Why has Payless on Bellenden gone grey?

[MitchB]

http://www.bankholidaycomes.com/2013/11/londons-future-matte-grey/

<3 u guise

[jimmyraj]

They're competing with the General Store these days. In all seriousness the competition has meant they've upped their game on fruit and veg with much better quality stuff in stock over the last year or so IMO - and they're stocking a few decent beers along with all the usual very useful stuff. The chaps who run the payless are lovely too.

[Ted Max]

Hey Jack, how's it going?

[MitchB]

I'm well, thanks Ted! How're you??

[numbers]

I think its what those in trade commonly refer to as 'aspirational sludge'

[Ted Max]

Feeling a bit grey/ gray, to be honest, Jack.

As you indicated in that piece, you are observing changes that you are a part of. That's been the way of the EDF (And I know you love the EDF) for the past 7 years, after all:

It's all there: Farrow & Ball paint jobs, "Village" nomenclature, twee shit shops, and yet always persistent attempts to distance selves from same.

Who are all these people who shop in the grey shops and live behind the grey doors? Surely not us, not a future you? Hence you've been a bit mean to the GS folks. We need an acceptable target for our own frustration with what we suspect we have brought about.

Yet... do you feel responsible? I don't either, but I buy meat in F&H and I'm not going to tramp to the next mini-market just because Payless has put up a grey fascia and called itself Village Grocer in an effort to cash in on a trend that it itself has just given another nudge downhill.

Best thing to do: write articles on fashionable websites, updates on Twitter, posts on EDF, letting everyone know we're not part of this thing we're part of.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

You are all so cynical.

Any fule knows that grey is just the undercoat. Bellenden Road will spring into a multi-coloured Mediterranean fiesta as soon as the chic shackles are removed. Or as soon as I have converted everyone to watching "Inspector Montalbano".

[woodrot]

so its ok to take the piss out of hard working national socialist grocers now ? poor show

thats a fuckin terrible website btw.

[MitchB]

You ok bro? You seem upset

[maxxi]

I notice no one is using Farrow & Ball's excellent 'Bone Grey' yet, which is a little disappointing.

I think a turf accountants - "Sport of Kings" (in PortuguesArcaicoLectura font) - might chance it.

[maxxi]

http://www.fontspace.com/preview/m/79a0e86909927807fb7cb6ce655ffc79.png

Too much?

[woodrot]

MitchB Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> You ok bro? You seem upset

Just upset that the hard working third reich retailers are getting a hard time. thems smirked mackerals dont sell themseles at ?8 each you know

[Vik]

I love Bellenden Payless no matter what colour it is.

The staff in there are all lovely, they are open 24 hours and they sell everything.

[david_carnell]

Seconded.

It looks better than the old Payless sign. Yes, it's now a bit of a weird meme that's taking over the street but their stock is now better than ever so I've little complaint.

General Store prices still make me break out in a cold sweat on occassion though. How much for porridge oats???

[Jeremy]

Thirded, I like the shop too... sells loads of stuff, and stocks an above-average beer selection. Stupid new name, but it does look smarter.

General Store... only actually been in once. It's just too damn expensive.

[MrBen]

The hipsters have started eating themselves.

[numbers]

No-one noticed when good ol' Barry's spruced itself up a bit. (not sure I remember F&B French Grey colours but there were definitely new fancy chalkboards outside).

As long as Melange chocolate shop stays at is is. One of my favourite places ever.