N.B. Any opinions expressed or comments made within this column are those of Matt Howarth's, and are not those of Atherton Online.
When I first heard that the Warrington started clothing company Peacocks had called in the receivers, my immediate reaction was that of a loud sigh. I wasn't surprised, I wasn't aghast and I simply didn't bat an eyelid.
My blatant reaction I'm sure is the same as many others. The fact that we simply don't get surprised, shocked or upset when a well-known established company goes out of business is quite sad at the very least. I for one didn't think about the possible loss of jobs, the immediate affect it shall have on those workers households and income... yet did it make me want to immediately rush down to the nearest local branch? Certainly not!
I simply have no desire to tootle down the High Street which may as well re brand itself to the world of pound shops. Tacky and inelegant. Should you wish to obtain a high valuable, well made piece of attire or a classy ornament for your mantelpiece, then these days you either must go into city centres at a cost or simply log onto the wonderful world wide web with every possible want or craving just a few clicks away.
Peacocks wasn't a classy chain, nor were its wares overly desirable, however they where decent, acceptable and quite appropriate. At those strange corners within town centres you wouldn't feel that strange warm feeling should a Peacocks store not be there. I myself have been into their stores more than once and more than once I have walked out with something folded ever so neatly in a branded plastic bag. Jobs at the head offices have already been lost and should a buyer not wish to purchase the chain then thousands shall be out of work and misery for many families shall occur as a result.
How on earth can such a place survive though when the likes of Primark is in existence? I'm no Mystic Meg but I can assure you my dear readers that in no way at all shall we see Primark going into administration any time soon. Why not? It's remarkably cheap, it's well-known and quite simply throwaway goods for a throwaway society. Sales were up by 16% at Primark as of January 6th and quite honestly it certainly isn't surprising.
Peacock's demise is the worst since that of Woolworths back in 2008 and who is missing Woollies? Not a right lot I can imagine, however the High Street has seemed and felt somewhat deserted since its closure. Where on earth can you get that "Pick N Mix" from now... anywhere else just isn't the same.
Let's hope some good news in the High Street happens sometime soon, however with more businesses expected to close in 2012... the future really does look bleak doesn't it?
Written & Edited by Matt Howarth, 20th January 2012.
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