Can anyone explain why some Dover businesses still operate the archaic system of half-day closing on Wednesdays? Do they not realise we live in a different economic world and have done for ovr 20 years now? Is it any wonder some struggle to make ends meet?
The cafe at the end of the pier is a good example. Folks are so used to it beign closed they no longer bother to walk down to find out if it is open. They have committed commercial suicide through either lack of acumen or plain laziness. It should be one of the gold-mines worth having, but it will eventually close for good, if it hasn't already.
The same will happen to the other businesses if they don't get their act together. We are not a little village where early closing may be acceptable, we are a port town with cruise ship visitors and other tourists coming every day and therefore surely cannot afford to have closed doors mid-week.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
until a few years ago the library used to have wednesday afternoon off.
i have given up with the cafe at the end of the pier.
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
I think Sid, this is why these foreigner`s taking over various business`s become commercially viable, by opening long and unusual hours. Regarding the cafe at the end of the pier, it could be a gold mine if it was ever reopened, and I noticed last week the loo`s at the end of the pier have been painted up. As for halfday Wednesday, it should be done away with like we have with Sunday`s, but always appreciating that the business owner may need a break once a week at least.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
I agree with Sid. It's commercial suicide not to be open generally 6 days a week. I know a few small busiensses in Town and they have staff who work different days and so are open 6 days a week.
I do think that if there's a cruise ship in on a Sunday and it's a Port of Call one, the shops, for their own benefit, should be open then too.
Some shops need a lick of paint or smartening up, some need more customer-aware staff, some are great, but they all need to realise that it's the customer who pays the bills.
I thought the cafe at the end of the pier was up for a new contract - not a long one, but even three years or so, would be enough to earn some money from it.
DHB would be glad of the income.
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
maybe the problem is with the rent, does anyone know how much the harbour board charge?
it should be viable, people walk along it all year round, anglers use it too.
Guest 662- Registered: 18 Mar 2008
- Posts: 325
Am I missing something? I cannot say I have noticed shops closing early on a Wednesday. I do agree that more should be open on Sunday though.
Sheli. x
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
I too am not aware that shops generally close Wednesday afternoons in the town centre at least. I might take a walk into town and have a look this Wednesday. As for Sunday opening, that really does need to be down to the commercial decision of individual shopkeepers. many shops are very small enterprises and the owners need to take some time off. Not all would find it cost effective to employ staff for that day and pay, what for a Sunday, double time perhaps.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
i believe that whites close on wednesday afternoon, not sure about any other businesses.
Howard, are you asking about our vibrant immigrant community!
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
bob
never underestimate the benefits that different cultures have brought us.
if i had not taken limbo dancing lessons all those years ago at my local carribean centre i would still be paying to get into public conveniences.
Howard,
Whites of Kent have a long history of closing on a Wednesday afternoon. The business used to belong to my grandfather Cecil Sharp and in its heighday was busy and thriving in numbers 1, 3, 5 and 7 High Street. I remember the days when there were queues round the block for the first day of the sale. Then, there were real bargains to be had. We were all drafted in for service. So many memories. I used to brew wine and keep it in the shop window at number 1, as it was so warm.
However, I do not think many other shops now close on a Wednesday.
Most of the local post offices close for sure.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
that is true sid, to be frank they should be stamped upon for not being at their posts.
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
Plenty of walker`s about over St Margarets Bay today, but I was both surprised and disappointed that the cafe, (forgotten the name), near the pine gardens, was closed, and only opens from Wednesday to Saturday. Alot of potential customer`s along that road today. .............Howard, I see we`re on form tonight mate.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
I would like to see them open all day on Wedsday and closed on Sunday all day.
Guest 694- Registered: 22 Mar 2010
- Posts: 778
Vic.. what planet you on?!!
Sunday is normally the best trading day... I helped my mate and opened her shop for her on Sunday ( a day we dont normally do) and I took the best amount of money from all the week... was worth opening for the hour..
I know most restaurtants and bars have their busy days on Sunday because thats traditionally when family are off!! Whereas I am lucky I get to see him indoors during the week as he takes a weekday off instead and works on Sunday.
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
Vic, I have to admit that I`ve hated Sunday with a passion for most of my life. Nothing to do with religion, just the fact that everything was closed. It`s a very different world today, people with cars and the chance to get out and about. Garden centre`s, DIY stores and of course the supermarket, not to mention all the weekend event`s about, they all thrive on Sunday opening`s.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Sorry do not agree,I think it would take us back to the days when familys would go out for the day,I do not mean all shops only the big stores etc Pubs and eating houses that is ok with myself,But I feel if all the big town and outer town stores did not open on Sundays it would help the small shops,most big stores are open till late or even 24hours so six days of that should gave you time to get what you want.
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
We live in a 24 hour society now, have everything open all the time if people want it. Just wander around areas of London and places are open from the very early hours to midnight !!
Been nice knowing you :)