I am planning on opening a small shop in Newbury (Possibly the Kennet centre) but want it to be a bit different from the norm. Does anyone have any ideas as to what they think would be a good retail experience? I have thought of many ideas myself, from a sweet shop, coffee shop, baguette bar etc to a hardware store or mens clothing outlet but I really want to do something unique, that Newbury needs and doesn't already have in abundance..... Please help.
Is the Kennet Centre the right place to start something new. You will have to be sure of selling something that brings in a huge profit to cover rent etc.,
With the Cornish Pastie shop paying 93k per annum rent in Northbrook St.[alledgedly] and other shops nearby pulling out,is it no wonder that shrewd businesses avoid Newbury?
Good luck with your new venture. Clothing might not be a good idea, I hear the Animal store on Northbrook Street will also be closing in a couple of months.
I guess the up side is that you ought to be able to get a generous rent free period in a local shopping centre...
Newbury has plenty of baguette shops - so I'd avoid that idea.
However, it has virtually no foodie shops - in the past such shops have failed, possibly because of poor locations. I would love to see a good deli or cheese shop in Northbrook St or the north end of Bart St. Can't see one working so well in the Kennet Centre.
With the Cornish Pastie shop paying 93k per annum rent in Northbrook St.[alledgedly] and other shops nearby pulling out,is it no wonder that shrewd businesses avoid Newbury?
no, thats correct. plus rates. but when you are selling something that cost pence to make for £3..........
Is the Kennet Centre the right place to start something new. You will have to be sure of selling something that brings in a huge profit to cover rent etc.,
With the Cornish Pastie shop paying 93k per annum rent in Northbrook St.[alledgedly] and other shops nearby pulling out,is it no wonder that shrewd businesses avoid Newbury?
Strange but true this .... there are quite a few examples of retailers and eating places in the Kennet Centre who do as well, or better than those elsewhere in the town centre and with much lower overheads.
What about selling ready meals? Good quality but competitively priced food that people can take home and heat up. I've no idea whether it's possible to compete with the supermarkets but might be worth investigating. Might work as part of a deli? Eg http://www.harpersfood.co.uk/browns-shop.htm
Incidentally, I've often thought that Newbury could do with a decent whole food restaurant. I'm not a vegetarian but this used to be good: http://www.cranks.co.uk/
(Sits back and waits for the inevitable 'there are plenty of cranks already in Newbury' post)
Anyway, definitely food. Or electrical spares/accessories so we don't have to drive to Basingstoke to visit http://www.maplin.co.uk. Or maybe a combined deli and electronics shop which also sells anoraks.
I feel a Wallpaper shop plus other interior bits and pieces is required in the town shopping area, instead of relying on HB & B & Q..which in all honesty covers a very limited choice!But as others have said..you will need a very large turnover with big profit margins, which may be a problem when competing with the aforementioned!
I would like to see an ice cream parlour which has of course a Mr Softee in the doorway but also has display fridges with loads of different and tasty ice creams which can be sold in small dishes which customers can enjoy the contents of at a low swivel seat bar. Loads o'toppings and fancy things. Don't bother with coffee, not part of an ice cream parlour and also, people take too long to drink it. Ice cream sundaes instead with perhaps milk shakes. Get em in take their cash and get them out.
If I was younger, I'd have a go, I can speak Italian.....
What about selling ready meals? Good quality but competitively priced food that people can take home and heat up. I've no idea whether it's possible to compete with the supermarkets but might be worth investigating. Might work as part of a deli? Eg http://www.harpersfood.co.uk/browns-shop.htm
Interesting idea - went to a place in Battle that does this, and was expanding; could be worth a shot. Had a look online to find what they were called - Cook. Seem to be expanding very quickly http://www.cookfood.net/shops - there's a market for this sort of stuff!
Incidentally, I've often thought that Newbury could do with a decent whole food restaurant. I'm not a vegetarian but this used to be good: http://www.cranks.co.uk/
I've always struggled to work out what whole food is. I always eat the lot anyway.
Logged
Male
