Recession strikes again as JJB Sports, Early Learning Centre and Hereford Bazaar close down (From Hereford Times)
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Recession strikes again as JJB Sports, Early Learning Centre and Hereford Bazaar close down
5:00pm Friday 5th October 2012 in News By Lauren Rogers
Early Leaning Centre - empty since September 24
Three Hereford shops have closed their doors in just over a week.
Hereford Bazaar indoor market at the former Manhattans nightclub was closed last week with owner Andrew Catley blaming an increase in business rates.
The Early Learning Centre in High Town shut on September 24 in line with owner Mothercare's plans to downsize and JJB Sports in Commercial Street closed with little warning on Monday after the national chain went into administration.
“If the big stores can’t make it on the High Street, I don’t know how the independents can,” said Mr Catley, who opened the indoor market and Cafe Fran less than a year ago.
“It was a slower burner and I didn’t know if it was ever going to work. Maybe it would have worked if we weren’t in this recession.
“All I know is that it’s very hard for everyone at the moment.”
The former Manhattans building is now on the market for £220,000 through Turner and Company.
“Maybe someone will come along and make it a successful pub,” said Mr Catley, “or maybe it will be turned into a dental surgery.”
Manhattans was a nightclub for 18 years before it closed due to dropping customer numbers in October last year.
Early Learning Centre closed "in line with plan"
The past week has also seen the closure of Hereford's Early Learning Centre.
Mothercare, which bought the ELC in 2007, revealed back in May it would be closing 75 stores over the next three years.
This week, a spokesman for firm said: “We can confirm that the Early Learning Centre store in Hereford closed on Monday September 24.
“The closure of this store is in line with our current portfolio plan.”
JJB Sports shut with little warning
Hereford’s JJB Sports was one of 113 sports stores to close on Monday just hours after administrators KPMG were called in.
The administrators have sold 20 JJB stores to rival Sports Direct International, along with the brand and much of the company’s stock, but could not sell the others, leaving 2,200 people out of work.
In Hereford, eight members of staff have lost their jobs.
Comments(13)
cursor
says...
6:04pm Fri 5 Oct 12
cursor
says...
6:10pm Fri 5 Oct 12
bobby47
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10:27pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Could it happen. A food shop closes?
megilleland
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11:27pm Fri 5 Oct 12
Also governments impose business rates on public buildings eg Shire Hall rated at £45,000, Library in Broad Street at £61,000, Schools - The Hereford Academy £397,500 and even public conveniences - East Street £3,150. Taxed till the pips squeak!
probono
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10:07am Sat 6 Oct 12
mr.dig
says...
10:16pm Sat 6 Oct 12
cursor
says...
10:25pm Sat 6 Oct 12
Since when was there a grocers opposite Peacocks?
Surefunk
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9:30am Sun 7 Oct 12
The Staff in Early Learning were ALWAYS so cheerfull and very willing to help. Unlike the miserable lot in Mothercare which has always been the same. Can't stand going in there so will prob avoid EL completely now.
allhandstothedeck
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10:34pm Sun 7 Oct 12
Victim0fEnglishPolic
ePAEDOs needs to learn some manners.
Mrslawrence66
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9:21am Mon 8 Oct 12
e ; you are a fine example of a complete weirdo, if Hereford is unfortunate enough to have you living here then I suggest you google Stonebow Hereford and check yourself in!!
Mrslawrence66
says...
10:24am Mon 8 Oct 12
mizza21
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3:10pm Mon 8 Oct 12
My life partner was on the end of some very rude and poor customer service there about a year ago.
I wrote to their head office and got a very nice letter back acknowledging receipt of my complaint.
That was good enough for me TBH. I resolved never to go in there again, as did my burd...
Mrslawrence66 says...
5:12pm Fri 5 Oct 12