M&S

[James]

I think it's shocking that shops are allowed to open up and sell whatever they like in this day and age! Surely any proposed new business should legally be obliged to seek permission from the most opinionated local persons and comply with whatever sort of shop they would like to see? I for one would like to see an independent retailer of luxurious and exotic cushions. I will not be buying any (obviously!) but I would like this as it will convince me that I live in an aspirational area and be most useful for my dinner party conversations.

[Elphinstone's Army]

James, cushions are passe, do keep up.

[Elphinstone's Army]

Siduhe Wrote:

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> lavender27 Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > link above for really maria, why did they call

> it

> > "really maria" , who knows?

>

> I assumed it was a Sound of Music reference...

the name came about when Maria announced to friends and family, her intention to open a specialist shop

but could not decide on a name.... the unanimous vote was - "really, Maria?!" and now we have it! Voila !

[sela]

but what can you buy in the really Maria shop? not sure still where it's exactly.

[James]

Not cushions. I meant fascinators.

[Louisa]

I've walked past the new M&S various times in the past few days and I am shocked at the corporate ice cold look of the place. All the character has been removed. It's almost as though they went out of their way to 'prove a point' with this particular shop. Fridges everywhere, the entry/exit almost DOUBLED in size, why was this needed? Where will the trolleys go? The whole project is just depressing me more and more by the minute. I do hope everyone enjoys their ready meals and sandwiches at lunchtime. Such a sacrifice and for what?

Louisa.

[sela]

Louisa not sure what you complain about? The alternative of the old Iceland was better?

[Elphinstone's Army]

James, cushions or fascinators, soon as Maria's Emporium opens, you will be able to have a good peruse and pick up tips and feathers and fabric and sequins and make your own! so you won't need a fascinator shop - which is a shame really as a milliners/hat exchange would be wonderful, if you remember the display in the left hand side window of the St.C early in the year, last year's Ascot/Wedding/Royal Garden Party hats, a fabulous display, all gone within the week, obviously a market for them, all clean and new looking. And hat boxes as a requisite. James, I think we may have stumbled upon something here - more NCR than LL you think?

[Seabag]

I think Lou is miffed by the loss of her favourite items

https://www.iceland.co.uk/amazing-iceland-value/pizza-range/

[nxjen]

Dear Louisa, always there to give us a chuckle and raise our spirits.

Sela - All been said before in numerous threads. Here's a link to just one that started in 2012. It's not just Olympic athletes who've been in training these last four years. http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,882800,page=1

[worldwiser]

Say what you like about the old Iceland but a 'character' property it absolutely never was!

[Louisa]

I believe it is the people who make the atmosphere of anywhere. A beautiful palace could be aesthetically pleasing on the eye but have the most depressing and unwelcoming of atmosphere's. This Iceland store may have looked bland and uninviting, but the wonderful members of staff made the place an absolute pleasure to shop in. You can put as many fridges and freezers as you like in this new place, it will not recreate that wonderfully friendly atmosphere of Iceland.

Louisa.

[BigED]

I thought the old Iceland had plenty of characters, worldwiser. I really hope some of those characters get round to spending as much quality time in M&S - but they won't get 4 pints of milk for 75p or 6 free range "large" eggs for 80p (note to self - must remember the plight of the UK dairy industry).

[sela]

I totally disagree Louisa. You haven't even waited for the M&S to open before you criticise the people who will work there.

[Elphinstone's Army]

Louisa, were the staff local? I need to know this before I expound my theory then fall flat on my face

[Zebedee Tring]

I was particularly fond of Iceland's Deep Pan Double Cheeseburger Pizzas and their frozen ham sandwiches. I bet that M&S won't be selling anything as healthy in their new store.

[Jennys]

Louisa you can get to Iceland in Camberwell Road very easily. Lots of buses go there, stopping almost outside the store. There is a big car park and the shop is open late most days. Maybe some of the staff you like have moved there.

However M&S in Walworth Road and in Lewisham and Brixton all have lovely, helpful, cheery staff. I see no reason why the Lordship Lane branch shouldn't also have well trained, friendly people working there. What's more, M&S sell a wide range of delicious food.

[sela]

Jennys you don't understand if you shop in Iceland you don't want to spend the money on the bus to travel to the branch on Walworth Road.

[Louisa]

Camberwell Road is ok, but I prefer the warehouse Iceland on OKR near toys r us. Very well stocked, and free easy car parking. But it doesn't detract from the convenience nature of the former LL store. A store most of us walked to, being replaced by a destination shop many will DRIVE to, which doesn't have parking facilities. Oh well, I can't keep moaning it's happening now. Let's see the result of this 'convenience' style store.

Louisa.

[Bic Basher]

I go to Penge once a week, if I need anything from Iceland, I pop in that one.

[Zebedee Tring]

Louisa, is that a promise?

[edhistory]

Louisa Wrote:

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> almost DOUBLED in size

The Valuation Officer's measurements will be on-line soon.

[bvpainter]

The M&S looks really nice. They did have an open day showing people round, but you had to book to go, and it was heavily oversubscribed. They were also giving away free un-used building materials for anybody who wanted to collect them.

A Pound store would have only cheapened the area. The shop opposite M&S sells nearly everything, perhaps not as cheaply as a pound store, but the staff are friendly and very polite.

[Louisa]

I presume you are referring to Londis, bvpainter?

Do they sell 6 eggs for 80p?

A block of cheese for ?2?

A bag of 20 fish fingers for ?2?

A block of butter for 89p?

Louisa.

[bvpainter]

No not for food shopping.