Work begun on Choices
Most people probably know that work has begun on refurbishing the unit (formely Choices Video - which was formerly Etams). Look forward to this re-emerging as a new and upgraded WH Smith.
posted by The Cockerel @ 10:57 PM
8 Comments:
Noticed that there a few shops are opening up in Dorking in the next couple of weeks. First of all, in South Street (which used to be the Catwalk of Surrey unit) that a shop will open up this Saturday selling ladies biker clothing. Shame, that the closure of the Harley Davidson dealership might put a dent in their profits. Good luck to this new venture and hope it works out well. Also noticed that a new restaurant is opening up soon where Seven used to be. Hopefully, it won't be another run of the mill pizza / pasta place. The former Seven unit was situated next to The Bali and across the road from the Dorking Halls. Finally, noticed that work has just started on the former Royal Nails unit, which was next to Music 4 U on the High Street. No idea on what it is going to be but, I heard on the grapevine, that it might be another nail salon. Hopefully, these people will pay their bills on time and not have disputes with their landlord!
Apparently, WHSmith will be moving into their revamped new store in early September. I hope it will be better laid out than the one at present. And, please don't recycle the old, stained brown carpets! It will also be very interesting to see if they offer an improvement in terms of their selection of magazines, books and stationery. And, will they venture into selling CD's, DVD's etc??
Just seen a planning application at Pippbrook for the former Shubees unit and I cannot believe it as it looks like it is going to be another charity shop!! The Princess Alice Hospice want to open a shop on the High Street. Surely, it is time that Mole Valley put an end to granting permission for the endless charity shops in Dorking. I was furious when I spoke to the gentleman at Mole Valley when he said "that it would be more than likely be granted by Mole Valley, as a charity shop is good for the local economy of Dorking." What a load of rubbish!! Dorking is dying, thanks to the influx of cheapo charity shops and they do not encourage people to come into the town centre. How many more do we need -- we already have the British Red Cross, Marie Curie, Oxfam, Oxfam Books, Cancer Research UK etc. etc? If anyone wants to object, it is best to speak to Megan Bate (case officer at Mole Valley) telephone number (01306) 879238.
Totally right !!! Dorking has become an epitome of suffering struggling towns thanks to the influx of charity shops that encourage old people and discourage the young that have ended up going to Reigate etc.
Take a look at the planning application for yourself -- MO/2006/1033PLA 184 High Street (former Shubees unit), Dorking. Construction of new shop front.
The above planning application can be seen at Pippbrook, Dorking (Mole Valley Council offices) or at the Leatherhead Help Shop which is on the High Street, opposite Subway.
Whilst, I am not against charity shops in general. They do quite a bit of good ie. they are a good place to buy some books, CD's, DVD's etc. at very low prices. However, enough is enough, there are far too many charity shops in Dorking and the opening up another one (ie. Princess Alice Hospice) sends out the completely wrong image of the town. Surely, there is not enough clothing, books, CD's etc. to go around all the charity shops and how do the other retailers feel about this??? Charity shops are exempt or don't pay the full business rates, rents etc. as they have charitable status which forces up the rents and rates on all the other retailers -- that is NOT fair! If this trend continues, we may as well as say 'bye' to the market town of Dorking and 'hello' to poundland, poundstretcher, a cheapo amusement arcade and charity shops everywhere!
Unfortunately you cannot do any thing to prevent the influx of charity shops they trade as ordinary shop's the planning application is just to install a new shop front.........'install a new shop front? i thought charity shops were all about not spending money....
Unfortunately you cannot do any thing to prevent the influx of charity shops they trade as ordinary shop's the planning application is just to install a new shop front.........'install a new shop front? i thought charity shops were all about not spending money....
I found it highly amusing when I overheard an employee mentioning that the new WHSmith (where Etam's/Choices was) will be opening up at the end of August (bank holiday weekend) and it WILL be SMALLER in size than its present shop. Apparently, the lease was up and Halford's outbid them for their shop at present. No news on who is moving into the Halford's shop. The 'new' WHSmith will NOT stock CD's and DVD's. Hopefully, they will stock more in the way of stationery as at present, it is appalling! The upstairs will not be part of the shopping experience either as, it will be used for their stock room.
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