Strange Business Start-ups
 

Whilst out shopping this morning we spotted a new bar had opened on the main street of our town - called the Piccadilly British Bar, apparently specialising in gin and tonics with 60 varieties of gin on offer (whether they sell anything else I have no idea). Signage (in Spanish and English) referred to an "after work scene" - won't be much of one of those in this town, I wouldn't have thought, with current levels of unemployment.

What on earth makes people think that opening niche businesses is a good idea in the present climate? Last year we had a shop open selling expensive coffees and chocolates, it lasted about 6 months and has now re-opened selling expensive childrenswear, but with the same people running it. Obviously some people never learn.

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

Well the best of British to them, they will need it.

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

The idea of a bar selling nothing but gin and tonic struck me as rather Pythonesque, to say the least!

They won't be getting any custom from me at any rate, I can't stand the stuff.

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

Think people scoffed when Marks & Spencer opened the first
penny bizarre.

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

A restaurant nearby which opened about 4 years ago and closed about 2.5 years ago with no activity in the intervening period has now got signs up that it's about to re-open. Same format, simply different management. I wish them well but I don't know what they'll have to do differently. I liked their steaks before so we'll probably give it a try but .. well fingers crossed for them.


I won't be going to the G & T joint either, Lynn. Don't mention gin...bleurgh:blink:

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

me & gin...http://bestsmileys.com/crying/2.gif


we had a 'traditional english' sweetshop here a couple of years ago - never saw anyone in there - my kids did buy sweets there once - stupid prices!! It didn't last long


we have a 'cupcake' shop recently opened - the cupcakes really are amazing, but again expensive (& no better than dd1's homemade ones either), I've never seen people in there - in fact it often seems to be shut when I go past at normal shopping times

I hope they make a go of it - but right now, a niche business selling expensive little cakes?

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

Probably hoping for tourist trade this summer.

Good luck to them. They'll need it.

I often wonder what people are thinking... Several little shops of various varieties of oddness opened around here in the past year. Virtually all are gone now.

One thing I have difficulty understanding is that many of these shops or restaurants seem to dismiss the need for a welcoming environment.

Many have blazing cold flourescent lighting and hard, uncomfortable seats, no heating or cooling, and offer only a limited selection of un-unique stuff I certainly wouldn't have much interest in, ...or only occasionally at best.

Worst of all, many of them choose to price their wares as though they are a five-star establishment, in a location so far off the beaten path, that nobody can find them. And then they wonder why the place is eternally empty.

Then there are those shops which sell essentially the same thing as the shop next door, but at wildly different prices - some things much cheaper, some much more expensive. It just doesn't make sense.

Seems to me that if you're going to invest in a shop, you'd better sell something unique that people are going to want, at prices they can afford, in a location they can find.

...or am I simply not "integrated" enough to understand?

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

Cupcakes schmupcakes. They're Fairy Cakes!!!!!!!!

*ahem*

Rant over.:starsmile:

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

they were in my day too.....

someone put a photo on FB the other day of some 'cupcakes' - as far as I was concerned they were butterfly cakes

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

Yes but that was when Fairy's lived at the bottom of the garden and behaved themselves.

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

It's probably that wretched PC brigade to blame again.;)

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

this isnt the Plaza del Toros
why should people change the name they have for a CAKE for god's sake because of politically biased claptrap

back in 2008 it was announced that Brainstorming was "not acceptable" and people should be using "thought showers" instead.

just who pays these people to come up with such momentous pronouncements!!
:thumbdown:

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

...

what about, Teacake, Fruit Bun, Barmcake .... ?

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

Stop it, you will have Domino rushing back to the surgery for more blood pressure medication!:lol:

Re: Strange Business Start-ups
 

From what I have seen it is the visiting posters from OZ USA etc, that would have a fit over the word "fruit cake" and such, as it is sure to offend someone.