stalbanslife

On August 9^th, Borders Bookstore in Colney Fields (south of St Albans) will close down. It has been operating here since April 2005 and has Starbucks Café and Paperchase on its premises. These too will clear out as New Look fashion ftore prepares to move in.

The closure is a consequence the recession and some other factors. The employees are clearly shocked, angry and dismal about the whole situation. The residents of St Albans and surrounding areas are also saddened by this news. One customer expressed his views:

‘It is a place one loves to come and spend an hour browsing through the book shelves, and then spend another hour reading over a Starbucks coffee.’

The 50% sale has been drawing many people in to get the last of the bargains. Many books are now reduced to £1. The children’s section upstairs is normally a cosy, colourful and welcoming corner. Today it is a desolate, deserted scene. Downstairs looks like it’s been hit by a bomb!

Borders will continue operating in nearby Watford and Brent Cross. For how long though, is another question!

For more details and to see the store’s closure notice, visit http://londoncolney.borders.co.uk/store/londoncolney/22/

St Albans-based ABA Market Research is calling on city residents to have their say on shopping at major high-street stores. Experts in retail research, ABA is looking for people to join their panels and voice their opinions on everything from retailers’ national advertising campaigns to the window displays in the local branch.  So, do you think your opinions could help them to improve what the big hitters in the retail world sell in their shops and how they do it? Anyone that is interested in joining a panel will either be paid in cash or entered into a cash prize draw. Just register online at www.abapanel.co.uk, or pop in to see ABA on its ‘Cashback for Comments’ open day, on Wednesday 15 July, and pick up some information about being a panellist. ABA is right next door to The Peahen on London Road. Refreshments will be available along with the chance to see what some of the existing panellists get out of participating. It only takes a couple of minutes to register and panellists are free to turn down any involvement that isn’t convenient to them.

This is the slogan of Little Wonders, the toy store that has deservedly won the 2009 Retailer of the Year award. It is one of the few specialist shops around that has a vast stock of original, ethical and high-quality toys.

This little gem is located in the Maltings precinct. Their wooden toys, tables, chairs, games etc are bright, solid and have that nostalgic ‘forever yours’ feel about them.

Like all our local small businesses, it depends on customers. The enticing window display is worth seeing and it’s like a treasure chest inside. The staff are genuinely helpful and when I asked the owner, Andy, if he would like to give a public message, this was his reply;

‘Please come to our store. It’s about the experience of traditional, honest, long-lasting toys. You are paying for the play value, rather than the modern TV licence disposable.’

Proudly stating that these toys are rather unique and hard to find elsewhere, Andy went on the say ‘We try and source as much as we can from Europe and the UK because it gets higher manufacturing standards and ethical production.’

So, next time you are on your way to Costa Café, let your child drag you through the door of this magical store and treat them to a bit of long lasting joy!

There is more information about the Retailer of the Year Awards 2009 on www.stalbansreview.co.uk

Open your senses to the Cellar Door Wine shop.

The Verulam Industrial Estate in St Albans is the location of the award winning Cellar Door Wines shop. Opened five years ago, this independent wine retailer has won the Independent Wine Retailer of the Year 2008 award.

It is run by two friendly brothers, Peter and Miles Lilliott, who are passionate about their wines. Not only have they gone great lengths to source excellent and affordable wines from around the world, but they also have the principal of sourcing it from smaller, conscientious producers.

The store has a relaxing, modern ambiance, offering 6 wines for tasting and fresh coffee. Recommendations are given and free local delivery is provided. They offer over 400 wines to cater for all taste buds.

Peter Lilliott, in his relaxed Australian accent, explained to me that their passion for wines has been inherited from their background. They have a boutique, family vineyard in Hunters Valley, Australia for over thirteen years.

‘We want to blend traditional service levels with a modern look and feel in store.’

They have definitely accomplished their goals and the local feedback is very positive.

Information;

*          Opening times; Monday – Saturday; 10am – 8pm, Sunday; 12pm – 4pm

*          Free customer parking

*          Corporate Gifts, Hampers and events planning

*          Discount on mixed cases

*          Address; Verulam Industrial Estate, St Albans, AL1, UK

*          Tel; 01727 854 488

*          Website; www.cellardoorwines.co.uk

It was a sad day last month for the people of St Albans when one of their beloved shops, Woolworths, closed for the last time.

They said goodbye to the Pick n Mix, the toys, the cards and all those other interesting items which occupied this colourful store.

I spoke to an elderly couple who attended the closing down sale and asked what this means to them.

The lady replied ‘We have been coming here for so many years. This is where I come for my cotton reels and other sewing items. Now I am not sure where to get all those kind of things in one store. We are very sad about this store closing down. I hope they open another department store in its place.’

Children loved Woolworths for its happy atmosphere and well displayed variety of toys. Woolworth’s products were affordable and fun! Woolworth’s vouchers were a favourite amongst many families.

It was said that the closing of this store would have happened eventually, with or without the credit crunch. Whatever the reason, and whatever our taste in shopping, it is rather sad to pass the empty store on St Peter’s street. A piece of history has passed with it.