WHAT IF no15: House of Linens

[Janeco]

Really sorry to hear it is closing down. We dashed in on Saturday just before closing time as we had been unable to buy super king size fitted sheet in Sainsbury's and were immediately served with exactly what we wanted in a choice of colours. The shop was heaving so hope they find another site. Have always found the service great - very helpful and friendly - over the years when I've bought curtains, blinds etc. True it is a bit cluttered but I think that adds to its charm.

[JRobinson]

Any idea of closing date? I need to go in before they close down to buy some netting.

[leenewham]

The end of August I think. Best go in and check!

[lbere]

Oh no, what a sad loss this will be, I just love this shop for all its lovely wool and bits and bobs. Fingers crossed they can find somewhere else in SE26. What about the shop they used to be in on the corner?

[love-sydenham]

Oh NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Not the House Of Linen now!!!!

I love that shop, it has everything in it!!!

Sometimes I wold just pop in there to have a look around because they have such a lovely fabrics!
Very sad.... another bad news, after I have just found out about the '255-269 Sydenham Road planning application'!!!

What's going on?...

[mosy]

Does anyone know the reason given for closing down?

I buy pillows, teatowels, dishcloths, haberdashery et al from them, but I doubt they'd become millionaires on what I spend. Then again, the cause might be other than "takings".

[love-sydenham]

Dear Mosy,

I'm not an expert, but that's what Lee said:

Sadly this isn't going ahead as they are closing down due to the lease coming to an end. I'm sad to see the end of this shop, as I'm sure many others will as Mike and co have served the area for many years.

It is, very very sad....

[mosy]

Many thanks love-sydenham. It will indeed be very sad as we not only lose their goods for sale but also their wealth of knowledge.

If the owner rehouses in premises elsewhere, then I wish him well - perhaps he will let us know where if that is so.

[leenewham]

I'm afraid Mosy that they aren't locating elsewhere. The rent and rates are too high so that is that. Combined with some other issues that I'm sure Mike will share with you if you pop in and ask this is a much loved and busy local business that can no longer afford to trade in Sydenham due to landlords and councils pushing up costs.

There is a danger that more and more shops will be empty. I think that's 12 empty shops not including the two that are closing down in the near future.

[leenewham]

I'm afraid Mosy that they aren't locating elsewhere. The rent and rates are too high so that is that. Combined with some other issues that I'm sure Mike will share with you if you pop in and ask this is a much loved and busy local business that can no longer afford to trade in Sydenham due to landlords and councils pushing up costs.

There is a danger that more and more shops will be empty. I think that's 12 empty shops not including the two that are closing down in the near future.

[biscuitman1978]

Really sorry to hear it is closing down. We dashed in on Saturday just before closing time as we had been unable to buy super king size fitted sheet in Sainsbury's and were immediately served with exactly what we wanted in a choice of colours. The shop was heaving so hope they find another site. Have always found the service great - very helpful and friendly - over the years when I've bought curtains, blinds etc. True it is a bit cluttered but I think that adds to its charm.

I think that highlights one of the problems that many of the traders on the high street face. Simply, much of what you can buy on the high street you can also buy in a major supermarket alongside your weekly food shop. That convenience, coupled with the fact that products are often cheaper, means that people increasingly buy things like bed linen, toys, clothes and electricals in supermakets rather than on the high street.

If we want high street shops to survive we have to use them. For their part, the shops on the high street need to demonstrate that, amongst other things, they can provide specialist knowledge of a product and, as in Janeco's experience, a better range than the supermarkets.

Sadly, House of Linens was, I think, known for both those qualities, and even then it couldn't survive.

[leenewham]

Mikes closing Biscuitman because it's lease is coming to an end and the new terms set are not realistic. So he's going to retire. It's not because of Sainsbury's.

But your point about "the shops on the high street need to demonstrate that, amongst other things, they can provide specialist knowledge of a product and, as in Janeco's experience, a better range than the supermarkets." Is absolutely bang on the money. Specialize and you will win trade. I think this has been mis-interpreted by some as meaning 'posh'. It means focused, with great service and expertisin in one field rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Know your customers and give them not just what they want, but what they desire.

[lbere]

Such a shame, where am I going to get my lovely wool now?

You would think that the terms of the lease would be more acceptable in these times, the shop that Mike used to have, still stands empty. Surely it is better to have a shop in use than a shop standing empty?

Common sense?

[Hannah]

I am so sad to hear the shop is closing down. From speaking to staff today they said it will now be open until the end of September. I only discovered the shop last year when a local friend informed me that they sold wool. I was amazed to find all the craft equipment and yarn for sale. I always thought it just sold net curtains!

Having read previous posts, I loved seeing your shop front redesign ideas. I really like the 2nd option in blue with the fancy awning. However I think the type face looks wrong.....perhaps a more traditional font or something slightly less tricksy. I think they should play up the haberdashery and sidar yarns. There is a real trend for craft, knitting, sewing etc and several local stitch 'n' bitch groups in Sydenham are starting up or established.

I really hope the shop finds a new owner or a way to continue trading.