#1
Yes folks, Yet more of Dovers shops are going to be closing VERY VERY soon.
Long standing Gamleys will be closed within 2 weeks, as the company has decided to fold. Redundancy notices have already been served on staff, and having spoken with the manager today, he says the closure of branches are happening very quickly.
The Butchers, ALSO in the charlton centre is also going to be closing when it comes to the end of it's 6 month lease, and I am led to believe the remaining shops are also looking at closing.
What then becomes of the once thriving Charlton centre? It was desolate in there today as it was.
Yet another sad day.
However as a final gesture Gamleys Dover kindly donated over £100 worth of Playmobil toys to DCAL to raffle. This is the 2nd donation we have received from Gamleys in under a year. The first being a playmobil Princess castle, and now the Airport terminal with all acssesories.
On behalf of DCAL I would like to thank Dave and his team for their support, DCAL really appreciates all their help, and I wish all the staff the very best of luck in finding new employment.
Mandie x
ADDED EDITOR's NOTE: Error:The Butchers is NOT closing down.
Guest 654- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 169
#2
Mandie
it is difficult to compete with big supermarkets who tend to sell everything.
Small shops don't have a hope against these big boys, sad but true
week sunday ok if you give me time/venue etc
#3
Hi Keith Dover Town Hall. 5pm for VIP guests. Should finish about 10.30pm. Will be great to see you. Mand
Guest 644- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,214
#4
Oh that's very sad about Gamleys. I'm not sure that the 'supermarket is better' argument really holds true though for Dover. TESCOs has a far inferior toy range than Gamleys. It's the appalling Charlton centre location that has probably dealt the death blow - if Gamley's had occupied one of the prime town centre charity shop locations I'm sure they would have done a viable trade.
It's really sad to see any shop close in Dover. Is there any truth to the rumour that the Charlton Centre still pays rent to Sainsburys? I've head that they still own the land.
#5
What a waste of potential......that arena could be used to really cheer/wake up that end of town. What happened to the rather nice idea of painting a mural on the wall opposite the Eagle pub, leading into London Road at the bottom of Tower Hamlets? That would have made it more attractive!!
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#6
TargetFollow, who own the Charlton Centre are spending a lot of money on the Centre - new roof, refurbishment and redecorating.
The upstairs is getting a facelift and being used for art studios and similar.
The charges the shops pay Target Follow is being reviewed - downwards and they are actively looking for new businesses to take up residence there.
The area needs promoting and marketing more, especially with the advent of the DTIZ; people need a reason to go in there.
It may not be the best area for shopping, but it can be much better than it is presently and hopefully it will be soon.
Don't forget that parking is cheap and plentiful there, so people should park and shop there first, then go on to other places in Town.
Roger
#7
That is such good news!!! I hope the marketing does it justice - that area and further along sometimes reminds me a bit of places I used to live in London, which were made vibrant with some colour and some interesting shops and cafes. Although the term "multi-cultural" is in disrepute, the areas I lived in years ago in London were truly multi-cultural, and (allowing for youthful rosey specs) there didn't seem as much tension. I think I've posted before that I thought that was the result of the migrant people respecting the host people and having some gratitude for the opportunity to settle. I know the Irish communities were self supporting but also mindful of the circumstances. That area could be lovely with a little thought, some colour and some proper promotion. Hurrah!
Guest 654- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 169
#8
Charlton centre always struggled even when i tfirst opened t could be so much nicer in there both upstairs and down
#9
Does anyone know - are the art studios that are apparently being planned for upstairs just for selling art works or are they actual studios for artists? If they are for artists, what is the light like up there?
Guest 654- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 169
#10
Its been so long since Iv been near place upstairs I Realy cant remember
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#11
getting back to gamleys, as phil said they have a great range, but to be stuck nearly out of view in a "shopping centre" dying on it's feet, left it little option.
though it always had problems, when ron dryden was around efforts were being made to improve the place.
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
#12
JJB sports decide this week which of their shops they are going to close,over 200 was reported,when they moved into Dover they of course shut our two sports shops who couldn't compete with them.
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#13
i dread for the future of the staff at jjb, have you seen the sportsworld shop in the bouverie centre at folkestone john?
the prices are unbelievably low and a massive range.
it would be worth the youngsters to pay 4 quid on the bus or train, they will still save.
Guest 654- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 169
#14
Oh dear howard
I was told not to shop outside Dover yet you are encouraging it!
Guest 643- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,321
#15
See what you mean Howard, its a dog eat dog world out there and if we lose our sports shop then the kids will go to Folkestone, you can't blame them.
Maybe the new shopping precinct that will be DTIZ will attract another cut price sports store.
There's always a little truth behind every "Just kidding", a little emotion behind every "I don't care" and a little pain behind every "I'm ok".
Guest 654- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 169
#16
market forces?
Guest 641- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,335
#17
It's a shame to see that Gamley's are closing down, they are a great Toy shop with a great range, I always found the staff very helpful & if they didn't stock the item you wanted they would either find it or advise you where to obtain it.
That's a shame about the Butchers I've just started using them and very good they are too. The one thing that I feel Dover does need is a wet fish shop, what do the rest of the forumites think?
That's great news about the proposed refurbishment.
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
#18
Howard shop in Folkestone,what! wouldn't do it anyway can't afford the train fare.
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Guest 666- Registered: 25 Mar 2008
- Posts: 323
#19
Always very helpful and a good range, my kids will miss their toy shop.
Very sad
Oh Boy!, That'll be the day.........
#20
A wet fish shop would be terrific!
