leenewham wrote:Why can't Sydenham have a Waitrose or an M&S? They will offer something different rather than more of the same. There is a broad demographic in Sydenham, from council/housing association to the recently sold1.5 million point house in Upper Sydenham.
Lets talk up sydenham for once. A waitrose does not mean that everything gets expensive.
What I wouldn't like to see is more than one Tesco in the area (although for personal reasons I refuse to shop in any Tesco). One is more than enough!
Lee: I couldn't agree with you more! I think we Sydenhamites need to dump this "Sydenham Slum" mentality and "making do" with the downmarket "East to West" and PoundShop type shops. I think Sydenham has cornered that end of the market successfully to saturation point! Boy - wouldn't it be nice once in a while to have the choice after you've been paid and money's in the bank to pop into a smart/posh supermarket like M&S/Waitrose on our unadventurous high street? - even for a change of scenery/budget??
I talked to a guy who works in costcutters and he told me that they have been waiting since 2005 for these refurbishments.They didn't have aa opportunity to refurbish the store because some of the residents from malinu court(above costcutters) were opposing the installation of the new condenser units outside the shop.He also told that they will try to do their best to compete with Tesco(if they open)and if they will shut down if forced to do.
I was in Costcutters the other day, asked the guy behind the till if he sold Dental Floss, he looked at me as if that was the most ridiculous request he's ever heard.
I can't stand cost-cutters and welcome a tesco express.
They (cost-cutters) do not cut costs and charge you an extra 50 pence for paying with a debit card. It looks a little grubby, the vegetables and fruit look like they are about to go off and the staff do not have the decency to thank you for your custom even when you've said thanks.
I would love it if we had independent, clean, friendly and visually appealing grocery stores in kirkdale but alas we do not so bring on tesco express please as it will be an improvement.
Ruby
I have not had much experience with Costcutters but do appreciate your comments about staff being polite and friendly.
I always speak to staff and are really anoyed if some ignorant carries on mobile conversation and shoves the money across. I would not serve these ignorants and infact we should erect some stocks for them
And having a national chain in the area, or franchise, or independent shop, does not guarantee good service. Any shop is only as good as its management and staff. I have been served many times in large supermarkets by a spotty oik (obviously a different oik in each shop) who mumbles faintly and throws my change at me. Having Tesco, or any other leading supermarket comes with no guarantees. Take a look at the Tesco fuel station by the Horniman. The prices and quality of stock is directly comparable to Costcutter and is more expensive than their own Tesco hypermarket prices.
Let's not forget that this is going to be a Tesco Express, not a Tesco superstore. The prices of products will be comparable to those of the Horniman Petrol station and not the Tesco superstore at Elmers End. Look at the small print in this:
I do welcome Tesco for two rasons:
1-Good food, always fresh 24hs a day
2-As an home owner I can only see the value of my property going up because of that.
I really think this is the first sign of a Dulwich-azation and that can only be good news for all of us: this part of Sydenham is really beautiful but there are too many shabby shops. Let's have a bit of trendy Lordship lane here!!!
Much as I support the arrival of the new Tesco in Kirkdale, I simply cannot see that this presages a "Dulwich-azation" of the area, far less "a bit of trendy Lordship Lane" here in SE26.
Presumably the poster means that Sydenham is now getting more like Dulwich or Lordship Lane.
Because of the arrival of a Tesco store? Surely not!
Catford and Downham both have Tesco stores; Penge has two of them. "Dulwich-azation" is clearly spreading to the most unlikely areas.
Franz
I think you are getting a wee bit carried away here. A local Tesco will mean your house price soars . I suspect any potential purchasers will have other priorities when buying.
As for raisons , I am a great fan of dried fruit but there are many outlets, even in pre Dulwichization SE 26.
Boy - wouldn't it be nice once in a while to have the choice after you've been paid and money's in the bank to pop into a smart/posh supermarket like M&S/Waitrose on our unadventurous high street? - even for a change of scenery/budget?? 
and that can only be good news for all of us: this part of Sydenham is really beautiful but there are too many shabby shops. Let's have a bit of trendy Lordship lane here!!!