One less reason to visit the high street!

[Mr Mystery]

Well, as the title says really. HMV are going into Administration.

The only reason left to head into town is GW, and Tescos.

Only place left to get DVDs is now Blockbuster.

I r depressed

[Psychosplodge]

It's their own fault really, their pricing has no bearing on reality, the prices in the anime section are ridiculous when I can buy from several other outlets a full series for what they price three or four episodes...

Or the Albums are completely overpriced. They'd have been better pileing it high and selling cheap. It doesn't help that the record companies still haven't adjusted to the change in the market either.

Knew it was coming though, they owe one of our customers a sh!tload of money.

[Asymmetrical Xeno]

Havent been there in years, they rarely ever sold the kind of music I liked - and if I could order it from them they would be just overpriced (25 quid for 1 cd!). I also agree with Psychosplodge on the anime section - crunchyroll ftw!

[Mr Mystery]

Oh I quite agree. In my opinion, they attempted to abuse their 'last man standing' position on the high street.

[Wolfshade]

It is innevitable; adapt or die, they didn't adapt and now they died

[Deadlift]

I think any business that specialises in DVD, Music and Games and operates on the high street is now fighting a retail battle they just can't win. I don't know about you guys but anything I want to play, read, watch or listen to I can download it or order it online and have it delivered for much cheaper than HMV could ever sell to me. Whilst the selection of products were quite good, again they just could not compete with the availability and convenience the Internet.
I don't think it helped that HMV also tended to employ a certain type who I personally found rather irritating and the staff seemed to care more about how cool and alternative they looked as opposed to giving good customer service.

[Mr Mystery]

I dunno man. Online shopping has it's obvious perks, but there is no replacement for a good old fashioned 'I'm bored' browse.

I discovered an awesome Scots band call Saor Patrol (pipe, drum, lekky guitar. Awesome!) just by nosing around my local HMV. Same with forgotten about films. Not only do they tend to be distant memories, but also relatively cheap. This provokes the impulse buy, something I'm noted for! Online shopping just can't replicate this unfortunately. Plus, seeing as the two main online retailers are less than reputable when it comes to paying their taxes (Amazon being the worst offender) I'm kind of loathe to give them any of my hard earned, heavily taxed cash anyway.

So yeah, if HMV go completely (and that's not necessarily a given to be absolutely fair, experts on the Beeb seem to think it will survive in a restructured, slimmed down manner) I'll be left with WH Smiths (hopeless) and Blockbuster (teetering on destruction) for my impulse buys. Poor high street, how I mourn thee.

[Psychosplodge]

See I see your point DL about being able to get "everything" online, but I agree with mystery, you simply cannot replicate the random browse on a bored saturday afternoon.
Staffwise I don't expect much at all from shop staff, as long as they put **** through the till quickly as opposed to standing scratching their arse trying to remember how to add up I'm happy, happiness being inversely proportional to time spent queueing...

[Wildeybeast]

See I see your point DL about being able to get "everything" online, but I agree with mystery, you simply cannot replicate the random browse on a bored saturday afternoon.
Staffwise I don't expect much at all from shop staff, as long as they put **** through the till quickly as opposed to standing scratching their arse trying to remember how to add up I'm happy, happiness being inversely proportional to time spent queueing...

See, I think this is where they missed a trick. They were never going to compete with internet prices or product range, so they needed another USP. Service could have been it. Knowledgeable well trained staff, offering you a 'if you like that, try this' service or advice on purchases (especially to clueless older folk over the Xmas period). I for one think this might be a good thing for the high street as it could lead to the rise of some old fashioned independent record stores.

[Psychosplodge]

I for one just wish they'd stop wasting space in the metal section with black veil brides, bring me the horizon, trivial, etc...

[Wolfshade]

There were two things that I had issues with, the unwillingness to stock alternative music, I waited 6 months for them to supply a copy of one of Tiamat's albumn just to be told that they would never fulfill it and then there was this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/20079554

Bosses say they are keen for "individuals to express personalities" but also want to balance that against the "expectations of our customers".
Obviously for HMV bosses they expect customers to hide body art and not wear jeans...

Of course online shopping is great while you have post delievered to you. If we get to a situation that we no longer have post coming through our doors instead we would have to visit our post box then it is just as inconvient as having to visit a shop...

[Deadlift]

Economists are all agreement that these "zombie" business's when they do go to the wall will leave room for the more competative like for like business's to thrive. Basically cutting out the deadwood from the high street such as HMV, Comet and Jessops will make room for those that can and do thrive now. The knock on effect will strengthen high street economic recovery.

As for those here who enjoyed browsing in HMV looking for new music etc, I sympathise but you can still "virtually" do the same on sites like iTunes. Independent record stores are also very cool for searching out for new and rare music.

I feel for the staff, despite my personal feelings on HMVs customer standards.

[Wolfshade]

The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire

;)

[Psychosplodge]

As for those here who enjoyed browsing in HMV looking for new music etc, I sympathise but you can still "virtually" do the same on sites like iTunes. Independent record stores are also very cool for searching out for new and rare music.

It's not really the same though...

[Deadlift]

It's not really the same though...

No it's better, if you do discover new band or artist, online you can sample all of the music they have produced at a touch of a button. You don't have to feel embarrassed when making a purchase you know most will s****** at including the sales staff, as in my case the official soundtrack to "Home Alone 2"

It really is a fantastic Christmas album ;)

[Psychosplodge]

>_<

Well if you will buy stuff like that...lol
seriously though I just don't find the urge to sit and page through a couple of thousand results online, whereas I'll go and paw through CDs while waiting for the missus to browse dvds or somat...

[Wolfshade]

No!

You are doing it wrong, what you have to do list let Radio1 (or other stations) tell you what to like and listen to.

[DrLove42]

Economists are all agreement that these "zombie" business's when they do go to the wall will leave room for the more competative like for like business's to thrive. Basically cutting out the deadwood from the high street such as HMV, Comet and Jessops will make room for those that can and do thrive now. The knock on effect will strengthen high street economic recovery.


My problem with this is that the only reason they aren't "competitve" on the high street is because of superstores like Asda and Tescos undercutting them massivly.

In the future the hgih street will just be superstores like ASDA and Tescos because no one else can compete with the losses they take on release.

[Deadlift]

And if that's what the consumer wants, well who can argue against it. If you like it or not it's a competative world out there. There's a reason why struggling business's are struggling. It's supply and demand and if these supermarkets can supply goods that we want under one roof, more conveniently and for cheaper than they are bound to succeed where others are failing. We can't blame these huge business's like Tescos and Sainsburys for putting others out of business. They are not its the shoppers that are making that choice. I personally can't blame them either. True I like to support some of my local business's. The butcher and I at the local farm shop are now good friends, and of course the local micro brewery's are a favorite of mine too. But we mustn't forget that these supermarkets actually do support some local business's too by stocking local produce. I know my sainsburys does.
Were living in a world were supply, demand and cost rule on the high street.

[Mr Mystery]

Indeed, having been made redundant myself no less than three times, I have nothing but sympathy for the staff of HMV. Hardly their fault it's gone horribly wrong.

But we the consumer hold the power. And it's simple economics from there. Do I pay £10 in Tesco for the latest DVD, or the £17 HMV want for it? Hmm. I wonder.

I do tend to buy in shops more than online though, for the already covered reason of browsing, but also because I'm stuck in my ways. No objection to online supplies, just not really for me!

Still, I'm hoping something can be arranged, and HMV rescued from utter collapse! You see, in my town we have Sainsbury, Asda and Morrisons all selling the latest DVDs, but nothing older. CEX offer a limited range, but either have it or don't. Little chance of it being ordered in. Blockbuster? Yeah I still rent from them now and again. But without HMV, that's all I'll have choice wise.

Think I might be going back to Netflix and Lovefilm....

[Deadlift]

No!

You are doing it wrong, what you have to do list let Radio1 (or other stations) tell you what to like and listen to.

To be fair Radio 1 does and always has championed alternative new music, just not in the day time, John Peel was always a great DJ for doing just that. Radio 1 isn't just about pop music and never has been.

[Psychosplodge]

Haven't they done away with the late night specialist stuff now though?

[DrLove42]

Its all pushed to the digital stations now.

Radio 1 in itself is largely just shiity dance and RnB all day now

[Asymmetrical Xeno]

John Peel was indeed awesome - only bloke that had the balls to play industrial stuff, still remember that Godflesh session he did - I believe he used to love playing Laibach too :D speaking of, http://thespace.org/items/e0000fq0?t=6mj4 made me grin XD

For digital I use 7Digital, much better than itunes and amazon - none of that turgid Client Software or DRM tripe.

For selling digital though I prefer bandcamp as you make most of the profits. Far more artist-friendly than going through itunes or whatever. Heres my page : http://ionplasmaincineration.bandcamp.com/

I still prefer buying CD's though for the most part, and I will buy them over digital if possible since I know how difficult it is to even break-even if you've spent the cash to put one out.

[Deadlift]

Its all pushed to the digital stations now.

Radio 1 in itself is largely just shiity dance and RnB all day now

All day maybe, but not all the time,
Gilles Peterson, Mary Anne Hobbs and Annie Nightingale all play new music all the time, on the TV too the Beeb never let's us down. I love Jools Holland. But to say R1 is crap RnB, pop and dance all the time is wrong and misinformed. You just need to be awake at stupid o clock to hear it.

[Mr Mystery]

I'll never understand why Radio 1 has a playlist. It's not commercial or for profit, so why bother with one at all? What does it achieved, other than a daytime schedule filled with cack music?

[Wolfshade]

I used to listen to the Radio 1 Rock Show, years ago, then it turned into an alt.indie thing with a lot of stuff played not being rock let alone metal.

[DrLove42]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21043693

OT, Blockbusters just went into Administration as well

[alshrive]

just came to add this and have been beaten to it!

[Denzark]

I can't fault Tesco for loss-leading. I will vote with my wallet.

[alshrive]

a combination of Tesco and Netflix and Lovefilm will have caused this I think. Mr Mystery will not be pleased as he stated Blockbuster was the last place to get DVD's. Tesco for me is always a let down as we don't have a gigantic super tesco in my town and so i can only buy a film if it is in the charts, and then they NEVER get 3d blu rays in! :(

[Wolfshade]

I am planning on trying to see what Lovefilm is like streamed through my Wii, if it is good enough then it is time to say good bye to my DVD rental

[DrLove42]

The US side of Blockbusters folded years ago. I'm suprised that the UK branch has survived this long.

But when the choice is £5 a month for Netflix, an unlimited supply of films or £4 for a DVD for 4 days....its pretty easy to see why Blockbusters have gone

Wolfie, I cna vouch for Netflix. Its apparantly better than Lovefilm according to people who've tried both

Or in the Uk you can try the sky one...bizbox or something. its £15 but has a lot more new releases

[Wolfshade]

I am just concerned about the resolution as the Wii isn't particuallarly high res so the stream might not be. I don't have an interenet TV so I want to use my 2hrs online through love film to test it out.

[alshrive]

I have both Netflix and Lovefilm subscriptions and find that I do actually use both... (preference is Netflix though because it has the cheesier films we all enjoy!)

[Mr Mystery]

Prefer Netflix.

Nowtv is terrible. No HD streaming, constant connection errors, and quality somehow lower than VHS!

And yeah. Double Bah! At Blockbuster'

[Deadlift]

Blockbusters just gone into administration.

[alshrive]

Blockbusters just gone into administration.

read above.....

[Wildeybeast]

The US side of Blockbusters folded years ago. I'm suprised that the UK branch has survived this long.

But when the choice is £5 a month for Netflix, an unlimited supply of films or £4 for a DVD for 4 days....its pretty easy to see why Blockbusters have gone

Wolfie, I cna vouch for Netflix. Its apparantly better than Lovefilm according to people who've tried both

Or in the Uk you can try the sky one...bizbox or something. its £15 but has a lot more new releases

As always, the Onion has something suitably humorous for this that sums up exactly why BB have gone to the wall.

http://www.theonion.com/video/historic-blockbuster-store-offers-glimpse-of-how-m,14233/

[Fizzybubela]

Meh. I'm not much of a going out person anyway so it doesn't matter to me. Do all my shopping online.

[Psychosplodge]

Radio 1 in itself is largely just shiity dance and RnB all day now

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/430861_532471703459831_49422570_n.jpg

[Wolfshade]

I am so glad that I don't have radio at work :)

[eldargal]

What I hope happens:

All the big chains disappear, high street rents plummet, lots of boutique stores offering things that no one else does move in and we get vibrant, idiosyncratic high streets in our cities instead of every single one having the same damn shops selling the same stupid rubbish. Stupid rubbish that you can buy online cheaper.

[Wolfshade]

I am lucky in Birmingham we do have these sorts of shops that are just off the main streets. Indeed the whole Jewellery Quarter is filled with such artisan shops selling bespoke crafted Jewellery

[eldargal]

That's good to know. Might have to check out the jewelry quarter. If I ever go to Birmingham and remember, that is.:rolleyes:

[Wolfshade]

Yeah, they realised that they had two options, they could try and compete with the mass producers like H Samuel or become small and bespoke, some went one way others the other and now we are left with the bespoke shops, which is kinda cool as if you have enough money you can walk into a shop and say I want you to make this design with these stones and they can do it.

I also know a silversmith, which I always think would be useful but I have yet to come up with a reason why...

[Psychosplodge]

Hunting werewolves? But you'd need to know an armourer too...

[Godless Zealot]

What I hope happens:

All the big chains disappear, high street rents plummet, lots of boutique stores offering things that no one else does move in and we get vibrant, idiosyncratic high streets in our cities instead of every single one having the same damn shops selling the same stupid rubbish. Stupid rubbish that you can buy online cheaper.

This is slowly starting to happen in my local high street, hopefully a sign for the future.

[Mr Mystery]

Brighton is good for that too.

Pantiles in T Wells is getting there, if a little high end.

[Wildeybeast]

Derby city centre survived the invasion of the borg cube that is a Westfield centre and the subsequent exodus of all the major stores to it by re-branding, getting in more boutique stores and less well known chains and now has a pretty decent selection of shops

[Psychosplodge]

The borg cube XD
You do have an epic waterstones...

[Wolfshade]

The only fact I know regarding Derby involves the Derby British Rail works clock chimes...

[Wildeybeast]

Our Waterstones is pretty nice, a lovely rambling three story building with regular author visits. Do tell more Wolfie...

[Wolfshade]

Do tell more Wolfie...

http://assets.diylol.com/hfs/731/d76/8b6/resized/fry-can-t-tell-meme-generator-can-t-tell-if-being-sarcastic-or-serious-e1372a.jpg

Well, the clock bell was cast by Joseph Smith of Edgbaston in 1717 weighing 4 and an half hundred weight, with a 28.25" diameter. It was originally a tower bell for parish I grew up in, though before I was born. Some time after 1893 it was transferred to the Derby Works when it replaced by Charles Carr.

[Wildeybeast]

I was being serious. An interesting piece of local history.

[Mr Mystery]

Local history for Tunbridge Wells?

Shane 'Pogued' McGowan was born here, Tom Baker frequents the town centre, Algy out The Damned, The Saints and Tank lives here (I've played Trivial Pursuits with him, which was odd) and Sid Vicious went to school here, and used to hang around the graveyard my flat backs on to.