Robbs transformation is un-Beale-ievable
Less than three months after acquiring Robbs of Hexham, indie department store operator Beales has wasted no time at all in sprucing up the store and its ranges ahead of next month’s official relaunch.
I’ve visited the store on three occasions since the takeover – most recently a week ago – and it has been a hive of makeover activity each time. New wooden flooring and white ceramic tiles have replaced the mangy old carpets, while the entire shop seems to be getting a fresh coat of paint – crisp white in the stair areas and black for the displays, but with various bold colours used to delineate different departments. With the store’s windows cleared of the clutter that was blocking views in or out, the overall effect of the changes is to create a shop that feels airy, bright and modern.
The layout and merchandising is also getting a welcome overhaul. The new cosmetics hall, for example, is taking shape at the front of the store, and the menswear department has enjoyed a welcome refresh of its ranges. Beales’ new own-brand quality formalwear, Broadbents & Boothroyds, is in place, while the addition of some younger and trendier menswear names is another positive change.
In addition to Wallis, more quality concessions also look to be on the way, with Robbs’ window advertising jobs at Jacques Vert, Jane Shilton, Joules and Estee Lauder, as well as for a new hair salon.
As I hoped, there are also signs that the outside of the store is getting some attention, with black paintwork already replacing the faded blue. One can only assume that new white-on-black signage will follow shortly, though I haven’t noticed any planning application for advertising consent as yet.
All in all, it’s quite a transformation already for a store that seemed destined for closure barely three months ago.
As for the comment regarding the pans, beales offers a ‘price match’ that the employee should have been aware of..next time take your concern to store director as they are likely to be more informed about procedures.
Secondly if you wish to reach Tony, you must go via the Beales Of Bournemouth Head Office. Number can be found on line.
Will be surprised if the all-new Robbs doesn’t suffer as the previous one did,with or without Tony Brown.I saw the feature on the store on your programme earlier this week and,co-incidentally visited the store earlier that day.
Briefly,I wanted to buy 2 pan sets from the store which were to be,believe it or not,Christmas presents for my 2 children and their partners.They were offered for sale at £127.50 per set,reduced,apparently,from £170.00 per set.Regardless of the reduction I asked if they could do me a better price and if so I would take both sets there and then.Stock turnover,cash in till,space in the warehouse etc etc.I had set a figure of £110.00 per set which I thought quite reasonable.The response was an absolute,stone-cold flat refusal to negotiate.Not interested one jot.
I have taken my business elsewhere and bought the same set of pans,online,from Sainsbury’s at £100.00 per set.If Brown is a dedicated retailer his staff aren’t.I’m sure he would have negotiated a price and I’m sure that Lord Sugar would have as well.I regularly visit Hexham but will no longer visit Robbs,and it looked like not many other people do either.If they don’t want my money someone else will.
All told,a very poor experience.
Could this be passed on to Mr Brown on my behalf?
I cannot find his e-mail address,or,for that matter,Beales.
Regards
Dave Riley