It’s a shame Mary didn’t talk to us, says Creasey’s
Tuesday 25th January 2011, 11:30AM GMT.
TONY CREASEY said yesterday that he was disappointed retail expert Mary ‘Queen of Shops’ Portas did not speak to him when she visited Guernsey and reviewed Creasey’s High Street store.
In a review, printed in this weekend’s Saturday Telegraph Magazine, under a heading which said she had the chance to shop in the island of her dreams, Ms Portas (pictured) called Creasey’s an ‘unfashionable provincial department store’ and gave it a rating of just 5 out of 10.
In the article the consultant, whose television series Mary Portas: Secret Shopper has recently started on Channel 4, accused the store of stocking too many brands which were out of out date and said Creasey’s was ‘a place where fashion labels go to die’.
But Mr Creasey, the retailer’s managing director, said the article was unfair and a little selective because it did not mention any of the company’s other stores or many of their departments.
- Read the Mary Portas column on Creasey’s on the Telegraph website, here.
- More on this story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.
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Having read the article in The Telegraph, I agree entirely with her! Sorry Mr Creasy but she is, in my opinion, right. She does state that the store has enormous potential – why not work on that?
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Does Mr Creasey assume that her article would been full of glowing praise if he had met Ms Portas to present his obviously biased view of his own store.
Personally I think Ms Portas has a point, Creaseys has been stuck in the past for years despite having probably the largest total retail floor area of any shop in Town; Its safe and no doubt ticks over quite nicely presenting the Creasey family with a comfortable standard of living, but more could be done to liven it up I’m sure without going too cheap or too expensive. Its popularity is probably more down to the lack of many other places to shop rather than its range of clothing etc.
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Id rather shop in shop that is a bit crowded with stock, and has what you want,than a shop that looks good but has little stock or choice.
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Unfortunately Mary Portas is absolutely right. You can not dismiss her views but Mr Creasy you should act on them. See it as an opportunity that an expert in her field has given advice to help move the store in the right direction. She does not need to consider your other franchises because they are not part of Creasys department store or the Creasys brand in the eye of the customer.
I would love to meet the Creasys person responsible for buying and ask them who their target customer is. I do not know anyone under the age of 50 who shops in Creasys, unless they are desperate and can not get what they want elsewhere or on-line. The cafe has an unbelievable view yet it is not maximised and is terribly old fashioned.
What about some ‘modern’ mainstream concessions eg. Topshop, Ted Baker, Super Dry, Massimo Dutti, Zara, Kurt Geiger, French Connection, MAC, Origins…I could go on! These are not particularly directional brands, just ones that people under 50 would buy…
Don’t let Creasys die, it has so much potential to be a great store for everyone in the island…ask Mary Portas to come back and act as consultant.
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I read the article in The Telegraph. I too entirely agree with Mary Portas. Perhaps, Mr.Creasey could invite her over and see what she would do to help him !?!.
Her description of how the handbags piled up blocking both the aisle and the fabulous view are so, so accurate. But, she missed out that the Benefit makeup counter is bang on trend at the moment.
The upstairs department has a fantastic selection of hats and fascinators but, does have some brands that have died she is again spot on with that comment.
I actually love Creaseys – it just needs a little “help” to stop the rot setting in and Mary Portas could be that help ?!!. And it could become the jewel in the crown of Guernsey’s ailing highstreet.
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Agree entirely.
The last time I bought something from Creaseys it was a hat for my gran a couple of Christmas’s ago! I’ve also been downstairs to the lingerie section, spent approximately 2.5 seconds before running for the stairs and the last time I went to the 70’s throwback cafe was at least 15 years ago.
He’s got all the right ingredients but it’s not making a nice yummy cake…yet. He probably needs to look at his management team and cut out the dead wood. I’d start with the buyers (I’ll give that one to you for free).
Mr Creasey – as I am your target audience (late 20’s/early 30’s, female, professional, high amount of disposable income that’s currently being spent online) then I’ll happily charge out my time to you and let you pick my brain.
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What did Mr Creasey expect? A glowing advertorial? A free in-depth report on his business? What she said was true.
Creasey’s has none of the gloss of Voisins or De Gruchy’s but then nor does it have the eye-watering prices of Harrods or Harvey Nicks.
I like a bit of old-fashioned provincialism myself – things like gloves in various sizes under glass counters. OK, I don’t buy them myself, but we have an ageing population that does – my grandmother likes Creasey’s enough to have an account card.
M&S tried to trendy themselves up, leaving their core customers (the middle-to-old-aged) confused and unable to buy their favourite cardigans and sensible shoes.
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I will always buy locally – unless its from Creaseys… absurd prices for virtually everything they sell – much cheaper online & they have the nerve to class themselves as a ‘local store’ – its places like Creaseys that turn people to the internet – & now they are opening more places in town – great… more over the top expensive products that will encourage more & more people to shop online!
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Tony Creasey should see this as a challenge and an opportunity rather than moan about Ms Portas doing her review without his prior knowledge. If she’d gone in announced it wouldn’t have been as valid an exercise – like a restaurant reviewer telling the chef he’d be coming on a certain night.
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unfortunately I have to agree with Ms Portas. Mr Creasey only has to go to Southampton or London to realise how out of date the local Creasey store.
having said that I think most of us accept that Creaseys cannot be expected to be anything better than it currently is. We accept that only so much stock can be held for a small population and that we have to go to the UK for abtter shopping experience.
Any provicial town in the UK will not have a store to match Selfridges or Harvey Nichs. the residents of that provicial town will have to head to the bright lights as well so why should Guernseybe any different?
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I agree with Mary. I love and support our local shops but I think Creasey’s is missing a trick or two. I certainly would shop there more often if it had the Mary treatment. I’d also love to get my hands on the window displays. Sometimes they look more Grace Brothers circa 1970 than 21st century high street…
There is opportunity here. Take Mary’s advice, think of all the free publicity when you modernise the store and the lines you offer. Then send her a boat ticket and get her back to look again. Seriously, this is the kind of PR opportunity most businesses would love!
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Can I just say a few things please
Im pleased that Ms Portas had a good look around Creaseys where I have worked for 16 years (Im not old)but what was not fair is that she never asked to speak to Mr Creasey so he could put his point across.
Ms Portas quotes that this is where Fashion lables come to die, Does Ms Portas know that we also run Miss Selfridge, Warehouse, Fuse, Wallis, Joyles, Jackpot, Phase eight and along with other brands so I think that covers all ages. We have great cosmetic houses, purfumes and Morton Brown products.
A great Lingerie Departments with Calvin Klein and loads of other makes.
I don’t feel Creaseys is old fashion at all.
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the phrase “resting on one’s laurels” could have been invented for Creaseys
everyone I know would love for it to get a kick up the backside and really become relevant for the majority of the island, and the article is spot on.
Time for the younger Creasey clan to exert some more managerial control.
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As much as I dislike the woman, she does have a point. The store is clearly for old people, or at least, that’s the impression it gives off.
Young people, be aware!
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Creaseys – don’t listen to some pompous, self obsessed reporter from the UK. You have delivered excellent service to the island for years and took the chance to bring the St Michaels and then Marks & Spencer franchise to the island.
Any small town in the UK would be proud to have such a store in their area.
OK for some things we have to go to West Quay in Southampton but you do the best you can for such a small population.
keep your heads high and keep up the good work.
As an aside did Ms portas really come to Guernsey as i do not recall that Spar is on the island.
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Having a shop myself I was glued to the first couple of series of “Mary Queen of Shops”. However in the last couple of years Portis has become a self promoting puesdo-cleb who spends her time critizing people.
Like it or not Guernsey does have a different customer base to London, and therefore local shops have to reflect this with thier mechendise.
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Mary is, of course, right. I’m sure we would all like to see Creaseys survive, but they will not do it by sticking their collective head in the sand. My own hunch is that Creaseys itself has probably been losing money for years but has subsidised by the overpriced (but nonetheless welcome) Marks & Spencers franchise, in particular their food business. If so, that leaves Creaseys very vulnerable if Waitrose or another supermarket makes a big dent on the M&S food’s profits. Must try harder.
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Tony Creasey and family have coasted complacently along with what they thought was a captive audience, until the advent of online shopping, this alone should have told them something; I have shopped in Creaseys twice in the last 12 months, it used to be 3/4 times a year, until they made the mistake of moving Alexon and so on to the Bridge – I dislike the store intensly, it is overcrowded with stock, crammed so tight together it is a fight to the death to get an item off a rail, it is vastly overheated and generally uncomfortable to be in. The only pleasant thing about this store are the ladies who serve, who are helpful. I am sure the store has a following of loyal customers, and others like myself, it would do the Creaseys no harm at all to set up a meeting, invite the captive audience they have exploited for so long and, hear what people have to say.
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Lyn, I must agree with your posting.
“Pompous, self obsessed” for sure!
After looking and reading todays front page she could do with more style herself.
OK, I’m in my middle 50′s but as yet, certainly nowhere near blind.
As for the colours and the posture, well to me it’s a, what can I say, yuck!
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Well done to Mary Portas for pointing out all the faults with Creasey’s. Creasey’s mainly cater for the elderley well off person. On the rare occasion you might see something you like it is way over priced. Mr Creasey is always moaning that don’t we shop locally. Well more people would if they had the choice. Let a few more UK stores in and that might give The Creasey’s the boot up the backside they need to change their way of buying. I’m surprised she didn’t comment on the attitude of some of his staff maybe if they had nice things to look at they might smile a bit.
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I actually like the quaintness.
I haven’t seen what she said.
I like the delivery service very much, I feel rather Royal when the Creasey van brings my cosmetics to the door.
There is nothing wrong with good old fashioned service.
Don’t forget folks she’s a one woman brand machine.
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As an over 50′s shopper even I have to agree with the article. A lot of clothes are what I would expect my mum in her 70′s to wear! Warehouse, Fuse and Miss Selfridge are great for my 18 year old, but there is hardly anything for the older, but not elderly generation!
There is Wallis, but the range is restricted as they are a franchise. We can’t buy online from M & S or Wallis and I do wonder if this is an arrangement with Creaseys to create a monopoly.
Remember the teens of today are the shoppers of tomorrow and if you don’t improve your offering then your customer base will disappear.
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I Agree with Matt although I will admit some of the prices are a little steep (but not all)!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the cafe, in fact it offers good fresh food at fairly reasonable prices. Not everyone wants “Ultra Modern with “Ultra Modern” prices. I am in my 40′s but i much prefer a good old traditional tearoom/cafe where the staff are cheerful know their P’s and Q’s and will actualy smile and talk to you like a human being.
Like Loyalstaff pointed out Mr Creasey holds franchises to shops aimed at the younger generation so no need to change what is obviously working for him.
Also it’s a good job we have Mr Creasey, at least he keeps to local traditions and respects the Guernsey way of life. Ok so he may have the monopoly but without him Town would be lost in a sea of big UK stores that would turn us into a mini uk. No one would ever get any time off because they would try to run the stores the way they do in England which does not work on a small Island, (you only have to ask the one remaining full time staff member at an English clothing store in the high street what happens when uk bosses try to run their local outlets the same as the UK and treat their staff as they do. (It’s not surprising that you don’t always get a warm welcome in some of the English stores and it’s not always the managers at fault, they’re just following orders from head office and ticking “policy” boxes)!
Have you also noticed how many job openings appear in a lot of large English stores opposed to local ones? …… It would appear the reason for that is because most Local stores seem to be able to KEEP their staff….Hmmmmmmmmmmm!
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Reading this certainly got me thinking about Creasey’s store and although I spend quite a lot on my Creasey’s card I realised that nearly all of it is at Marks and Spencers. The store is incredibly old-fashioned and when looking for clothes I never even look in the ‘fashion department’ although I do buy from Wallis. The clothes are not very well laid out and are too expensive. They are often hung on quite cheap hangers. The whole store needs to be more lively and cater for some younger people. The lingerie department on a Saturday seems to be run by teenagers who are more interested in discussing their drunken antics from the night before. I appreciate that the Creasey family have invested a lot of time and money in the store but it needs to move with the times.
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Oh, Tha Male Aspect, aren’t you quaint. I suspect you may be a Sun reader as well; fashion, up to date, on the street, is what she was wearing. Whilst you may dislike her choice, have you had a look lately at what also postures in the High Street, especially on Saturday afternoon, virtually a uniform – Ugg boot style shoes, black tights,(not the most flattering of choice for some)short frock type tops, or skimpy, skinny jeans, again not flattering for some, pasty over made up faces. And as for the “dudes”, they seem to have developed a penguin type shuffle walk, hands in pockets, to keep their trousers from falling down,since it seems they have to be at half mast for the cool look, hair which reminds me of my grandma’s floor mop.
I am one of the young fashion conscious people here, and if Mary has achieved just a tiny part of her objective, I applaud her.
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Creasy’s, like all shopping in Guernsey is awful. Overpriced and no choice. Long live the internet!! Keep the stores shut on a Sunday….there is nothing you want to buy anyway.
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I’m confused
Does Mr Creasey not understand the concept of a “secret shopper”??
He seems to want unbiased praise and free positive publicity, when none is warranted!
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guernsey exposed once again for what it really is
A shambolic con
Im pleased to confirm the exodus continues and no wonder may i add.
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I have no idea why people get so uptight about these reviews – it’s just someone’s opinion. Who decides whether her opinion has any credibility?
Anyone who makes their choices solely on the opinion of a hack journalist needs their brain examined. In the words of Clint Eastwood “opinions are like a**holes – everyone’s got one.” Try forming an opinion yourself instead of wasting time and money listening to these self-styled experts.
As for Creaseys – if they are really interested in building business they should get a customer forum going, not listen to the views of someone who isn’t in their target client base anyway.
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Can I just point out a few things please
Mrs Meat We do sell gloves in all colours and sizes but sorry not under glass counters anymore.
Emma Cunningham Im sure our window dresser would love to hear any ideas you have.
SB When you say clearly for old people what would you say was old?
Lyn Thank you we do have an excellent FREE delivery service.
Matt What you said was true we do have a different customer base then London.
Misty when you say elderly well off person how old would you say was elderly?
Wonky Donkey Yes Miss Selfridge, Warehouse, Fuse are for the younger group. But on the Fashion floor we sell loads of brands like Jackpot, Jaeger, Tommy Hilfiger, Phase eight and other brands so I guess that covers other age groups.
Sapphire Our Coffee shop does sell great fresh food and also has great view over our habour.
Creaseys is a great company to work for and they do keep there staff Hmmmmmmm cant see a problem as the right person is allways place in the right department for them to work with in.
Dave Haslam Secret Shopper yes great not a problem im sure it would of been nice to talk about it with Mr Creasey and not read about it first. Im sure you would feel that way too?
Thanks
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I didn’t know that Creasey’s had a free delivery service. What are the restrictions? Will this be extended to the new M & S when it opens? What a shame the food halls don’t offer free delivery. I’d use it.
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“You can not dismiss her views but Mr Creasy you should act on them.”
Yes TC can. The Creasey empire isn’t looking too shabby, so the family must be doing something right.
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Loyal Staff
Sorry I dont agree
The whole concept of a secret shopper is that the companies dont know, if she spoke to TC before publishing her article, there is a chance that her views could have been tarnished, and the whole point of her visit would have been lost.
May I ask, what do you think would have been accomplished by her speaking to him?
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It is great that loyal staff are dedicated to Creasys and that some people love the store but the fact is that all businesses, in the channel islands or not, have to keep developing and moving with the times or they will eventually fail. Being defensive is not positive or productive.
Perhaps Mr Creasy is happy to sit still and only cater for the aging population. He will though find that all other potential younger customers with disposable income have turned to the internet as GAP, Zara, H&M and most other mainstream modern brands are all on line now and there is ship2me if they won’t deliver directly.
There are a couple of great independent shops in the island selling the sort of clothes younger people (under 60) would like to buy but they are small and the selection is limited. Creasys has the added attraction of it’s location with the stunning views but it is all wasted on poor layout and the old fashioned cafe.
If new retailers move in to the island, which is inevitable now at some point, the store will just die a death.
It is lazy to just say ‘it’s a shame she didn’t talk to me’…why would she? Why would she want to listen to the justification for not bothering to modernise, develop your business or maximise on the market potential??
It doesn’t have to be Harvey Nichols or Selfridges there are provincial towns with decent department stores out there.
What a great opportunity now that the debate has kicked off. Get Mary or another consultant back, do some market research and make the changes…then see the POSITIVE results that will keep Creasys alive!
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Stiletto, Thank you for your comment and for making we laugh :-))
It certainly brightened up this dull January day.
Your “aren’t you quaint” statement made me laugh the most and as for being a Sun reader, no chance!
I don’t think I have read one of those rubbish papers in at least 40 years.
As for the style of dress used on a Friday or Saturday, by both male and female of the younger generation especially, I must agree with you.
Having to see half, (and frequently more) of peoples rear ends glaring at you does tend to put you off your food, and as for the hair styles these days, yep, you got that pretty well down to a T as well !
So glad to hear that you are one of the young fashion conscious people, and I hope that you don’t get led astray by some of these so calls fashion experts!
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Creaseys needs a BIG makeover….this shop has so much potential its untrue…..unfortunately there isnt anything apart from one or two bits that are pleasing to the eye….in my opinion most of it is like a great big VERY overpriced charity shop….why not get out on the high street with a clipboard, talk to people and find out what people would really like to see/buy in there??
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CO
There are no restrictions on the FREE delivery service we offer. At this moment in time I am not sure if this will be extended to the new M&S.
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Hi all,
Creasey’s?? I thought “Are you being served” was a documentary!?
Change now or find out the hard way! 20 years from now their clientele will have all died out and the whole building will be one giant food-hall. I can’t wait!
BTW. I try to support local shops, but it’s getting less alluring each day.
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…every time I walk past there (never go in, all too old fashioned and totally overpriced) I can’t help but smile.
It reminds me of ‘Are you being Served,’ and I fully expect to see Mr Humphries and Captain Peacock having a heated debate about the suitability of Miss Brahms latest mini skirt, or, perhaps, Mrs Slocombe having a meltdown about ‘her pussy’…..
still, if you like that sort of thing, fair enough…!
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Dave Haslam
Yes I understand that a secret shopper does what it say on the box but if Ms Portas does not talk to anyone at Creaseys about what she thinks then nothing will get done? correct
Bored of you lot
Are you being served when was the last time you came in to Creaseys?
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I’m 27 – Not found a reason to shop at Creasys department store yet. I like the feel of the Jersey department store that does French connection it has a younger vibe. Creasys prices are definitly OTT. I don’t buy my sons baby clothes there but also because of where they went and stick their baby and toy shop. I never go up the bordage. I’d love to get hold of Creasys and give it a re-vamp. My gran said she didn’t shop there because she felt it was too old which is funny really. Maybe Creasys is so old fashioned no there motto could be ‘ I wouldn’t be seen dead wearing that.’
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Loyal Staff
Thank you for your reply, that’s good to know. Hopefully Mr Creasey will make that particular service more widely available for those of us who don’t have transport.
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Loyal Staff
But the article states he wishes Miss Portas spoke to him whilst she was here, therefore BEFORE the article was published.
That is my point, to do this wouldnt be a secret.
I’m sure if TC wants to speak to her she would accept his call.
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i am i my thirties and think that Creaseys certainly has its good points. Whilst i never buy clothes from the main shop (they are expensive and the window models are badly dressed and do not show off the clothes well), the lingerie dept is great – the staff are full of helpful advice and nothing is too much trouble. And my kids love going to the cafe – there is plenty of space for buggies etc and great views. The food and atmosphere may not be up to 2011 expectations of some people, but it is the only one of its kind in town and is popular. We don’t need any more modern eateries – there are already plenty.
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I have to say, I’ve read and re-read the article, she’s very complimentary about the island, and I wouldnt say “hyper critical” of creaseys.
TC should be pleased that such a high profile person and newspapeer has targeted his establishment with phrases such as “Creaseys becomes the new Harrods” and “enormous potential”.
Sometimes I think when you become complacent you tend to have an overexaggerated opinion of what you offer. TC if he wants to, has the perfect excuse to turn his shop into something very special.
Plausible…. yes
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Sorry Mr C but Mary is right!
I was once asked by the over 50ish lady on the YSL counter to have a ‘make-over’ needless to say that when the poor woman had finished applying God knows what to my face, (Coco the Clown came to mind)and then promptly gave me a breakdown of the cost of products used (perhaps her commission was down for the month?)I promptly set off up the high street to M&S to wash the whole lot off!Needless to say I now overt the said counter.
Come on Mr C pick up the gauntlet and make it a store to rival any on Jersey….small provincial Town…phh!
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Ms Portas article was based on the main Creaseys store not their franchises. The lingerie department have an excellent range and the coffee shop is quite good, but as for the 2nd floor it definitely needs a change and the ground floor some of the staff are a bit stuffy. I hear from a friend who works for them they are excellent employers which is great hence why they keep their staff, but I think a change of buyers is needed
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In reply to loyalstaff.
I would say elderly is from 70′s upwards. And by the way no one is saying Creasey’s is not a good Company to work for I know that they are very good to their staff.
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The problem with M Portas is that she has the same solution for almost every shop!
Wipe out half the stock and give the staff “hip” uniforms which in my opinion turns them into a MacChain.
Sometimes an old fasioned aladdins cave is a breath of fresh air in our homogenized high streets.
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My mum’s just told me about this blog and I’d just like to add that it’s a shame that Mary didn’t go into Joules. In less than a month from Creasey’s taking over it’s exactly like the other shops they have hold over. The staff have no idea about the product they’re selling, they’ve no interest in customers questions, comments,etc. It’s a total’mish-mash’.
Please bring back the previous owners and someone please tell Tom Joules exactly how his clothing brand is being represented on Guernsey!
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Tha Male Aspect
Good to share a sense of humour :-)
Best wishes
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Creaseys is a way of describing guernsey
Ok for the old and infirm and very outdated in concept and personal mindset
May the exodus of young blood continue
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Headline should read “Shame she didn’t talk to us first… so we could blindly tell her she’s wrong”.
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TC can forget Mary Portas’ comments, as the real comments that should worry him are the ones posted on this forum.
It is quite clear that a sizeable part of the island do not think that Creaseys is relevant for them. They would love it to be a jewel in the Town, and other shops would benefit from having that keystone store bringing in shoppers at all times and attracting them away from internet shopping or trips to London/Southampton/Manchester etc.
Listen to your potential customer base!!
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Creasey’s is a classic example of what happens to a local business that is not faced with competetion.
It is complacent and as comfortable as an old pair of shoes. I don’t feel challenged when I go in and know exactly what I’ll find on display, rather like opening my sock drawer.
I saw some PR bumph in the Press today about a new shoe range. Hopefully that may go someway to improving the shop.
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Pony,
I’ve just been into Joules today and can’t see anything different from when the previous owners had it. The sales women offered to help me, and there was a greater amount off the UK price than before.
Why is it a “mish mash”? Why would Tom Joules be so upset?
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The point of the article, as I read it, was even if there are nice things available, they are hidden and not readily aparent. Yes loyal staff, some fashionable items may be stocked. But this is useless if it isn’t readily apparent to your average shopper.
For me, shopping is an experience. It is the ends, not the means. It is not good enough having a shop that is crammed full of goods. The shop itself must be enticing and a pleasure to visit. People must want to venture inside. After all, most of the things we buy are purchased on impulse, and not because we really need them.
Creasy’s may have a loyal following. But just look at the reaction on this blogg. Its customer base could be so much more. Given the lure and competition offered by internet shopping, this will only get worse as time progresses.
Mr Creasy, listen to your target market.
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Dear Matt
As I set up the till prices for the SS11 season before I sold, I’d just like to point out that the pricing policy of the Joules franchise is the same now as it was when I owned it. As the winter sale is still in progress it would be unfair of me to comment on specific prices that you saw being cheaper than before as these may well be substantially discounted.
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I am a 50 year old shopper and just lately I find Creaseys lay out is a mish mash, particularly on, what do they call it,fashion floor,the rails are full of items but perhaps too many, I look and walk out. I cannot wait to see where we end up with Waitrose/John Lewis coming to the island. John Lewis is a lovely store and hope they open up a shop here eventually, some healthy competition for Creaseys.
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Why not take a look at the department stores on our neighbouring Island of Jersey, and see Degruchy’s and Voisins. Although they own a bigger square footage and can hold more stock, they are modern and have a really good selection of desirable products, shopping in those stores is a pleasurable experience for me and I always come out with a shopping bag having spent money. I would love ‘Our Creasys’ to do same, Come on give us a shop to be proud of!
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I’m afraid I have to agree with many of Mary’s points like many of the other contributors to this blog. You only have to travel to Jersey to see what they have done with De Gruchy’s store to see how Creaseys could be improved, particularly on the 1st floor of the main High Street store. Concessions at De Gruchy’s such as Karen Millen, Oasis and Coast would be so welcomed here to provide fashionable affordable clothes, displayed in an attractive way to entice the shopper. I think the lingerie department is fine and the staff very helpful, but the cosmetics department could definitely do with updating – MAC would be a great addition. As for M & S, well I’m only hoping that when the former Woolworths store is opened and the M & S ladies department moves into High St that new buyers will be brought in to completely revamp this sadly outdated collection. If you visit the current store in Smith Street the whole of the first floor is so DULL – again, a visit to M & S in Jersey, or indeed anywhere in the UK, makes you realise quite how dreary the choice is here.
I have great respect for Tony Creasey – in fact I worked there years ago and know how well they treat the staff, but they are certainly not realising their full potential and I, like many others, will continue to shop on the internet and on shopping trips to the other island and the UK. Let’s hope Jonathon Creasey – the future of Creaseys – can see the bigger picture.
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Following the furore re Mary’s vist to Creaseys I made my frequent trip to the ladies’ fashion floor yesterday, looking at it with a critical eye. She is soooo right. Ok, all shops look grim with largely sale goods on display and this is no exception. I see the signage has been installed for LK Bennett and although I wish them luck I would be very surprised if this franchise is a success. I consider myself a shopper who is willing to pay for quality clothing however I always come away from the De Gruchy’s LK Bennett area feeling it is just too expensive (I would liken it to Jaeger – just trading on the name) and not good value for money. I would like to commend Creaseys on the addition of Jackpot.
As for the Jersey stores revamps. De Gruchys is indeed super however I think Voisins has been ruined with the removal of the beautiful centre staircase and all the clothes on the ground floor squashed together in a grotty nightclub atmosphere on the side. The first floor sells nothing of note for the midrange shopper at all. One addition there that would be welcomed in Guernsey I believe is goods from The White Company.
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I wonder what she would have made of one of Guernsey’s most popular shops .. Gabriels?
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Hmmm, I’ve often thought that Mary herself could do with a makeover when I’ve seen her on tv. Always looks a little harsh and could definitely do with giving the suit and tie a miss…
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Ode to Tony Creasey
Mary Mary, quite contrary -
how does your shopping go,and where have you been today?
You came to our shop and took a pop -
but are we downhearted, ever so, no.
We are complacent about replacement -
We like our rails, and outmoded styles,
and every thing stuffed in a row.
Our customers like us, the few we’ve got -
and if we changed, we’d be on the spot,
since we have THE High Street slot.
Of course we can’t change our ideas and themes -
to fit all those people without unlimited means.
Hang on, forgot, we are adding shoes -
L K Bennet for those who can chose,
from a high priced range and quality fine,
(and can be bought less 50% online).
What’s online -? ………….
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Thank you to all of you that have contributed to the debate on Creasey’s after the article by Mary Portas.
I hope Islanders will recognise that we have never stood still, the business has constantly evolved and will continue to do so in the future. However, clearly we need to work harder to demonstrate to you that we are not stuck in the past.
I would like to emphasize clearly that we welcome the “mystery shopper” aspect of Mary’s visit and my request to speak to her was not to water down her comments but to have an opportunity to hear from her about her ideas and thoughts. I have written to her and hope that she or her office might reply!
The responses clearly illustrate just how difficult it is to please all of the people all of the time and how diverse opinion is! Some recognise what a small market Guernsey is, even in comparison to Jersey. A number of brands are mentioned as desirable on the Island but it is frustrating that we have approached several of these over the years and they have no interest in coming here as the market is too small. Other brands are also suggested that are actually already here and sold by our competitors in the town!
The overwhelming view is that we should “listen to our customers and the people of Guernsey”. To that end we propose to organise some “Focus Groups” and have asked LR and D Ltd to organise these meetings and to act as facilitators, if you would like to join a group please send your contact details to tania@lrandd.com and put Creasey’s Focus Group in the subject line. Participation in the groups will be by a random selection from the names collected.
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Tony Creasey – thank you for responding and for taking on board the comments, and the undercurrent of supoort. Best of luck with the focus groups and the future of the store.
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Tony – I wouldn’t worry too much about Mary’s ‘expertise’. She dolled this out in bucketloads to the town of Tewkesbury for a BBC special. Two of the shop owners who took her advice have since closed. Maybe the GP should ring a few of the traders in Tewkesbury …. ? I reckon five phone calls and they’d have a story.
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Well done Mr Creasey for being pro-active about this. I would love to be involved in the focus group and have emailed as suggested. And, Tony, if you do ever fancy letting me get my hands on those window displays….
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Congratulations to Tony Creasey for being open minded enough to listen. It may be pleasant to walk around a ‘time warp’ shop but it does the shop owner, staff or local population no good when the actual shopping gets done elsewhere. ‘Evolve or die’ is the message Guernsey retailers need to take on board. Most people loved Gabriels but its demise was inevitable in the modern age.
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