B&Q

[alywin]

Well, I might possibly support B&Q if I found they had something I wanted (like a rectangular plastic washing-up bowl of decent size, something the Sydenham "home" shops seem to be very short of at the moment, as do the Penge ones), but equally I really don't like buying things like nails and screws in rigid plastic packs which aren't the size I want, so I'd prefer to buy those at a decent hardware shop where such exists (I miss Turtles in Croydon immensely). So thanks for drawing my attention to Sydenham DIY - I'm not sure I'd registered their existence. To my mind, B&Q is a useful addition to the Homebase in Penge, but I'm still not going to use either of them if they don't sell what I want.

[Manwithaview1]

It makes me laugh when people make things like this yes I agree we should support our local shops and everything else but just think how many jobs B&q has created for this area could Sydenham DIY offer this many jobs ??? I think not this country is in its worst unemployment status for ages and company's like b&q are helping people out I for one will use them as I found it great to have in the area and think the staff there are brilliant and yes I will continue to use Sydenham DIY as well but they just don't have everything I need sometimes ! I think you small narrow minded people really need to grow up ! If I didn't know better I'd say you all work in Sydenham DIY laugh out loud. But in all fairness I don't see the harm of it it's created jobs and money in the area that we all live in I think it's a win win !

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Many smaller shops/companies close down because of the actions of large companies.

[Rachael]

I haven't found B&Q particularly useful -they rarely have what I need. Sydenham DIY was able to produce from somewhere in the back of the shop exactly the right lock to replace an old one in our back door. Everything B&Q had was standardised for 'modern' homes, useless when you are trying to get bits and bobs to fix your Victorian house.

[Manwithaview1]

I used to love that hardware store in Bromley Road by the bus garage, which went a few years ago (6 I think). The owner used to love telling me he had stock his dad bought in the 20s. Must have told me half a dozen times.

And obviously we wouldn't get the Four Candles sketch in a B&Q.

[Rachael]

I used to love that hardware store in Bromley Road by the bus garage, which went a few years ago (6 I think). The owner used to love telling me he had stock his dad bought in the 20s. Must have told me half a dozen times.

And obviously we wouldn't get the Four Candles sketch in a B&Q.

See, that's exactly the sort of shop I need - the lock I just bought have been in the back of the shop since Job was a boy, and was probably made at the same time as the lock I was replacing. Perfect.

[Eagle]

Rachel I agree

No substitute for a good local trader who knows what they are talking about.

Must admit try to avoid that part of Sydenham. The Sava Center bad enough.

[mosy]

During my enthusiastic DIY days I'd happily browse "sheds" to see what was around, be it different drill or saw bits, tiles, lino, architrave, floorboards etc, so I'd never knock the sheds, especially for when I don't really know what I want. It's horses for courses I reckon. Sydenham DIY do offer a wider range of things than some hardware shops, or for small items, the shop next to the bakery opposite the Co-op has a fair selection if their location is closer.

@ Manwithaview1: quote: "Many smaller shops/companies close down because of the actions of large companies." endquote. I bumped into the owner of Syd DIY a few days ago and asked him if B&Q had had any effect. I'm happy to say that he said it hadn't.

@ alywin: I too like a big strong washing up bowl (nothing else will do lol). If none locally, Lakeland have one, though beware P&P: http://www.lakeland.co.uk/24140/Square- ... -Bowl-Grey

[ladybird]

There's a Lakeland in Market Square, Bromley. The 227 from Crystal Palace Park Road will drop you a few metres away, though P+P is only £3 and free if you spend over £30.

Pengelad, I don't suppose B&Q shows any preference to local people and imagine they, like other employers fill their vacancies based on suitability. I know of (from the many who works there) two people, one lives in Bromley and the other Dartford, so it's unlikely they will be spending their money locally.

[alywin]

@ alywin: I too like a big strong washing up bowl (nothing else will do lol). If none locally, Lakeland have one, though beware P&P: http://www.lakeland.co.uk/24140/Square- ... -Bowl-Grey

Thanks, mosy. I'll have a look next time I'm in there and see. I *was* looking for a rectangular one for the extra length, but that may do. So many at the moment seem to be so small that you can barely get a dinner plate flat in them!

[Pengelad]

You say of people living far away and not spending money there i know of the local cafe and few other local food services that are recieving large orders of food from all the people who work on that retail park . I also know of 15 people who work in b&q who live within 10 minutes walk of the shop. My next door neighbours son works there and do you know what it doesn't matter how local they live they are still doing good for the economy or would you rather they all sat at home scrounging off the benefit system yes I agree Sydenham DIY is a great store and has stuff b&q don't have but come on are we that childish to start bitching about a new shop opening ? I say good luck to everyone who has businesses wether big or small !

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[leenewham]

Many of the people running businesses in Sydenham don't live locally. I know one that comes from St Albans! Not many shops live above store these days. But don't think that every local shop is run by a local!

I don't have a problem with B&Q (they are a decent lot at head office too). They do different things to our local DIY store. If I'm choosing lamp fittings, tiles, paint etc I want choice. They add to the choice. Sydenham DIY sell better quality screws that most large DIY stores so I generally get them from there. Horses for courses.

[SepticSkeptic]

Syd diy is great. Use it all the time.
But to buy buy paint I always go to the bigger shops for the range of colours.
I suppose if I planned ahead I could ask syd diy to order in my dulux, or farrow and ball (when feeling flush)

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[parker]

Might go to Sydenham D.I.Y next time I need a new kitchen, they're slightly closer to me than B&Q

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