening next door selling the same goods as him when he opened selling wine and closing the wine shop next door. What goes around comes around!

The owner of Spar is a business man the same as the owner of Premier, the Spar owners do not even come from Marple!

The prices are cheaper in Premier

For all the above reasons I shall be using the new Premier store.

Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Jay on September 23, 2010, 01:39:32 PM
Quote
As previously mentioned how he can complain about a shop opening next door selling the same goods as him when he opened selling wine and closing the wine shop next door. What goes around comes around!

Not entirely true. The franchise went in to liquidation thus the store closed.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marveld on September 23, 2010, 03:47:41 PM
Quote
The owner of Spar is a business man the same as the owner of Premier, the Spar owners do not even come from Marple!

That's a pretty lame point. I don't care where a shop owner comes from.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on September 23, 2010, 08:18:25 PM
Called into the Spar tonight, all the posters on the Premier store window next door, in my opinion completely lower the tone :( .
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Lisa Oldham on September 24, 2010, 10:35:18 AM
 I thought the same thing but didnt want to say in case someone called me snooty! But its true.. very tacky
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: chicken lady on September 24, 2010, 02:51:51 PM
I agree, it looks dreadful.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Taurus on September 25, 2010, 08:49:59 AM
I agree too. Went past it yesterday and it looks awful!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Neil Smith on September 25, 2010, 05:37:37 PM
As previously mentioned how he can complain about a shop opening next door selling the same goods as him when he opened selling wine and closing the wine shop next door. What goes around comes around!

Totally agree with you.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Lisa Oldham on September 26, 2010, 02:07:44 PM
The wine shop didn't close down because of the neighbours! Its was a big company that went bust.  As far as I understand the wine shop continued to do well after the spar opened.

I understand the need for competition but what doesn't sit well with me is that Rosehill has 2 shops only.. one opened after much refurbishment and a year later another one opens next door selling exactly the same stuff. They have opened in direct competition with the Spar and so have opened in effect to put someone else out of business as i don't believe there is enough business everyday to keep both going.

On top of that the shop is tacky looking, out of keeping with the area, and ( confirmed this with my son) purposefully targetting school kids with fizzy drinks sweets etc promotions.

Someone mentioned he was wrong for limiting kids in the shop.. this is fairly standard practice.. especially in smaller shops with few staff.. your little angels might be exactly that.. but many are not.. they cant tell which ones are wonderful and which ones are not so they limit nbrs in the shops so they can keep an eye on them.. kids can be arsy little monsters especially teens they even make me grumpy!

SO regardless of how cheap the other shop can sell it i will continue to use the Spar and pay their prices... it might be ok to be competitive but it still strikes me as unfair and immoral to purposefully attempt to put someone out of business.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: chicken lady on September 26, 2010, 03:13:19 PM
I will continue to use the SPAR too, if anything I have used it more since the Premier shop opened, in order to show my support. we have waited a long time for a shop in Rose Hill, the SPAR has been a godsend. As far as I can see, the Premier shop has increased litter and broken glass arounfd the area
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpleleaf on October 01, 2010, 05:06:14 PM
Mel, the owner of the Spar, has responded to various debates with a positing on the Marple Leaf blog.

Here's a link.

http://themarpleleaf.blogspot.com/2010/09/exclusive-rose-hill-spar-owner-speaks.html

Feel free to add comments.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on October 03, 2010, 11:09:01 AM
Regarding the comments made by Mel the owner of the Spar he says that only decided to sell wine when the closure of Wine Rack was imminent!

Quote
The decision to do so was only taken when we knew that First Quench (the parent company for Wine Rack, Threshers and The Local) was heading for failure and the store closure was imminent.

Opinions are one thing and facts are another and the simple fact is that this is totally untrue.

The Spar opened on August 21st 2009 selling wine. It was not until October 29Th 2009 that is was announced that First Quench (Wine Rack) was going into administration.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/oct/29/threshers-offlicence-administrators-appointed (http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/oct/29/threshers-offlicence-administrators-appointed)

The administrators were looking to sell the shops as going concerns and the fate of the Marple shop was not known until November 20Th 2009 as reported here 3 months after the Spar started selling wine and Mel claims the store closure was imminent!!

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1183460_2000_jobs_to_go_in_threshers_and_victoria_wine_shop_closures (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1183460_2000_jobs_to_go_in_threshers_and_victoria_wine_shop_closures)

A post on this web site on November 10Th confirms that the staff at Wine Rack still did not know their fate.

I went in this evening and the staff are very unsure about what will happen to the shop. I hope they don't close, the staff are friendly and knowledgable and there are good offers on. The SPAR next door is great for foods and papers etc, but they don't have the choice that Wine Rack have.

Quite frankly i cannot take any of his comments seriously with the above in mind.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marveld on October 03, 2010, 01:12:31 PM
Below is what I reported on 22nd Nov 2009. It supports the theory that Mel didn't know about Wine Rack's potential demise. I would like to add I had conversations with the manager of Wine Rack at the time and she informed me that the SPAR could happily take the kids since thefts had taken place. She also didn't view the SPAR selling budget wines as an issue. (I appreciate she may of been keeping her cards close to her chest).

http://www.marple-uk.com/smf/index.php?topic=2868.msg10554 (http://www.marple-uk.com/smf/index.php?topic=2868.msg10554)

Quote
At the time off applying, it was going to be a "Mace" store (now Spar) and not sell alcohol and compete with the Threshers shop (now named Wine Rack).

From the brief chats I had with the owner during the construction period, things evolved and there was no big plan to sell booze initially. There was a problem with the building work and they couldn't open when they wanted to. I think they needed stronger steels which led to the obvious decision make use of the extra floor space given by the steel and therefore to sell additional products. I'm sure it's all above board! Also, lets not forget that if Wine Rack does close it's not because of local competition, but because the parent company are in trouble.

Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: My login is Henrietta on October 06, 2010, 08:19:56 PM
Regarding the comments made by Mel the owner of the Spar he says that only decided to sell wine when the closure of Wine Rack was imminent!

Quote
The decision to do so was only taken when we knew that First Quench (the parent company for Wine Rack, Threshers and The Local) was heading for failure and the store closure was imminent.

Opinions are one thing and facts are another and the simple fact is that this is totally untrue.

The Spar opened on August 21st 2009 selling wine. It was not until October 29Th 2009 that is was announced that First Quench (Wine Rack) was going into administration.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/oct/29/threshers-offlicence-administrators-appointed (http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/oct/29/threshers-offlicence-administrators-appointed)

The administrators were looking to sell the shops as going concerns and the fate of the Marple shop was not known until November 20Th 2009 as reported here 3 months after the Spar started selling wine and Mel claims the store closure was imminent!!

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1183460_2000
_jobs_to_go_in_threshers_and_victoria_wine_shop_closures (http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1183460_2000
_jobs_to_go_in_threshers_and_victoria_wine_shop_closures)

A post on this web site on November 10Th confirms that the staff at Wine Rack still did not know their fate.

I went in this evening and the staff are very unsure about what will happen to the shop. I hope they don't close, the staff are friendly and knowledgable and there are good offers on. The SPAR next door is great for foods and papers etc, but they don't have the choice that Wine Rack have.

Quite frankly i cannot take any of his comments seriously with the above in mind.
Oh, come ON! A mini-market selling a few bottles of wine is NOT going to be responsible for the failure of a large, possibly nationwide, chain of alcohol shops.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Lisa Oldham on October 18, 2010, 09:09:51 PM
Think this has lost its track.. weren't we discussing the issue of the NEW shop not what went on with the Spar before hand?
Presumably comments here have been noted by owners of new shop.. looks much more presentable.. still not shopping there though!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on December 25, 2010, 11:24:24 PM
Mel the owner of the Spar has stooped to a new low.  He has blocked access to the car parking outside the Premier store next door by parking a van and a car between the properties.  A dirty trick and is clearly a sign that Mel has totally lost it!!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on December 27, 2010, 07:07:54 PM
Mel the owner of the Spar has stooped to a new low.  He has blocked access to the car parking outside the Premier store next door by parking a van and a car between the properties.  A dirty trick and is clearly a sign that Mel has totally lost it!!


Is this comment really fair ? .... without knowing the reasons behind it ?  .... the staff at Premier are not angels, you only have to ask the parents of the children whom the staff have told them they cannot leave their push bikes outside the premier shop if they are going into the spar  :(
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Lisa Oldham on December 27, 2010, 07:42:47 PM
And also take into account that marplex has made a total of 3 posts on the forum ... all in this topic!  Do you have any opinions on the other aspects of marple life discussed elsewhere?

Far too personal... a little bit smelly !!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: alan@marple on January 01, 2011, 12:37:29 PM
Well last night, 31/12. I was going to the Spar at 9pm only to find it closed, so Mr Raja got my custom, because I had no choice
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Cripes on January 05, 2011, 12:12:00 PM
Where is Mel recently? I've not seen him for ages, they seem to have a lot of young people working there now that I haven't seen before.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on January 23, 2011, 09:52:39 AM
The staff in Premier have informed me that Mel is very angry that cars have to cross his land to park outside Premier.  Mel has told them they should have their own access to their car par and is threatening to block access which is indeed what he did on Christmas Day.  Remember that there is now a pelican crossing in fort of Premier and therefore it is not possible for them to open up direct access.
I am interested in what people think, is Mel right to block access to Premier?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Lisa Oldham on January 23, 2011, 11:45:20 AM
And I am still interested in finding out if you have a view on anything else that is happening in Marple? Now 4 posts on Marple forum all in this topic!!

I really don't care about any real, imagined or claimed pettiness that is going on or not going on between the 2 businesses but this is NOT the place to publicise unsubstantiated accusations!

Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on January 23, 2011, 12:27:15 PM
I am only stating the facts. It most certainly is not a unsubstantiated accusation, Fact, Mel did block off access to Premier by parking his car and van between the two on Christmas Day. Fact Mel is very angry and is having rants at Premier staff and their customers saying they are not allowed access to Premier car park. 

I think this is a big issue for Premier customers who will not be allowed parking access and certainly a bigger issue that wanting to know what my views are on other aspects of Marple life!

I don't know what the legal issues are because it is Mel's private land that they have to cross. But then the council have built the crossing in front of Premier which is a bit like the council putting a crossing in front of your drive.  Perhaps all is fair in love and war, but then again the Premier car park is far bigger and I have seen many people park there and go into Spar so perhaps Mel could be shooting himself in the foot!!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: tina on January 23, 2011, 01:57:16 PM
I have never heard of  a problem before with the car parking with these 2 shops, when it was the post office and Threshers nothing was ever said who's land it was etc... I do feel uncomfortable some days when the owner of the spar is stood outside questioning people as to why they shop in the premier.
The new tarmac looks like  'this is my land keep off if your going in there'
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Cripes on January 23, 2011, 01:59:57 PM
Does he still do that? I've not seen him for ages?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: tina on January 23, 2011, 02:02:18 PM
yes I went down the other night and he was questioning people outside... I shop in the spar and like the couple but do feel uncomfortable when I see him do that. It's about peoples freedom of Choice at the end of the day.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Cripes on January 23, 2011, 02:08:14 PM
That may become his undoing then, I shop there too, it's one thing offering support but quite another when you are bullied/shamed into it.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on January 23, 2011, 06:25:59 PM
I don't agree that he is bullying people .

He wants his business to succeed , unless he knows why people would rather  go in the other shop , then how can how can he improve in giving his customers what they want . ... has he actually been rude to people  when they have gone next door .. I have not heard a single thing to say he has ?

It would be so easy for him to come and give his opinion on this website, but I think a dignified silence is probably working wonders , because Marple x , if what you say is FACT , is it  because you run the premier shop,  or work there ..... maybe ?

Chinese whispers are a terrible thing :(
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Cripes on January 23, 2011, 07:40:31 PM
That approach is too confrontational, there are more subtle ways to find out what his customer wants. He's hardly going to get an honest answer face to face, there are less obvious way to be rude, unsolicited questions being one of them.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Duke Fame on January 23, 2011, 08:07:30 PM
That approach is too confrontational, there are more subtle ways to find out what his customer wants. He's hardly going to get an honest answer face to face, there are less obvious way to be rude, unsolicited questions being one of them.

Has anyone seen this in action, no offence to Marplex but there is a suspicion of an undisclosed interest in the issue.

IF the entrance was blocked, there is a legal issue as the Premier premises must be allowed access.

I've popped in a few times to the Spar, supporting it on hte basis of being there first.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on January 23, 2011, 08:19:00 PM
I can assure you that I don't own or work at Premier! I do however live a 10 min walk away and if it is raining that is the nearest place to drive to.  I did have the misfortune to drive one day and park outside Spar and use Premier when Mel was around and I wont tell you what he said to me but it was not nice and as you can guess I have never used Spar since.

I am sure I was not the only person who saw Mel block the access to Premier on Christmas Day, I went into Premier to buy something and asked them what was going on and all they said was "We could complain but we don't want any trouble" which seems to be their approach.  And if you don't believe me then try parking on Spar land and use Premier yourself while Mel is around and see what happens.  It seems to me that Spar gets the most business and many more people park outside Premier and use Spar but you don't hear Premier complaining about that.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Cripes on January 23, 2011, 08:25:38 PM
It seems to me that Spar gets the most business and many more people park outside Premier and use Spar but you don't hear Premier complaining about that.

If its true that he blocked access, that is fair comment.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Duke Fame on January 23, 2011, 08:32:30 PM
I can assure you that I don't own or work at Premier! I do however live a 10 min walk away and if it is raining that is the nearest place to drive to.  I did have the misfortune to drive one day and park outside Spar and use Premier when Mel was around and I wont tell you what he said to me but it was not nice and as you can guess I have never used Spar since.

I am sure I was not the only person who saw Mel block the access to Premier on Christmas Day, I went into Premier to buy something and asked them what was going on and all they said was "We could complain but we don't want any trouble" which seems to be their approach.  And if you don't believe me then try parking on Spar land and use Premier yourself while Mel is around and see what happens.  It seems to me that Spar gets the most business and many more people park outside Premier and use Spar but you don't hear Premier complaining about that.
Fair enough, I've not seen it myself.

I have heard some conversations in Spar from customers about Premier which haven't been nice but never really heard the Spar staff join in with what was a little racist talk. I must say, I put that down to small town mentality.

Premier have clearly been aggressive in their competition, the fact they turned up on the doorstep of the Spar and the loss leaders is aimed at winning the battle to get rid of the Spar. They have done the same in Adswood for instance managing to close the California wines and left the lad who’s run the newsagent there at the end of his tether. That said, is it any worse than what Tesco’s do to it’s competition?

Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: My login is Henrietta on January 23, 2011, 11:56:10 PM
I do however live a 10 min walk away and if it is raining that is the nearest place to drive to.  I did have the misfortune to drive one day and park outside Spar and use Premier when Mel was around and I wont tell you what he said to me but it was not nice and as you can guess I have never used Spar since.

If the land is his he may very well have a legal right to stop people crossing or parking on it unless there is some sort of covenant.

Of course, under the Public Order Act 1986 it is an offence "for a person to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour..... within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby". This covers, I think, the use of language that might be flippantly described as "anglo-saxon".




• display any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting.

within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby.


Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Duke Fame on January 24, 2011, 09:45:44 AM
I do however live a 10 min walk away and if it is raining that is the nearest place to drive to.  I did have the misfortune to drive one day and park outside Spar and use Premier when Mel was around and I wont tell you what he said to me but it was not nice and as you can guess I have never used Spar since.

If the land is his he may very well have a legal right to stop people crossing or parking on it unless there is some sort of covenant.

Of course, under the Public Order Act 1986 it is an offence "for a person to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour..... within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby". This covers, I think, the use of language that might be flippantly described as "anglo-saxon".




• display any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting.

within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress thereby.




No, if the propeties share an access, there will certainly be a right of both properties to be allowed access to their property.

Let's be realistoc, it's also a matter of coutesy.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Lisa Oldham on January 24, 2011, 04:08:00 PM
still VERY uncomfortable with ALL this HEARSAY..
but..
1. tarmac.. if you replace tarmac its always different than the stuff next to it.. I was told he'd paid for it so?? if i had a shared drive and neighbour didn't share cost i'd just do my own bit!
2. questions outside... what questions?  did anyone hear specifically what was being asked?  was it more than one customer? if he was asking "uncomfortable" questions what exactly were they...
3. obstructing?  Xmas day?  wasn't doing much shopping as it was Christmas day! odd time to decide to obstruct ..not tremendously effective!!

i just dont think this is the place to be talking about issues relating to individuals.. it will be damaging to BOTH businesses.

Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on January 29, 2011, 08:38:47 AM
Latest news is that Mel now parks his car outside Premier!!  Don't think Premier are objecting to this.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Cripes on January 29, 2011, 10:50:09 AM
Latest news is that Mel now parks his car outside Premier!! 

Yes I noticed that too.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: chicken lady on January 29, 2011, 06:10:29 PM
Latest news is that Mel now parks his car outside Premier!!  Don't think Premier are objecting to this.

if this is "latest news", Marple needs to get a life!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on January 29, 2011, 06:47:54 PM
What I have noticed is gangs of kids hanging about at night outside the shops,

Its not great for either business :(
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Belly on January 30, 2011, 12:01:50 PM
Latest news is that Mel now parks his car outside Premier!!  Don't think Premier are objecting to this.

if this is "latest news", Marple needs to get a life!

+1
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on February 05, 2011, 09:42:15 PM
This week Mel decided to block in the Premier delivery van, while making his delivery Mel barricaded his exit with his vehicle and other objects.

A number of school kids including my son saw the drivers plight and decided to assist him by helping remove the barricade so that he could drive away.  Upon seeing this Mel's wife appeared on the scene and used very offensive language against the school kids including the F & C words.  The staff from Premier made an exit and told the kids not to get involved.

This weekend Premier have told me that they had to call the police who told Mel to allow the driver to exit the premises.  They also told him that he has no rights to block access to Premier during opening hours because during that time it is a public right of way.

I like to state the facts here which I have done above but I also feel that I also have to express an opinion.  I think this is totally unreasonable behavior and I for one do not like the attitude of Mel and his wife. I have been personally abused and so have my sons, I also personally know other people that have been verbally abused.  Some people on here seem to think that I have some kind of vendetta against Spar but when I myselef, my sons and my friends have all been subjected to such abuse what can you expect.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Cripes on February 05, 2011, 09:44:58 PM
I find that ridiculous! Mel's wife is very mild mannered, I very much doubt she even knows that F and the C word!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marveld on February 05, 2011, 10:22:25 PM
I've supported the SPAR so far, but this report is rather worrying. I'd be interested to hear Mel's personal opinion on this incident, but I don't know him that well to nosey in on my next visit. If your report is correct, tensions are obviously rising, so I'd like to think the police involvement will have put a halt to any future hostilities.


Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on February 05, 2011, 10:48:10 PM
This week Mel decided to block in the Premier delivery van, while making his delivery Mel barricaded his exit with his vehicle and other objects.

A number of school kids including my son saw the drivers plight and decided to assist him by helping remove the barricade so that he could drive away.  Upon seeing this Mel's wife appeared on the scene and used very offensive language against the school kids including the F & C words.  The staff from Premier made an exit and told the kids not to get involved.

This weekend Premier have told me that they had to call the police who told Mel to allow the driver to exit the premises.  They also told him that he has no rights to block access to Premier during opening hours because during that time it is a public right of way.

I like to state the facts here which I have done above but I also feel that I also have to express an opinion.  I think this is totally unreasonable behavior and I for one do not like the attitude of Mel and his wife. I have been personally abused and so have my sons, I also personally know other people that have been verbally abused.  Some people on here seem to think that I have some kind of vendetta against Spar but when I myselef, my sons and my friends have all been subjected to such abuse what can you expect.

This weekend premier staff told you they had to call the police  who told mel to allow the driver an exit .....   I read that your son and others helped remove  a barricade,  were the police not called then ?  or has this happened more than once  this week  that a van driver has been barricaded in ?  Surely  the sensible thing for premier staff is not to allow any member of the public to assist and phone the police immediately ?

I dont mean to sound rude, but it sounds very far fetched, my friends and family, including myself  who use this shop often, not one of them has witnessed such a thing .( but yes I have witnessed Mel talking to people but not in an off hand manner  )

I also think that you need to be very careful,  as its quite a strong statement when you talk about the staff abusing children verbaly, vans being barricaded in etc,  you are , like the rest of us entitled to an opinion,  but its making uncomfortable reading , and I have a feeling its getting a bit out of hand ( and we may find another subject locked )
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on February 05, 2011, 11:50:20 PM
I agree it does make uncomfortable reading. The incident is hover totally accurate as reported, I would not report it otherwise.  This latest incident happened at lunch time last Wednesday, If you asked the staff in Premier they would validate it but I may I  suggest that anyone who doubts what I agree sounds totally unbelievable dares to ask Mel or his wife.

I would be very interested to know what their comments are, I can only report things that have been seen by myself or family.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on February 06, 2011, 12:34:51 AM
I agree it does make uncomfortable reading. The incident is hover totally accurate as reported, I would not report it otherwise.  This latest incident happened at lunch time last Wednesday, If you asked the staff in Premier they would validate it but I may I  suggest that anyone who doubts what I agree sounds totally unbelievable dares to ask Mel or his wife.

I would be very interested to know what their comments are, I can only report things that have been seen by myself or family.

so was this the incident your son was involved with .. why didnt he tell you the police were involved ? surely if the police were called, your son would have been witness to that ?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on February 06, 2011, 01:03:46 AM
I think, Im going to leave you to it marple  on this topic x ,  this is the only one topic you have posted on I think , I think if anything, you are doing premier store no favours, as it is soo far fetched what you  are writing and almost sounds like you have some sort of vendetta ,  ..BUT it is my personal opinion, and I hope that does not offend you because its not meant to,  Im thinking there is a big smell of a huuuuuuuuuuuge rat  , so Im going this way >>>>>>  xx
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on February 06, 2011, 04:09:46 AM
Quote
so was this the incident your son was involved with .. why didnt he tell you the police were involved ? surely if the police were called, your son would have been witness to that ?

This incident happened at lunch time on Wednesday, about 15 school kids witnessed the situation and as I said some tried to help by removing the barricade.  My son had to return to school and anyway I don't think he would of hung around waiting for the police.

Quote
soo far fetched what you  are writing

Yes it does sound far fetched, but sadly its totally true. Don't shoot the messenger!!

By the way, you can expect a post from me on the felling of the trees at Dan Bank.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: stockport road on February 07, 2011, 08:41:03 PM
everytime I go in Spar , Mel or his wife is discussing the latest news about the Premier store .

Its either what theyve done wrong , or what theyve mis-sold .

To the point that , now - Its putting me off going in at all .

 :)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on February 07, 2011, 09:04:01 PM
Can i take the opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to all of our customers for your overwhelming support. I have not commented on this site before because I have always considered the comments of MARPLEX to be an insult to the intelligence of the people of Marple and quite obviously from someone with a hidden agenda. not being one to become involved in public slanging matches with people(isn't it easy when you hide behind a pseudonym) I will quite happily take the time to explain whats going on in your community, just ask for Mel just briefly ,the car park was resurfaced at our expense because we were worried about someone tripping The premier shop did not contribute .The car park was closed on christmas day purely as a legal issue(the shop next door has no right of access across my property)And as to comments about my wife. she has not and would not use bad language in front of children .I have never been rude or insulting to anyone crossing my property,the police never atended! MARPLEX IS a liar! I Will not reply to further comment on this site but if MARPLEX or any of you want to talk about it in person pop in and i will explain. Kind regards Mel Dickson (SPAR OWNER) P.S. we will soon be closing the car park at 10pm purely to abate the noise nuisance caused by cars and kids hanging around the car park please appreciate the shop is also our home we live upstairs with our 10 year old son sorry if it causes any inconvenience(reply to stockport rd,Sorry i know ignorance is bliss but i feel people need to know about whats happening in YOUR community. Selling alcohol and cigarettes to kids is against the law ,last week they sold a lighter to a child who went to school and set fire to another childs hair ,just look at how many children you see smoking something you did not see before premier opened wrong on all levels and something we see on a daily basis
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on February 07, 2011, 09:23:08 PM
Hello Mel, and welcome to the forum.

I wouldnt worry about defending yourself , I honestly dont think it is necessary , I think credible arguements have gone out of the window ( in my opinion ) .

When im next in your shop, I shall say hello , and I will let you know who I am  from here x x

The majority of people I know are wishing you well, and hoping you can ride the storm , I wouldnt even  bother writing the wrongs of the premier shop,  it will just dishearten you ... onwards and upwards Mel :)

Regards, Pink Panther :)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on February 07, 2011, 09:34:19 PM
everytime I go in Spar , Mel or his wife is discussing the latest news about the Premier store .

Its either what theyve done wrong , or what theyve mis-sold .

To the point that , now - Its putting me off going in at all .

 :)

Have you not found though , that they only talk about it when asked, maybe you have over heard a conversation with a customer , whenever i go in, I have never heard them making conversation about it unless asked ..... you only have to look at this very topic to know that people are interested . I admit/, , I do ask what the latest is but I do know one of the ladies that works there personally , and I can hand on heart say that I have never, ever heard them talk about next door in a bad way , only how things are affecting them .    I only know Mel and his wife to say hello to ( not personally )  , they have always been lovely to me and my son when we call in .( and not used it as an opportunity to rant about the other shop, and I honestly not for a second believe that Mels wife swore at the children,  I think that smacks of desperation from Marple x .. but just my opinion )
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: stockport road on February 07, 2011, 09:58:27 PM
Just to confirm .. I have never set foot in Premier in my life .

Upto now  , always used Spar .

I was merely making a factual and very valid point about what goes on EVERYTIME i go in .

 ;)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: admin on February 07, 2011, 10:12:46 PM
Just a quick reminder to everyone not to get carried away here - try and keep it polite and respectful otherwise I'll have to close the topic down.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on February 07, 2011, 10:51:03 PM
Thank you pink panther look forward to being formaly introduced and sorry stockport rd.it does get pretty frustrating when you see things going on and it seems the powers that be either cant or dont want to do any thing about it.perhaps you where just seen as  a friendly ear to bend,At the end of the day,we have done nothing wrong we have tried to become part of the community and from the support and favourable comments we have received we feel we have succeded .The shop opening next door was done with the intention of putting us out of business .they have done it before,I have spoken to retailers who lost everything ,its more cost efective to sell at a loss and drive you out than buy an existing business.I decided that i wouldnt give up without a fight i am protecting not only my family and home but also the jobs of our staff, all local people! And then to be attacked by people who dont know the whole story WHERE ARE THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT RAJA BROS! i do speak to people i tell them whats happening,why they opened i am always polite and a lot of people where not aware until informed  of the situation ,about 99.9% say how morally wrong it is and dont shop there again .You will allways get a small element who will gladly profit from what they are doing but to try to justify it by attacking me on sites this?what have i done to deserve it?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marveld on February 08, 2011, 12:12:15 AM
I’m a SPAR supporter i.e. loyal customer, but Mel’s comments are intriguing -

Quote
the shop next door has no right of access across my property

Quote
we will soon be closing the car park at 10pm purely to abate the noise nuisance caused by cars and kids hanging around the car park

I’d appreciate Mel’s answers to these questions:- After looking at the new tarmac, the only vehicular access to the Premier car park area is across ‘your property’ (because of the location of the pedestrian crossing). Do you have the legal right to prevent cars gaining access to the Premier area? How do you intend to close the car park, e.g. barriers? I appreciate your rights to peace and quiet; your shop closes at 10pm, but Premier stay open until 11pm. If you are going to implement your plan, will cars need to park outside the houses on Dale road from 10pm – 11pm? Lastly, closing the car park will not stop kids from calling in at Premier for the last hour of trading and hanging around if they wish.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on February 08, 2011, 01:05:58 AM
Hi marveld,rather not go into legalities here pop in and ill gladley explain the situation but crossing has been there for a long time and someone should have done their homework before trying to put me out of business. intead they stood there laughing telling me "you can sleep easy for twelve weeks before we close you down "a lot has gone on that people are unaware of and how would any of you like to have youre affairs discused in such a public fashion when the majority of comments are heresay or supposition and at worst complete fabrication. Speak to me i dont bite!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on February 08, 2011, 04:44:46 PM
I guess the dilemma is ... shall I support the shop which is owned by a couple (for whom it's their livelihood and home) who gave up everything to pursue the venture ?

Or shall I patronise the shop owned by a couple of businessmen who are just adding to their portfolio and to be honest, must be a bit ruthless to set up next to an almost identical shop in a place where there are only two shop premises!

Pity they didn't take their Premier store to Marple Bridge after the demise of Town Street Stores where it is needed much more  ::)


I think this post in the early days of this discussion sums it up really , I think you have to ask yourself that if the Spar shop shut,  would you be sad that they hadnt managed to succeed and would you miss it  ? and I think the majority of us would .  So lets support it .

The pressure must be unbearable , especially when you have a young family .  It appears that the Rahj brothers ( and it could be hearsay I do not know  it as fact ) can afford to sit and wait, undercut  the shop next door etc , and make no money at rosehill  untill a time that the spar has no option to close , and then would we be wishing we had supported the Spar more ?

For the sake of saving a few pennies  ( and I know that pennies all add up so no one shoot me ) , if you wish the Spar to stay , then bear this in mind
.........................  Waves my little flag and shouts  *SUPPORT THE SPAR*         :-*
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: myloweb on February 08, 2011, 08:25:59 PM
Well well Marveld, I bet you never thought your initial comment would have kick started all this off. I never thought so many people lived in Rosehill.  ;)

I have been once to the Spar and found the guy who I presume was Mel to be a very polite and welcoming guy. His wife was busy in the middle of the shop but took time to say hello.
I do not know either the people at the Spar or the staff at the Premier.

It is distrubing to hear that the couple at the Spar have supposedly been offensive. As I have said my visit was very pleasant. I don't use them more often as I live in MB. Prehaps the people at the Premier would be more aggresive if it was their livelyhoods and not just a part time job, which at the risk of being presumptious it probably is.
It seems to me that things have got tougher for the Spar and they are fighting for their livelyhoods. When backed into a corner any animal, human or otherwise will lash out. I personally feel sorry for them. In the blog posted by Mel, he apologised for his mistakes.
We are all entitled to opinions but after reading some of the comments posted some people need to give this couple a break ( i won't mention user names).
One writer posted after reading some of the comments that they would think before using the Spar again.
 I would ask you to put yourself in their shoes. Would you not fight for all you have worked for if it was under threat? 
I have run a small business that was under threat from a National company and believe me you find a fighting strength you never knew you had. Unfortunately we lost.
As I have said earlier we all have choices. You either support the Spar, you support the Premier, or you may even wish to use both, but to publicly slaughter someone and the way they deal with their situation is totally unacceptable. In my opinion.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marveld on February 08, 2011, 11:37:40 PM
Quote
Well well Marveld, I bet you never thought your initial comment would have kick started all this off. I never thought so many people lived in Rosehill.

I probably didn't, but it's been such an obvious move by Premier to muscle in, it's not surprising that it's become a hot topic.

I spoke to Mel very briefly today and introduced myself as "Marveld" (Mel was just on his way out). He knows me by my real name as a customer and is happy to outline what's going about the parking when I next pop-in. He has no obligation to tell me anything, but I sense he is keen to be open with his supporters. I shall respect his privacy and anything he tells me in confidence won't be repeated on this forum.

Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: jimblob on February 09, 2011, 09:17:45 AM
Maybe the Rahj brothers have a concience, I personally also support the Spa and regularly use it. I'd even be prepared to sign a well versed local petition asking the Rahj brothers to re-consider their choice of location. It seems this situation is only going to end in tears.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: elpram on February 09, 2011, 01:14:27 PM
Maybe the Rahj brothers have a concience, I personally also support the Spa and regularly use it. I'd even be prepared to sign a well versed local petition asking the Rahj brothers to re-consider their choice of location. It seems this situation is only going to end in tears.

I wouldn't bet on it!  Raja brothers (whether they are an individual, partnership or ltd company) made a conscious and very deliberate decision to open an equivalent shop next to an established one.  The inference must be that Premier intended to take the trade that had previously been enjoyed by Spar.
In terms of business plans, it wouldnt surprise me if a mid term aim was to put Spar out of business and buy the premises in order to enlarge their own and rent out a (probably) very cosy family home of a flat above!

I don't think a petition would do any good at all - the only way to show community feeling is to vote with your feet - if nobody shopped in Premier,they would have to reconsider and perhaps move to Marple Bridge  :)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Cripes on February 09, 2011, 05:36:35 PM
Maybe the Rahj brothers have a concience, I personally also support the Spa and regularly use it. I'd even be prepared to sign a well versed local petition asking the Rahj brothers to re-consider their choice of location. It seems this situation is only going to end in tears.

I wouldn't bet on it!  Raja brothers (whether they are an individual, partnership or ltd company) made a conscious and very deliberate decision to open an equivalent shop next to an established one.  The inference must be that Premier intended to take the trade that had previously been enjoyed by Spar.


I think Raja brothers have done something similar in Adswood.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: stockport road on February 09, 2011, 08:14:42 PM
Lets be honest here , SPAR is a convenience store located in convenient places as a rule .

Their prices reflect this , whether its the one in Rose Hill or the one opposite the entrance to Glastonbury .

Again I reiterate , I have never used Premier in my life as I prefer to use Spar , despite me knowing its more expensive than the shop next door but because it is more 'friendly' shop .

But unfortunately business is cut throat nowadays , people look to save money anywhere they can and very few people still visit the butchers , bakers , fishmongers to see a friendly face .

Maybe , just maybe a price war with Premier is exactly what the community of Rose Hill needs ?

 :)


Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Cripes on February 09, 2011, 08:35:15 PM

Maybe , just maybe a price war with Premier is exactly what the community of Rose Hill needs ?

 :)


Clearly you are not or ever likely to be a business owner, and if you think Spar are able to compete with a price war you have not understood the content of this thread.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: stockport road on February 09, 2011, 08:58:34 PM
Quote

Clearly you are not or ever likely to be a business owner, and if you think Spar are able to compete with a price war you have not understood the content of this thread.

Lets be honest here , SPAR is a convenience store located in convenient places as a rule .

Their prices reflect this , whether its the one in Rose Hill or the one opposite the entrance to Glastonbury .


Cripes

Did you forget to read the first couple of sentences in my post ? Read them now if you wish , il give you a moment .

 :-\

I own , and run a business in a industry where the cheapest cost wins the work regardless of who it is , friend or foe .

Companys up and down the country are consistantly lowering prices / cutting corners ( me included ) to drive competitors out of business and unfortunately , sometimes the good guy loses .
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Cripes on February 09, 2011, 10:01:31 PM

I own , and run a business in a industry where the cheapest cost wins the work regardless of who it is , friend or foe .


I don't know any businesses where the cheapest ALWAYS wins, even on Ebay, where everyone buys the item at the cheapest cost, if the seller has zero/bad feedback (ie customer service) they lose the sale.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: stockport road on February 09, 2011, 10:30:32 PM

I own , and run a business in a industry where the cheapest cost wins the work regardless of who it is , friend or foe .


I don't know any businesses where the cheapest ALWAYS wins, even on Ebay, where everyone buys the item at the cheapest cost, if the seller has zero/bad feedback (ie customer service) they lose the sale.




Again I reiterate , I have never used Premier in my life as I prefer to use Spar , despite me knowing its more expensive than the shop next door but because it is a more 'friendly' shop .


Cripes , Would you like my next post in bigger lettering ?

 :)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on February 10, 2011, 07:21:35 AM
Stop it !!!  its going to get shut down this topic  :(
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on February 10, 2011, 08:03:42 AM
I was talking to a fellow member in the pub last night ... I had noticed that there was unrest between posters and they had too ( and Ive been part of it, I hold my hands up) .  Its difficult to know which context something is meant when its just words on a screen.  Things are taken the wrong way .

We can all be polite and civil AND get our point across   and yes I have had a word with myself too as someone jokingly asked if I typed with my  nose in the air  (they asked because they know face to face im not like that at all, and THEY know, I dont mean it to come across like that on here ... but I can see how some people might think it does)

Its nice to be important, but its more important to be nice ......

Just a thought  x
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: admin on February 10, 2011, 07:35:10 PM
I whole-heartedly agree with what Pink Panther has said, it's very easy to take the written word the wrong way when you can't hear how a comment is delivered or see someone's face as they say it. We all need to remember that when we're posting here and if things start to get a bit heated then the individuals concerned can alway continue (and maybe even resolve) their discussions privately through the PM system.

Think I might promote PP to a moderator - she'd be much better at it than I am  ;D

With regard to a price war between the two shops, this may be of short-term benefit to the people of Rose Hill but that can only go on for as long as there are two shops to compete. As soon as there is only one left then the prices will go back up to 'convenience store prices' again.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on February 10, 2011, 09:57:55 PM
Can I suggest you all start shopping on line  ;)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: andy+kirsty on February 13, 2011, 09:51:40 AM
I'm going to be careful here, but, it is a fairly common 'business' tactic - if you own 1 shop you need 100% of the income from that shop in order to survive, in rose hill there is enough custom to keep one shop going and for the owners to have a fairly decent living out of it.

If you own two shops you only need 50% of the business from the area that shop is in to get a living from your two shops, if you have 4 shops you only need 25% and so on.

When you set up in direct competition your sole intention is to poach the business, however you only need  50% of that business.

The person with one shop goes bust, losing their house, livelihood etc.

Once the competition goes bust you increase your prices to recover the loss you have incurred by selling at a loss for the previous 12 months.

Its dirty, and I for one won't support it.

Andy
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: chicken lady on February 14, 2011, 09:12:28 AM
I'm going to be careful here, but, it is a fairly common 'business' tactic - if you own 1 shop you need 100% of the income from that shop in order to survive, in rose hill there is enough custom to keep one shop going and for the owners to have a fairly decent living out of it.

If you own two shops you only need 50% of the business from the area that shop is in to get a living from your two shops, if you have 4 shops you only need 25% and so on.

When you set up in direct competition your sole intention is to poach the business, however you only need  50% of that business.

The person with one shop goes bust, losing their house, livelihood etc.

Once the competition goes bust you increase your prices to recover the loss you have incurred by selling at a loss for the previous 12 months.

Its dirty, and I for one won't support it.

Andy

well said Andy, I won't support it either.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Lisa Oldham on February 21, 2011, 05:13:46 PM
Have'nt visited the forum for ages but I am really very glad to see that "we" appear to not be listening to Marplex anymore or discussing hearsay as fact!
As a result of this topic and the obvious, what i consider immoral business practices, of Premier and the nonsense that some have put on here slating the Spar owners, I dont intend to EVER go into ANY Premier store EVER again!
Good luck Mel, I hope your business survives the fight.. shame theres not more Rosehill people on here to read what has gone on and then maybe more would vote with their feet!

Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: SCOUT1 on February 22, 2011, 11:38:59 PM
I too have pledged not to go into premier and have banned ny teen from there too.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpudlian on April 08, 2011, 08:33:24 PM
The only negative thing I could personally say about the situation is that the Premier shop told me not to shop next door because they aren't nice people. I said I will shop wherever I want and I still use both shops.  :)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Victor M on April 19, 2011, 02:43:15 PM
Just went past today and there are 3 police cars and a police dog van parked outside and at least 5 policemen standing guard, anyone know what has happened?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Howard on April 19, 2011, 03:46:49 PM
My teenage daughter tells me it was down to selling alcohol to under 18s. This is just hearsay.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Harry on April 19, 2011, 04:15:02 PM
With that number of vehicles and the way the police officer was guarding the door earlier, it looked like it was a raid.

Perhaps they were selling out of date bread.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: TSF on April 19, 2011, 04:31:13 PM
they were selling cigarettes and alcohol to teenagers apparently one of the staff was arrested this morning and was seen handing over the keys to the police!
  
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marveld on April 19, 2011, 07:09:51 PM
Can someone clarify if this is a red card for SPAR or PREMIER? I know this thread is "New Shop At Rose Hill", but it contains dialogue about both premises.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: TSF on April 19, 2011, 11:45:07 PM
i beleive that premier has been closed down
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on April 19, 2011, 11:49:20 PM
with what information do you think that ?

if the place has been raided, its a crime scene where people cannot enter ( possibly )

this just adds fuel to fire .... please on this matter, just state facts, either way, i hope staff in both shops  regardless of loyalty to either shop are both well and no harm to anyone  if something horrible has happened :(
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on April 20, 2011, 12:14:48 AM
Both shops were open and trading at 9pm tonight when I drove past   
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: admin on April 20, 2011, 07:11:26 AM
Premier was closed early evening when we drove past, Spar was open, both were open when we came back later.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on April 20, 2011, 08:59:59 PM
The premier shop was raided yesterday,it was a multi agency raid by Borders agency,customs and excise,trading standards,licencing and a large no of police officers with sniffer dog two employees of premier were handcuffed and taken away as was a large quantity of alcohol and other items
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on April 20, 2011, 10:09:27 PM
The premier shop was raided yesterday,it was a multi agency raid by Borders agency,customs and excise,trading standards,licencing and a large no of police officers with sniffer dog two employees of premier were handcuffed and taken away as was a large quantity of alcohol and other items
Given all of the above, why are they allowed to continue trading  ???
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on April 20, 2011, 11:37:46 PM
I see them serving children with cigarettes and alcohol on a daily basis and i ask myself the same question
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: admin on April 24, 2011, 09:43:46 AM
There was a report in Thursday's edition of the Stockport Times about the raid on Premier. Interestingly there was no mention of selling of cigarettes or alcohol to minors and it says that the raid was due to immigration issues.

Quote from: Stockport Times, Thursday 21 April 2011, page 28
Two held in raids on shop.
IMMIGRATION officials raided a Marple shop and arrested two men on suspicion of working illegally.
The Border Agency, police and council licensing officers swooped at the Raja Brothers store, on Stockport Road, on Tuesday afternoon.
The two men arrested were both Pakistan nationals and aged in their 20s.
As The Times went to press one had been detained and accused of overstaying a work visa.
A Border Agency spokesman said that he could be deported.
The other man is being investigated for being in breach of a student visa and has been bailed.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Cyberman on April 25, 2011, 04:55:23 PM
If they are employing illegal workers, what's the betting they're not paying a reasonable wage? If so it's not fair competition to the Spar shop. Same applies if they are selling alcohol/cigarettes to underage customers. I think we can do without them - might help the problem of boozed-up kids in the park. Anyone at Stockport Council prepared to investigate?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpudlian on April 26, 2011, 03:46:50 PM
What has seemed odd about Premier is that there are ALWAYS three staff in there. Surely this must cost a fortune!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Victor M on April 26, 2011, 05:01:17 PM
Not if you pay them below the minimum wage, pay no NI contributions and don't give them any statutory holiday rights. I only hope that Premier get the book thrown at them for exploitation if this is what they have been doing.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on April 26, 2011, 11:13:38 PM
It's not only Premier if you remember it's not that long ago that a house was raided in Marple and Chinese people were arrested due to no work permits I think they were linked to the nail salon on Stockport Road
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: andy+kirsty on April 27, 2011, 09:04:54 AM
What has seemed odd about Premier is that there are ALWAYS three staff in there. Surely this must cost a fortune!

There may be a few in there but none of them will be 'working' in the traditional sense. Profits will be taken and distributed on a subsistence basis as, generally, certain cultures operate on a stricter family unit / hierarchy than others do. once you have offset your takings against costs, depreciation of a nice new 4x4 (which you will pay lower business road tax on) etc etc I expect there is little tax  to pay at all and no NI. (lets not go into wether they are registered as unemployed and on job seekers)

Let me reinforce at this point that info has been gleaned from a relative who works for HM Border Agency so this is his worldly view, and that it is prevalent accross all cultures within our society. As discussed on other threads its technically legal but morally corrupt.

Andy
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Duke Fame on May 02, 2011, 09:44:20 PM
There may be a few in there but none of them will be 'working' in the traditional sense. Profits will be taken and distributed on a subsistence basis as, generally, certain cultures operate on a stricter family unit / hierarchy than others do. once you have offset your takings against costs, depreciation of a nice new 4x4 (which you will pay lower business road tax on) etc etc I expect there is little tax  to pay at all and no NI. (lets not go into wether they are registered as unemployed and on job seekers)

Let me reinforce at this point that info has been gleaned from a relative who works for HM Border Agency so this is his worldly view, and that it is prevalent accross all cultures within our society. As discussed on other threads its technically legal but morally corrupt.

Andy


Whilst I'd agree that the asian family unit is a little tighter, Premier would need a huge family to cover their businesses, it's a large business now. That said it may be based on a franchise model

I'm not aware of a low rate business road tax? Depriciatin on business vehicles is tax detucatble but it's a set formula for tax. I think you may be thinking of VAT being reclaimable on commercial vehicles.

Minimising tax is not a crime, in fact every individual and business tries it, if government stops viewing business as a cah cow to be milked, there would be less avoidance.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpudlian on May 03, 2011, 04:15:51 PM
Isn't it ironic that Premier (and others) used to complain that Spar used to limit the number of school kids allowed entry, and now Premier is doing the exact same thing!

Plus they have stopped selling half price newspapers so I won't be shopping in there anymore.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: county_life on May 12, 2011, 03:05:25 PM
Hi All,  I'm new to this forum and just thought I'd add my piece from yesterday which really quite annoyed me!!!  I've recently bought a house in Rose Hill (Living here pretty much all my life but with my parents) and also recently got married so as you can all imagine money is very tight for me right now so the cheaper the better.

I'll admit I use to shop in the Spar and even though it was a little pricey but also very convenient and cant fault the owners as always friendly and said hello.  Since the Raja Bros has opened we've started shopping there because there is quite a difference in price and in my eyes much more variety so means we don't really have to go elsewhere for any other shopping and can get most the things we need there so suits us both to the ground as we both don't drive.

My Wife and I decided yesterday to pop to get a few necessities after work only to be questioned by I'm assuming the owner of the Spar (who as per reading this from what you say is always out smoking!!) and he was smoking when he came up and asked me why I was shopping in there and did I realise the taxes I pay are being used on the Police to come and raid the Raja Bros as though this is a daily occurrence.  I'm sure everyone who lives in the area will have known about the raids so if they still decide to shop there then surely its there choice and shouldn't be made to feel uncomfortable everytime we pop to the shop (He wasn't nasty or unpleasant, just made me feel very awkward!!).  I must admit in a way his task of making people avoid the shop has worked as if I see him outside again I'll be avoiding the shop as I don't want to be questioned and made to feel guilty for where I want to shop. 
I also realised it must be everyone who goes in as when we'd got our shopping and left the shop we noticed he'd tracked the last Gent who left before me to the crossing and was feeding him the same spiel which I thought was absolutely ridiculous.

So can I just say thanks to the owner of the Spar as trying to make the people avoid the Raja Bros has worked!!

Also I'd just like to also throw a fact on regarding the underage selling Tobacco and Alcohol.  This may be the case for some people and I'm not saying the wont but everytime my wife goes in who's 24 wanting cigarettes or alcohol she's always asked to present her id and even if they've served her before they still want her showing it which in my eyes is great so I cant fault them for this!!

Thanks   
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on May 12, 2011, 06:41:34 PM
Sorry but when someone comes along and openly tells you they are going to put you out of business,the gloves are off.again im being slated for trying to protect my home,buisiness and the jobs of eight LOCAL PEOPLE, Try shopping in any other raja bros shop the prices bear no comparisen unless its next to another innocent shop keeper .what a lot of people dont understand in an area like this there is only enough money for one shop. I cant believe any of you are that nieve to believe if they put us out of business the prices would stay like that. our milk for example is cheaper than any of the multiples it comes from a local dairy. by comparison the milk next door comes from an asian owned  dairy in london who where recently charged with employing 24 illegal workers how do you think they sell it cheaper?The shop next door was raided by borders agency who arested two illegal workers DO YOU HONESTLY THINK THAT THESE ARE VICTIMLESS CRIMES! .Businesses like this cost our economy billions of pounds a year and who foots the bill ?yes thats right you and me!  I personaly do not see why i should subsidise criminal activity and if you have full knowlege of what they have been doing ,then it would be morally wrong for you to do the same (i think deep down you know this and thats why you feel uncomfortable about shopping there)and the reason why we dont stock freshways milk although it would make us competetive the cost didnt even enter the equasion I would never suport any business like this, I have high moral standards and expect the same from the whole community,Thanks to everybody ive spoken to thanking me for informing them of the situation and saving them from the embarisment of being seen shopping there as for the rest of you get used to the raja bros not being around for long because im not going to stop and ill make no appoligies Im determend as any of you would be to protect the jobs of our employees also my home and familly if you dont like it shop else where.I cant and wont accept paying tax to subsidise someone whos stealing the food from our mouths. So dont misquote me and if you think im wrong come and see me ill let you know exactly whats been going on illegal workers are just the tip of the iceberg you forget when you visit the the sight youre getting a five minute snapshot and not the whole picture
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on May 12, 2011, 07:03:58 PM
for reference http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Sectors/Dairy/Freshway-Dairy-faces-fine-for-immigration-offences
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on May 12, 2011, 08:47:46 PM
I am beginning to feel very uncomfortable with this topic as I feel it has undertones of racism   This is only my opinion but i have seen other businesses open up near to each other and I have never witnessed anything like this.  I think this topic should be closed !!!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: amazon on May 12, 2011, 08:57:14 PM
I am beginning to feel very uncomfortable with this topic as I feel it has undertones of racism   This is only my opinion but i have seen other businesses open up near to each other and I have never witnessed anything like this.  I think this topic should be closed !!!
          Sorry miss Marple its not for you to decide which topic should be closed .Admin will close if need be ..
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on May 12, 2011, 09:01:43 PM
I am beginning to feel very uncomfortable with this topic as I feel it has undertones of racism   This is only my opinion but i have seen other businesses open up near to each other and I have never witnessed anything like this.  I think this topic should be closed !!!
         Sorry miss Marple its not for you to decide which topic should be closed .Admin will close if need be ..
  I said I think it should be closed. I also think that if it continues along  the same thread a greater power than Admin will close it down !
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on May 12, 2011, 09:12:04 PM
 i have not and will not make any racist comments, the law is the law if you break it you are a criminal regardless of race creed or colour the law does not discriminate thankfully
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on May 12, 2011, 09:22:05 PM
sorry miss marple  the penny just dropped the link to freshways dairy was not spurious the london dairy ships to manchester and this is the milk stocked and sold by raja bros.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on May 12, 2011, 09:26:37 PM
I keep being for some unknown reason mis quoted ?   I didn't say you or anyone else had been racist, I said it had undertones of racism which is a kin to indirect discrimination
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on May 12, 2011, 09:33:07 PM
no one is being racist it just so happens that the people in question are of pakistani origin see report stockport times above
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: county_life on May 12, 2011, 10:06:32 PM
I completely agree Miss Marple.

It was not a point necessarily considered and I did not wish to imply that racism was an underlying issue.  I was simply trying to reflect my recent experiences in the context of the competition between these 2 businesses and to give a balanced view of claims being made by one side against the other especially in the context of claims that they were irresponsibly selling restricted goods to underage customers when my Wife has always correctly been challenged to prove her age and uncomfortable I was made to feel in doing my shopping!!

If I felt that illegal practices were taking place then I would shop elsewhere!!!

In my visits to Raja Bros I have found the staff to be charming and helpful.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on May 12, 2011, 10:41:43 PM
people will always believe what they want to believe or until they are proved wrong i spoke to someone recently who voiced similar views about the people next door he said they had always been nice and couldnt believe my report about what was going on apparently his father is a senior police officer  he returned a few days later and aplogised .he hasnt set foot in next door since .it will all come to light eventually, but i can tell you one thing my high moral standards also cover the truth and you can take anything i say as fact , Do you believe that an operation like the raid on next door ie.borders agency,customs and exice,licencing the police  and sniffer dogs are carried out without considerable organisation and inteligence.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on May 12, 2011, 10:42:06 PM
We have a prime example of this in two other shops in Marple and to date nothing has appeared on this web site.  The shop I am referring to is Edal Carpets (think that's how it's spelt) near the pet shop.  That shop has been trading for as long as I can remember, selling furniture, carpets and the like for years without any local competition, then low and behold the shop next door becomes vacant and another business moves in selling exactly the same, give or take a few items.  So my point is that Nothing! That I can see on this site has made reference to a local family firm that has been trading for years now having direct competition.  So this is where I have begun to draw comparisons to what's happening with the Spar and Premier.  
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on May 12, 2011, 10:54:46 PM
people will always believe what they want to believe or until they are proved wrong i spoke to someone recently who voiced similar views about the people next door he said they had always been nice and couldnt believe my report about what was going on apparently his father is a senior police officer  he returned a few days later and aplogised .he hasnt set foot in next door since .it will all come to light eventually, but i can tell you one thing my high moral standards also cover the truth and you can take anything i say as fact , Do you believe that an operation like the raid on next door ie.borders agency,customs and exice,licencing the police  and sniffer dogs are carried out without considerable organisation and inteligence.
I do not think that anyone doubts what you are saying or what has been reported in the press.  Things like you mention are now wide spread with even elderly peoples homes having visits from border agencies arresting illegal workers.  I sometime feel that you state the obvious and my advice to you for what its worth is GIVE THEM ENOUGH ROPE AND THEY WILL HANG THEMSELVES !  If they are involved in so much criminal activity.  Me buying a loaf of bread from them will not alter anything!  Not that I shop in either shop due to the politics involved !
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on May 12, 2011, 11:12:46 PM
there are no politcs involved we moved to marple as im sure many of you have and we had a family busness ofering a service to the community and were warmly welcomed just because there is a spar sign above the door does not mean we are one of the big boys the shop consists of my wife my self my 10 year old son and our employees. the raja bros aparantly have some 120 shops around the counrty and have opened purely in an effort to drive us out of business i did not start this post the only time i comment is when people are wrong but what i cant stand is people talking about whats going on  between the shops when not one of you has been in to ask me my side or wont take a minute to listen to what i have to say
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on May 12, 2011, 11:28:18 PM
We have a prime example of this in two other shops in Marple and to date nothing has appeared on this web site.  The shop I am referring to is Edal Carpets (think that's how it's spelt) near the pet shop.  That shop has been trading for as long as I can remember, selling furniture, carpets and the like for years without any local competition, then low and behold the shop next door becomes vacant and another business moves in selling exactly the same, give or take a few items.  So my point is that Nothing! That I can see on this site has made reference to a local family firm that has been trading for years now having direct competition.  So this is where I have begun to draw comparisons to what's happening with the Spar and Premier.  

The shop next door is an extension to Edel carpets , they have had a little door built into it from the back of the carpet shop
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on May 12, 2011, 11:28:33 PM
Do you know what I am going to do first thing tomorrow after 6 coffees and maybe two cigs ?   I am going to contact the Premier Brothers or their representatives and see what they have to say about the goings on!  Because if it's as bad as you say and I am not doubting you ! Let's get the big boys talking and put the ball in their court.   I do not even know you but I can see that this is making you unwell and will have a dramatic impact not only on your business but on your life as a whole.  As a resident I am concerned about the antics so near to where I live.  Have you contacted your MP as a resident and not as a shop owner, because if I had a ten year old child living next door to what you say is happening I would be extremely concerned not for my business but for the wellbeing of my child.  
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on May 12, 2011, 11:32:10 PM
The shop next door is an extension to Edel carpets , they have had a little door built into it from the back of the carpet shop

Well thank the lord for that ? I will now not feel any remorse lying on my shag pile rug !  :D
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on May 12, 2011, 11:58:24 PM
Thank you your the first person to even consider the human cost. we are a really close family unit but this has been the most stressfull time we have ever been through.we are still totaly overwhelmed and moved by the support we have had from the locals and they are the only reason we are still here thanks youve all been fantastic! As for you speaking to premier they are the shop front for booker wholesale im sure they have no idea whats going on although they did recomend to raja bros.not to open here they only operate four shops under the premier banner. .Raja bros. is aparently headed by one guy who i believe lives on the isle of man .i honestly believe you would be wasting your time
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Harry on May 13, 2011, 07:25:21 AM
The shop I am referring to is Edal Carpets (think that's how it's spelt) near the pet shop.  That shop has been trading for as long as I can remember, selling furniture, carpets and the like for years without any local competition, then low and behold the shop next door becomes vacant and another business moves in selling exactly the same.......

I think you'll find that Edel Carpets have simply expanded into the vacant shop next door.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: county_life on May 13, 2011, 07:46:57 AM
Let. us know how you get on Miss Marple as if you can find anything out it'll be very interesting.

I completely feel for the Spar owner but he upset me in comfronting me when I went. In the store. People have a right to shop where they want and he should be concentrating on his own business insteaed of putting people off both as I know the chap he spoke to after me had the same thinking.

My thinking was if they were raided and someone was dipported and cheap alcohol was taken then they've done there job and got rid of the messy side.  Surely the police if the store. Is that bad it wouldn't have opened after the raid and I'm sure the police.will be monitoring it very closely!!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Victor M on May 13, 2011, 08:53:42 AM
With ref to Edel Carpets, I thought they also owned the shop next door! There certainly has been a sign in the new shop sometimes stating if door locked call next door, pointing to Edel carpets. Can't see that happening if they are in competition.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on May 13, 2011, 09:24:15 AM
sorry but this is my community if there is criminal activity going on i would want to know about it all im doing is informing people of whats going on sorry if the truth makes you feel uncomfortable all you are doing is forming your own opinions without being in posetion of the facts isnt ignorance bliss does a leopard change its spots would you be so forgiving if it was your child they were selling cigarettes to you dont even know how the law works or whats going on as we speak.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: county_life on May 13, 2011, 09:45:33 AM
Were just getting into an argument now which is not why I left my comment.  Don't you not think this is my local community too?  If you were a Police man doing the business then I'd completely agree but your not, your a local business / shop owner who seems to be doing as much as he can to see the rival competition shut down!!!

As I've said early I completely agree if there doing anything wrong we don't want to see that, but it isn't for you to get involved with an all your doing is upsetting people who could be using your store instead of putting people off!! (My opinion, no one Else's)

The police I'm sure will be monitoring the situation like a hawk and as long there still open they will have to be very careful with what there doing.  There not just going to raid a place and forget about it surely not!!!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: admin on May 13, 2011, 11:35:54 AM
Take a day off for your son's wedding and look what happens. Everyone needs to calm down a little please or I will have to close this topic.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: heather on May 13, 2011, 04:30:55 PM
congratulations to your son
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on May 14, 2011, 10:04:39 PM
Been into Premier today and spoke to the chap in there who has given me details of who to contact. Told him I was concerned about the goings on there due to having grandchildren living close by and the amount of community charge i pay to have the pleasure of living so close to a police raid.  The chap was very pleasent and assured me that everything now was OK but I said I would prefer that information from the owners.   Sadly he did not ask my age When I bought 10 Woodbines, but I will deal with that as a separate issue  ;D
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Lisa Oldham on May 16, 2011, 10:01:30 AM
Hi county life.... 4 posts.. 1 topic hmmm.. you sound very like another old friend.. marple x... just saying! 

Rosehill spar...  I understand.. and support... but try not to rise to it on here..

we talk about a lot of hearsay etc on here and then listen to claims of "no evidence" etc.. i dont believe for one minute that county lifes wife has been asked her age cos 14 yr olds arnt!

I do believe my 2 teens who come home and tell me EXACTLY what is going on in there....
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: county_life on May 17, 2011, 12:13:17 PM
Lisa,  I'm not on here to argue or get political or anything like that!! I'm on here because my Dad told me about this website and the discussion regarding the 2 shops and I thought I'd leave my experience as to what happened *Fact not Fiction* !! I only joined on the day which I posted my first comment and the reason I left a comment was because I didn't like to be questioned as to where I shop from from anyone!!!

It sounds like you're getting into a little bit of the playground scene here and need to grow up, other people will have different opinions in life as you so don't worry!! Were not all the same people!!
I don't really see why I'd come on telling you my wife was asked for ID if she wasn't, please take my word that I don't have a problem with the Spar or the Raja as I keep saying!!  If you'd like to see this happen then I'm sure we could let you know next time she's going in, or maybe we've popped in before hand to tell them were coming in and asking them to ID her!!!!  ??? hmmmmmmmm

Haven't checked this in a few days as I thought the arguments were over and people had realised I'd just left an experience.  I'll not reply to any other comments especially ones from people who dont know me and are pretty much calling me a liar and telling me I'm being false or fake!!


Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: badger on May 17, 2011, 09:57:04 PM
Lets face it they are convenience stores and if your desperate for a bottle of wine ,beer or a Red Bull you'll nip round what ever the price to the one that's open the latest when all the others are shut.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpudlian on May 18, 2011, 10:57:02 PM
While I can fully understand things from Spar's point of view, as they were there first, the shop should accept that business is business and there will always be competition from rival businesses. Even just within Marple, there are examples of new newsagents, tanning salons, hairdressers, chip shops, cafes and even pet shops opening just a few doors away from similar businesses. When Marple Fish Bar opened a few years ago just metres away from Chius which had been there for years, I'm sure there was no talk of either business asking customers to boycott the other, constructing barricades, "keeping an eye on the competition" or all kinds of rumours circulating from various dubious sources. Also within the 2 years, two new newsagents have opened in the centre of Marple, I am sure other newsagents haven't resorted to such measures as those above. Likewise there are many pubs centred within a couple of minutes walk from each other in Marple, and I am sure the owners all accept there will always be competition.

Although having said that, I have never once used Marple Fish Bar but have always supported Chius simply because they were there many years before the competition.

Perhaps Spar and Premier could join forces and create one large convenience store, or maybe one could move to Marple Bridge which lacks any such store.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpleleaf on June 10, 2011, 03:36:22 PM
The police have applied for the Premier licence to be reviewed.

Full story on my blog

http://themarpleleaf.blogspot.com/2011/06/marple-store-wars-new-twist.html
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: admin on June 10, 2011, 04:16:05 PM
Here are more details from the SMBC web site:

Notice of Application for a Review of a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003

Notice is hereby given that Greater Manchester Police, in exercising its statutory function to prevent crime and disorder and protect children from harm, has applied on 07/06/2011 to Stockport Council, as the Licensing Authority, in respect of the premises known as:
Premier, Raja Brothers (Formerly known as Wine Rack)
200-202 Stockport Road
Marple
Stockport
SK6 6EY

because the operation of these premises does not support the licensing objectives, namely the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and the protection of children from harm.

The application has been made on the grounds that the Police have been investigating these premise for underage sales and were unable to view the CCTV footage.

Anyone wishing to make representations about this application must do so in writing by 5th July 2011.

to: The Licensing Officer (2003)
Environmental Health and Trading Standards Service
Stopford House
Piccadilly
Stockport
SK1 3XE
e-mail: licensing@stockport.gov.uk
website: www.stockport.gov.uk/licensing
fax: 0161 474 4369
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpudlian on June 14, 2011, 02:07:03 AM
Was told in Premier on Saturday that Spar will be gone soon. Is this just wishful thinking on their part or are they closing down?  ???
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on June 14, 2011, 07:40:32 AM
Why dont you call in the Spar  and ask Mel himself, he will be happy to tell you Im sure , rather than listen to gossip from the shop next door,  who appear to be in a bit of hot water themselves according to the council website  ????

Just a thought . ;)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on June 14, 2011, 02:00:44 PM
Licensing is such a strange thing. If the licence gets taken of the current licence owner they can just put it in someone else's name and re trade !   I have still not received a reply from Premier head office to my email , when I do I will post it
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on July 02, 2011, 09:42:45 AM
I was told an interesting story by the chap in Premier.  Following the licencing incident at Premier the Council posted a couple of official notices outside the stores.
Mel decided this was not enough and made his own notices trying to replicate the official ones and posted them all over Marple.  Premier contacted the Council and was advised that Mel's notices were illegal and that he could remove them.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Lisa Oldham on July 02, 2011, 09:57:06 AM
its not interesting.. its just gossip.. not pleasant or provable gossip either
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on July 02, 2011, 10:12:22 AM
Lisa, I find it somewhat amusing. It is not gossip though like Chinese whispers it has come from the horses mouth. With regard to provable are you joking! they were probably seen by hundreds of people plus he probably has the posters he took down.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Lisa Oldham on July 02, 2011, 10:22:55 AM
I live in Rose Hill.. I frequent the spar regularly.. I visit different parts of Marple and Marple bridge every single day and I work in Marple too...  I didn't see any posters.

I'm glad I've added a little bit of amusement to you morning.. but it is gossip.. and it could be Chinese whispers if anyones daft enough to repeat.

you did NOT say that YOU saw them only that Premier said it happened... If it is as you say and it is illegal, then the council have a legal duty to charge or officially warn Mel. 

I'm guessing this hasn't happened or we'd definitely have proof of it! 
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpudlian on July 02, 2011, 10:04:03 PM
I live in Rose Hill.. I frequent the spar regularly.. I visit different parts of Marple and Marple bridge every single day and I work in Marple too...  I didn't see any posters.

I'm glad I've added a little bit of amusement to you morning.. but it is gossip.. and it could be Chinese whispers if anyones daft enough to repeat.

you did NOT say that YOU saw them only that Premier said it happened... If it is as you say and it is illegal, then the council have a legal duty to charge or officially warn Mel. 

I'm guessing this hasn't happened or we'd definitely have proof of it! 

Well I HAVE seen the notices. There is even one outside the Spar as well as one on the lamppost round the corner.

I have always used both stores, but there have now been two occasions when I have walked out of Premier and seen who I guess is Mel stood outside Spar smoking and shaking his head disaprovingly. People can shop wherever they like.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on July 03, 2011, 12:18:54 PM
well marpudlian ,here again spouting off after listening to premier.you need to stop trying to justify youself for shopping there.if you want to know the truth come and see me, im not the one having my licence reviewed ive got nothing to hide. for the record the notices on the lamppost and the fence where put there by the council.they also asked me to display a notice on my premises because premier kept removing them. Ive also asked you not to voice your opinions on here, lets wait and see the outcome of the hearing i hope you find time to attend and hear what the police have to say and why they have asked the council to review the prenmises licence not something they do lightly have a look on the council website and see how many reviews there are at the moment.AND PLEASE STICK TO FACTS ,I FIND IT QUITE OFFENSIVE THAT YOU KEEP COMING ON HERE TELLING LIES ABOUT ME.GET YOUR FACTS  RIGHT AND STOP LISTENING TO SOMEONE WHO IS IN **** up to his eyeballs!
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on July 03, 2011, 12:29:13 PM
P.S. admin has duplicated the notice on this web site its a public notice and in the public interest
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on July 03, 2011, 12:58:23 PM
sorry ive only named marpudlian in my reply forgot to include marplex hard to distinguish. both sound like they have something to do with premier
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpudlian on July 03, 2011, 06:35:21 PM
sorry ive only named marpudlian in my reply forgot to include marplex hard to distinguish. both sound like they have something to do with premier

I was surprised to hear you thought I was something to do with Premier, unlike Marplex, i have posted on a wide variety of topics on this forum.

If you look back at my posts on this particular topic, you will see I have tried to not take sides. I even said it was ironic that Premier says that Spar was in the wrong to limit the number of school kids to enter the shop, yet they now do the same thing themselves.

And I stated the other day that I had seen the license review notices outside Spar and on a lamp post, which you said was a lie. I didn't say who had put them up.

I have spoken to you many times over the last year or so, and also to the staff in Premier. I can see things from both points of view. As I said in my post on 18th May, both shops need to accept business is business and there will always be competition.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on July 03, 2011, 06:35:39 PM
Justify shopping at Premier !  What do you mean Rosehill Stores ?  I choose to buy some items from Iceland because they are cheaper than the COOP and I would challenge the majority of people who say that they would choose to pay more for items if they could get them at a cheaper price at a different shop.  The way I see this is that both shops are not run by local people, both employ staff who possibly have families to support, both are in business to make a profit and both at present have the right to trade independently.   I shop at both shops,purchasing what's the best deal because that's whats called consumer choice.   If  either of the two shops cease trading I will have to be consumer savvy somewhere else.  I work hard for my money so I would take exception to anyone being disapproving of me or mine shopping at either of the shops.  So a word to both shops the first time I am challenged for having the right to spend my hard earned money where I choose  I can assure you it would be the last.  And I would say to anyone who feels intimidated or uncomfortable at shopping at their shop of choice to challenge the Staff of Premier or Spar because it is totally unacceptable.  Both shops are in this to make money so they should both understand that well known saying  "the customer is always right" if they don't they will soon be out of business
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpudlian on July 03, 2011, 06:40:54 PM
Justify shopping at Premier !  What do you mean Rosehill Stores ?  I choose to buy some items from Iceland because they are cheaper than the COOP and I would challenge the majority of people who say that they would choose to pay more for items if they could get them at a cheaper price at a different shop.  The way I see this is that both shops are not run by local people, both employ staff who possibly have families to support, both are in business to make a profit and both at present have the right to trade independently.   I shop at both shops,purchasing what's the best deal because that's whats called consumer choice.   If  either of the two shops cease trading I will have to be consumer savvy somewhere else.  I work hard for my money so I would take exception to anyone being disapproving of me or mine shopping at either of the shops.  So a word to both shops the first time I am challenged for having the right to spend my hard earned money where I choose  I can assure you it would be the last.  And I would say to anyone who feels intimidated or uncomfortable at shopping at their shop of choice to challenge the Staff of Premier or Spar because it is totally unacceptable.  Both shops are in this to make money so they should both understand that well known saying  "the customer is always right" if they don't they will soon be out of business

An excellent post Miss Marple, I have largely the same opinion.  :)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marveld on July 03, 2011, 07:24:58 PM
Miss Marple wrote:
Quote
The way I see this is that both shops are not run by local people

Mel and his family live above the SPAR shop. Doesn't that make them local people? Miss Marple, how long do they have to live in Marple to qualify?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on July 03, 2011, 07:44:22 PM
Miss Marple wrote:
Quote
The way I see this is that both shops are not run by local people

Mel and his family live above the SPAR shop. Doesn't that make them local people? Miss Marple, how long do they have to live in Marple to qualify?

I think it's 30 years ! 
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on July 03, 2011, 07:56:01 PM
Miss Marple wrote:
Quote
The way I see this is that both shops are not run by local people

Mel and his family live above the SPAR shop. Doesn't that make them local people? Miss Marple, how long do they have to live in Marple to qualify?

and hey lets not split hairs !!  You know what I am saying, and maybe the Premier staff would all love to live in Marple but sadly may not be able to afford too.  But that's not the point is it ?  I thought the point was Freedom of choice as to where to spend money and the right to do so unrestricted ? I also think that both shops should pay for their advertising on this site. And also that Marple business forum takes note of what's going on
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Rachael on July 03, 2011, 10:40:10 PM
Miss Marple wrote:
Quote
The way I see this is that both shops are not run by local people

Mel and his family live above the SPAR shop. Doesn't that make them local people? Miss Marple, how long do they have to live in Marple to qualify?

and hey lets not split hairs !!  You know what I am saying, and maybe the Premier staff would all love to live in Marple but sadly may not be able to afford too.  But that's not the point is it ?  I thought the point was Freedom of choice as to where to spend money and the right to do so unrestricted ? I also think that both shops should pay for their advertising on this site. And also that Marple business forum takes note of what's going on

Your post before this was quite rational, but this one is ridiculous   ... you want them to pay for the advertising on this site, gawd, if you were a business Miss Marple  ,  .... for the advertising you might have accumulated,  you would be quids down !!!

To me, Mel and his family live in Marple,  their child attends the local school, he employs local people , and many not connected to his family what so ever , the previous posters question was quite reasonable .... what does make you qualify for local  ?

He is fighting for his family, for his right to be settled, I know if it was me and my husband,  I don't know if I could be so strong, the pressure on him and his family must be unbearable  and I would not want to be in his shoes .

I say good luck to him, and good for him !!  many people would have buckled under the pressure ,  and I don't care if it costs me more to shop next door , I simply wont do it, and neither will plenty of others I know .

He isn't rude when he speaks to people,  there isn't one post on this whole thread that says he is, he simply tells people how it is ... and if I was running a business with the problems he might face, I would do exactly the same .

I'm not posting on this thread again, Ive said all I want to say, and Mel and his family have the support of a big Pink Panther family in Marple  .
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on July 03, 2011, 10:57:02 PM
marpudlian i did correct myself but you should make sure what youre posting is correct ask me!and miss marple we have lived here for three years, we are locals all of our staff are locals. the staff that premier where employing are now back in pakistan they where illegal workers .since they opened they have served children with cigarettes and alcohol they have been giving children credit.they also alowed children to play truant in the shop i have also heard other things from parents which will come to light i cannot believe anybody would support any business like that i certainly wouldnt are my moral standards too high?                                                                                                                                                        
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on July 03, 2011, 11:31:00 PM
thank you pink panther and everybody else who has supported us,Can i ask you all again stick to facts.i would not dream of posting gossip about anyone on here, how would you feel?please dont do it.UNSURE ask me! i will always give you an honest answer if you dont ask dont post simple.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on July 04, 2011, 12:59:16 AM
Awh! Even after two sloe gins I still think that was  nasty Pink Panther!  How do you know I haven't got a business ?  Well truth be told I haven't but I am thinking about getting into this new fangled  thing called Equal Opportunities / Equal Rights !  Now don't shoot the messenger but people in 'Big City' think it's the way forward.
Now seriously !  If the illegal immigrants have returned back to Pakistan and the shop is no longer involved in exploitation of children and they get the booze license taken off them ! Why oh Why is it wrong for me to continue to get my Werthers Originals and fiery jack from them! Therefore being able to exercise my freedom of choice in a democratic country ? Have I missed something here is there more to this post than meets the eye ?? :-\
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Marple Business Forum on July 04, 2011, 09:05:17 AM
And also that Marple business forum takes note of what's going on

The Marple Busines Forum have noted the current situation in Rose Hill and are monitoring what is happening.  However, we feel it is not our place to pass comment or get involved.

As a body we work towards inproving and promoting Marple & surrounding areas for the benefit of everyone who lives, works & shops here.  We do not get involved in the internal matters of businesses.

Having said that, we do not condone any business breaking legal Sales Restrictions of any kind and trust the ongoing investigations will reach an appropiate decision.

As a local businessman myself, I feel for Mel and the stress this situation must be placing on him and his family.  I hope for a swift conclusion as this kind of situation doesn't do either business, Rose Hill or the wider area any good at all.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on July 04, 2011, 11:15:07 AM
And also that Marple business forum takes note of what's going on

The Marple Busines Forum have noted the current situation in Rose Hill and are monitoring what is happening. However, we feel it is not our place to pass comment or get involved.

As a body we work towards inproving and promoting Marple & surrounding areas for the benefit of everyone who lives, works & shops here.  We do not get involved in the internal matters of businesses.

Having said that, we do not condone any business breaking legal Sales Restrictions of any kind and trust the ongoing investigations will reach an appropriate decision
As a local businessman myself, I feel for Mel and the stress this situation must be placing on him and his
family.  I hope for a swift conclusion as this kind of situation doesn't do either business, Rose Hill or the wider area any good at all.
. It's good to know that you are supporting all local business !  So if Premier closes (which i hope it does if found guilty )and. Then say for example, the shop reopens as a Tesco express or a small grocery shop selling similar items do you think this would rectify the matter.  No! Didn't think so, so in effect what ever the outcome of all this is, local people will not have consumer choice , which must be of concern to people like yourselves who strive for business opportunities and the like.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Marple Business Forum on July 04, 2011, 11:48:52 AM
It's good to know that you are supporting all local business!
In effect what ever the outcome of all this is, local people will not have consumer choice , which must be of concern to people like yourselves who strive for business opportunities and the like.
So if Premier closes and then say for example, the shop reopens as a Tesco express or a small grocery shop selling similar items do you think this would rectify the matter.

We absolutely support all local business - we firmly beleive that a thriving economic centre is vitally important to Marple's future.

Consumer choice and competition between businesses is important and I can think of few towns that better demonstrate this than Marple:
2 independant greengrocers that compete with each other and thrive
2 independant butchers that compete with each other and thrive
A number of independant deli's & cafe's that compete with each other and thrive
Not to mention any number of hairdressers, takeaways, gift shops, stationery suppliers, printers etc

If another grocery store was to open in the current Premier unit, why wouldn't consumers have choice?  They could still choose between the Spar or the other grocery store.

We feel that the issues raised by the current situation in Rose Hill isn't one of consumer choice, but of how the game is played.  The rules and regulations are there to ensure a fair playing field for any business.  If Premier are breaking the rules (which will be decided by the ongoing investigations) then they should be penalised for that; not for simply being in competition with another business.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on July 04, 2011, 01:28:39 PM
Well said I could not agree more as two shops trading against each other is healthy and is whats called competitive which benefits the consumer! Don't you think ?
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Tricky on July 04, 2011, 01:33:18 PM
as long as it's not Tesco yeah?

(just trying to keep up)
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: hollins on July 04, 2011, 02:16:17 PM
If everybody in Marple suddenly decided to shop in Spar then its shelves would rapidly be emptied. Similarly if they all decided to shop in Premier Foods. On that basis there is plenty of scope for two shops selling regular items of grocery to be very close to each other. Competition is healthy - the Co-op is a pretty good of example of where it is lacking in the centre of Marple; (Iceland, please extend your opening hours - I promise I would shop there if you opened in the evening!)

As far as my limited memory takes me, these two shops in Rose Hill used to be a Post Office and an Off-Licence, so I don't think that either of the current shops is exactly an ancient fixture in Marple.

If you walk down a street in Manchester you will see 4 shops in a row selling mobile 'phones. If you walk through the Arndale Centre then every second shop seems to be selling clothes. The fact that adjacent shops sell the same things isn't a reason for one to be shut down.

Of course where a grocery store is really needed is Marple Bridge ... (sorry, I'm sure somebody has already written that).

It might be better for shopkeepers to concentrate on their retail business rather than casting aspersions on their competitors in online forums. That way they may be able to develop their own individual specialities, we will visit both and everyone will be happy.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpudlian on July 04, 2011, 05:20:33 PM
I read through all 12 pages of this topic again last night and was again surprised at what has been happening over the last year or so: Illegal immigrants, barricades, underage sales, police raids, blocked access, shop staff allegedly swearing at people and all kinds of rumours. It is like a soap opera!

Also, Mel has admitted that his 10 year old son works in Spar, is this even legal??  :o
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on July 04, 2011, 06:38:59 PM
as long as it's not Tesco yeah?

(just trying to keep up)
. Yes ! I forgot about that ! Thanks  :P
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on July 04, 2011, 06:44:56 PM
I read through all 12 pages of this topic again last night and was again surprised at what has been happening over the last year or so: Illegal immigrants, barricades, underage sales, police raids, blocked access, shop staff allegedly swearing at people and all kinds of rumours. It is like a soap opera!

Also, Mel has admitted that his 10 year old son works in Spar, is this even legal??  :o
. Now I can see another business opportunity !  I wonder if Mike Le Han would be interested   ;)
There has always been illegal immigrants in Marple ask any of the large care homes.  And it wasn't all that long ago that a group of Chinese illegal immigrants were found living in a house on Carver Rd or Edwards Way I think they had something to do with the nail bar on Stockport Rd.  And as for Mels son working in the shop earning I suspect pocket money I see nothing wrong with that.  If I had my way I would have all children of a similar age shovelling slack instead of just expecting constant handouts !
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Harry on July 04, 2011, 07:37:17 PM
If I had my way I would have all children of a similar age shovelling slack instead of just expecting constant handouts !

Why not just push them up the chimneys. And while we're at it, we could stop all benefits and reopen the workhouses. That would save the country some money.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: Miss Marple on July 04, 2011, 07:39:08 PM
If I had my way I would have all children of a similar age shovelling slack instead of just expecting constant handouts !

Why not just push them up the chimneys. And while we're at it, we could stop all benefits and reopen the workhouses. That would save the country some money.
I'm warming to you Harry !
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: heather on July 04, 2011, 08:04:12 PM
and dont  forget we could allways re open the mines and send them down there
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marplex on July 04, 2011, 11:24:47 PM
there is plenty of scope for two shops selling regular items of grocery to be very close to each other. Competition is healthy

The fact that adjacent shops sell the same things isn't a reason for one to be shut down.

I totally agree with these statements but clearly Mel does not agree

Quote from: rosehillstores
only enough money for one shop

When it comes to business Mel is clearly a card short of a full deck. He has clearly never heard of Economies of Agglomeration - to describe the benefits that firms obtain when locating near each other ('agglomerating'). Clusters attract more customers than a single store could alone and therefore using this principle both stores can be more successful together than on their own.

Then you have the 80/20 rule that any retailer should know and this rule states that 80% of your turnover will come from 20% of your products. Now if Spar and Premier sell a different set of products for that top 20% you can have a situation where customers will shop at both stores and are less like to travel to a supermarket and both stores benefit. I think I shall charge Mel for this advice!

But this won't work because of Mel's attitude which is this town ain't big enough for the two of us and it's a battle till the death.

Quote from: rosehillstores
the gloves are off

Mel does not seem to realise that every time he sounds off to customers about the goings on that he putting them off visiting either store. Not to mention when he intimidates the customers for shopping at Premier. Here are a selection of comments from this topic:

Quote from: Tina
do feel uncomfortable when I see him do that. It's about peoples freedom of Choice at the end of the day

Quote from: Cripes
it's one thing offering support but quite another when you are bullied/shamed into it.

Quote from: stockport road
To the point that , now - Its putting me off going in at all

Quote from: Country Life
I must admit in a way his task of making people avoid the shop has worked as if I see him outside again I'll be avoiding the shop as I don't want to be questioned and made to feel guilty for where I want to shop.

So when Mel says "only enough money for one shop" this is clearly not true. If one shop closed and the other made it into one large shop it would do a lot more business than the two stores do currently. Where Mel is concerned "shooting yourself in the foot" comes to mind.


Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpudlian on July 05, 2011, 12:45:37 AM
Have both shops actually tried talking to each other? ??? This could remove any animosity and resolve some issues such as access to the carpark and whether the barricade and Mel's wife swearing (:o) actually happened.

Or perhaps Premier could take over Spar and knock the shops into a large one, while still allowing Mel and his family to live upstairs. This would have large savings - fewer staff would be needed for example.

Or could Spar move to Marple Bridge? There are no other similar shops so they would have no competition.
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: marpudlian on July 05, 2011, 12:57:32 AM
According to http://direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/ParentsRights/DG_4002945 , the youngest age any child can work is 13 years old, with the exception of children involved in:

television
theatre
modelling
similar activities
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: bluebelly on July 05, 2011, 12:46:31 PM
just like to say thanks to the member of staff at the spar who let my son use there phone the other day.the people at the spar should move down to the bridge,were there would be awarm welcome, were desperate for a spar.plus a better standered of people
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: amazon on July 05, 2011, 02:30:49 PM
Ithink mell usedto be in the bridge .and whats wrong with the standard of people in marple bridge .

         
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: rosehillstores on July 06, 2011, 12:09:53 AM
I honestly find you people unbelievable,these are in effect cowardly comments carried out by people who hide behind pseudonyms commenting on things you have read here! you have no way of knowing whats fact or fiction.and not one of you took me up on my offer and came in and introduced yourself .my son does not work in the shop he does not get payed he occasionally helps out because he wants to ,grow up! petty to say the least. NOW FOR THE LAST TIME lets get this straight you have two businesses one totally law abiding who employs nine local people and one who by there own admission has opened just to put us out of business who exploits workers and the local children and who is under investigation by the police,trading standards and licencing which none of you found deplorable, as a parent i find it sickening as do the majority of our community who speak to me and tell me so daily and despite what you say we are here for good its our family home unlike, your friends who where trying to sell the shop last month perhaps they will go to marple bridge not that id wish it on you
Title: Re: New shop at Rose Hill
Post by: admin on July 06, 2011, 05:30:27 AM
I'm going to let Mel have the last word on this - topic closed.