JJ Lighting & Electrical - Home Electrical Centre

So, by now you all know Uglows has gone. And no doubt you also know that Tesco is taking their place. There was a rumour – a very flattering rumour – that we were going to be taking over Uglows old shop, and it makes good sense. In Station Road we have earned a reputation for good value and good service, and people will assume that this is what makes a business succeed.

But the biggest businesses in the UK never offer great service AND value…there is always a compromise. Perhaps 5 years ago, before the dark days of recession, we could have seriously contemplated such a move…but I fear the downturn we are now experiencing and the increased overheads may have seen us grow too quickly and buckle under the pressure. As much as we’d love to have expanded again, now is not the time. So you’ll have to put up with the supermarket giant. The thing is, people dislike companies like Tesco because they “kill small traders” – yet they still shop with them. At this time of increased costs and uncertain futures, its times like this that we need your support most.

I’ve heard people extol our virtues on so many levels. From buying a washing machine to simply helping them re-tune their TV. Yet they might still pick up a packet of batteries or some light bulbs whilst they are in the supermarket; never mind that we are cheaper and this is our trade. In actual fact if people only come to us for something big, it’s actually worse than if they came in for lots of little bits. It’ll be the same for most other shops in Station Road. Picking up some chicken breasts from Tesco instead of popping into Shaw’s the butcher, putting a six pack of beer in the basket rather than popping into the off licence opposite, grabbing a paper instead of going to one of the newsagents…or simply picking up some batteries whilst you wait in the queue. THAT is what will kill the High Street. If you want to do a “big shop” or grab some bits for dinner, well, that’s no different to using Almars, Budgens or the Co-op, that’s fine. Just don’t be tempted to “avoid the hassle” of going into other shops by picking up items you could get for less money or better quality, or simply get with a smile and a warm hello.

Look after us now, and when the good times return, we’ll take over the Co-Op or something

Mook.