Another sad day for Chesterfield

[Pete]

It appears that Three Boutique is to close.

So another town centre independent business goes.



It was a lovely shop that catered for women who wanted something a bit special - so now it's all chain stores and everyone will dress the same.

If you didn't know much about the shop, this is from her website:

"Three Boutique is a ladies fashion store in the town centre of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, which I have run for the past 3 years.

Three Boutique believes in a very personal service, providing a fun & enjoyable shopping experience featuring both new styles and designs exclusive to Three Boutique.

If you want to be unique and individual this is a place to be ladies! On-trend fashion, with beautiful evening dresses, day dresses, casual wear to the most breath taking handbags, sparkly clutches that are to die for.

All of Three Boutiques stock is limited stock, so when it’s gone... it’s gone! This Guarantees no clashing, fresh on-trend fashions that are always new and exciting."

Sad day.

[Old Cruser]

Where was the shop Pete, can't say I have noticed it

[Pete]

In the Yards/South Street.

[Woohoo]

Well the problem is no one knew about it! They chose the location, people are unaware of places now unless you're  willing to incorporate social media as a free advertising platform.
You can't expect people these days who now neglect the town centre that when they do nip into town they are expected to walk down an alleyway to find a shop that has done no self promotion and advertising!  Like the shop called sister on saltergateI think they moved to sheffield.  Restaurants are doing social media to keep in your head and pushing their product at us.  No excuses! The days of coming into town for a browse are dying. we know what we want and we won't know where you are unless you  show us.

[Pete]

I'm afraid that's not quite true, I used to follow her on Twitter when I ran the iChesterfield website. She always posted whenever new stock arrived.

[Woohoo]

I think you need more than that now if you don't have great footfall and you're not on a main path. Everyday I get updates from hair salons and deli's and restaurants etc through FB Instagram  half the time it's not about what they are selling its them doing a competition or mentioning something  funny or supporting an event in Chesterfield.  The thing is the first word you read is their shop name, it's all about staying in your head. It's the norm now embrace it or die.  The future customers of town the current 13-16 year olds half of them if asked won't know where falcon yard is for example or maybe the shambles even. 

[Pete]

Well, we could debate this all night, but my love is for Chesterfield not a ladies shop - its a great town.

I can't comment on the lady who runs Three Boutique, only how it makes me feel.

I like to be positive about town and promote it as much as I can.

So, a sad day for me but maybe not for you, that's fine.

[Woohoo]

It is sad Pete, and I respect your involvement with Chesterfield. If people want to open a shop in an intricate part of chesterfield town centre and  expect people to pay to park their car, the 3 seconds it takes to walk past your shop and on the basis of what you have in the Window Walk in and purchase a product?  this is nieve thinking these days from shopkeepers. It won't pay the rates and rent on this mentality.

[Pete]

I understand that too. I started my own business, borrowed a large amount of money and gambled it all on being a success. So I know about financial reality - it's bit my arse a time or two.

To progress the disscusion... How do you see the town centre developing over the short, medium and long term? Maybe I worry too much.

[Old Cruser]

Well the problem is no one knew about it! They chose the location, people are unaware of places now unless you're  willing to incorporate social media as a free advertising platform.
You can't expect people these days who now neglect the town centre that when they do nip into town they are expected to walk down an alleyway to find a shop that has done no self promotion and advertising!  Like the shop called sister on saltergateI think they moved to sheffield.  Restaurants are doing social media to keep in your head and pushing their product at us.  No excuses! The days of coming into town for a browse are dying. we know what we want and we won't know where you are unless you  show us.

I agree with you there Woohoo, maybe an A board on the main pavement? Unless they had one and I missed that as well

[Pete]

I'm off to a meeting next week to hear the council's Neil Johnson, Development and Growth Manager on Developments in Chesterfield. Maybe we will get some info from that, I'll post anything interesting on here.

Added:

Just found this on the publicity for the event; "It will be an interesting talk as town centre plans are being refined and developments are coming forward. We should learn more about the reuse of the Coop store, along with other unused buildings; reconfiguring stall market and what may be built on the site of the AGD car park. It is also an opportunity to have your say about the town. There will be a presentation by the new Conservation Officer, too."

[Old Cruser]

I'm off to a meeting next week to hear the council's Neil Johnson, Development and Growth Manager on Developments in Chesterfield. Maybe we will get some info from that, I'll post anything interesting on here.

Nice one Pete 

[Pete]

I'm hoping it does - we'll see.

[therealjr]

I doubt it will provide many answers simply because the council can have very little influence. For example if tomorrow morning M&S Boots and Primark all decided to close their town centre shops in favour of building a new retail park on the spare land next to B&Q and the town centre is dead and there's nothing the council could do about it.

[Pete]

And on that cheerful note....

Actually I've met one of the speakers before and he said a few things in confidence that I'm hoping are for public consumption after tomorrow.