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General Category => Politics, Philosophy, News and/or Current Affairs => Topic started by: Thrash on September 24, 2015, 09:22:17 PM

Title: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on September 24, 2015, 09:22:17 PM
Let's start here; I'll add a LOT more:
http://www.ratemyjob.com/leadership/22489/17-leadership-fails-that-ruined-good-companies#slide/0 (http://www.ratemyjob.com/leadership/22489/17-leadership-fails-that-ruined-good-companies#slide/0)
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: MacGirlver on September 25, 2015, 05:37:00 AM
I probably have mild PTSD from working at Movie Gallery. They sank hard about 2 months after I was unfairly fired.
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Tru on September 25, 2015, 10:29:45 AM
Let's start here; I'll add a LOT more:
http://www.ratemyjob.com/leadership/22489/17-leadership-fails-that-ruined-good-companies#slide/0 (http://www.ratemyjob.com/leadership/22489/17-leadership-fails-that-ruined-good-companies#slide/0)

I've been part of a half dozen companies that bit dirt. Welcome to my life. Never been the leader of one. I have a bunch of useless stock though.
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on September 28, 2015, 04:13:56 PM
Almost ALL stock is useless these days ...
... if not at the moment, I'm sure it all will be useless soon enough
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on October 13, 2015, 12:02:23 PM
Let's start here, I have a LOT more to add ...
http://www.aroundme.com/sightseeing/11705/15-retro-photos-of-popular-stores-from-around-america (http://www.aroundme.com/sightseeing/11705/15-retro-photos-of-popular-stores-from-around-america)
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Zoomie on October 21, 2015, 09:27:16 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHA Tru buys meatball subs at Walmart...
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Tru on October 22, 2015, 01:14:07 AM
HAHAHAHAHAHA Tru buys meatball subs at Walmart...

No ham and swiss, seriously they are better than Subway's.

Hey, I don't remember posting about that here?
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on October 22, 2015, 11:47:19 PM
I was looking for it too ...
It must have been in one of those articles ...
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Tru on October 30, 2015, 09:28:44 PM
>>I was looking for it too ...<<

There was a post on youtube where a girl complained about how skimpy Subways is today and I recounted my latest experience (last month) with Subway and compared their sub to Walmarts prefabbed subs and fucking Walmart won!

Guess he came across that comment. I can't even remember the video I was commenting on but I remember the post. 
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on November 04, 2015, 02:24:42 PM
Subway is kind of phoning in the ingredients these days ...

Publix subs here are the fucking bomb!
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on May 28, 2018, 03:11:51 PM
And here's some more, mostly north/northeast ... I grew up with a lot of these ...
https://www.metv.com/lists/7-discount-stores-from-back-in-the-day-you-probably-forgot-existed
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on May 28, 2018, 03:15:42 PM
Five+Dimes ...
https://www.metv.com/lists/9-five-and-dime-stores-we-wish-were-still-around
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Tru on May 28, 2018, 05:14:46 PM
I remember Kress and Newberry's from when I was a kid, they were a block apart in the middle of town. I was always impressed by the curved glass windows at the entrance of Kress's and the fallout shelter sign on the lamp post in front of the store. The sign is still there.

Newberry's had a counter for soda's and ice cream and I always tried to hit my mom up every time were went there. Most of the building is abandoned today but the ground floor is a pizza place. 
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on May 28, 2018, 11:28:19 PM
This site is good too, however, it needs a lot of corrections ...
http://thecaldorrainbow.blogspot.com
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on May 28, 2018, 11:31:03 PM
I remember Kress and Newberry's from when I was a kid, they were a block apart in the middle of town. I was always impressed by the curved glass windows at the entrance of Kress's and the fallout shelter sign on the lamp post in front of the store. The sign is still there.

Newberry's had a counter for soda's and ice cream and I always tried to hit my mom up every time were went there. Most of the building is abandoned today but the ground floor is a pizza place. 
I think it's interesting how they "recycle" the old buildings/spaces ...
Or demolish them and rebuild ... The ones in ruins typically are there in ruins because
of building codes, wiring codes, asbestos, and other factors to where it's not profitable
to fix and rerent them out again ... Thus, they sit in disrepair ...
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Tru on May 28, 2018, 11:55:28 PM
They built a new KFC about a half mile from my house, the parking lot is always empty. Not surprising since they charge $2 plus tax and a takeout fee for one piece of chicken.
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on May 29, 2018, 02:01:36 AM
Takeout fee?
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Tru on May 29, 2018, 12:11:03 PM
10 cents for the bag.
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on May 31, 2018, 11:32:33 PM
Oh, yeah ...
I pay for bags every time I'm in Cali ...
I forgot about that one ...

PS: I love the "99¢ Store" in Cali ...
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Tru on June 10, 2018, 05:58:45 AM
About Newberry's, that building is I believe three stories, but at least two with prominent windows. But none of the upper floors were ever available to the public. There was no indication that they were ever rented out. And it's the same today. Bottom floor rented, upper floors not accessible to the public. Mysterious maybe what goes on on those upper floors eh?
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on June 10, 2018, 11:32:45 AM
D&L was like that ...
2 middle floors were retail, lower level was offices ...
They had a third level they meant for retail; it was storage ...
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Tru on June 11, 2018, 03:14:59 PM
In this case there are either three floors, or the second floor has amazingly high ceilings.  If it does have a third floor, there are no windows in it. Really strange. 
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on June 12, 2018, 07:37:14 PM
It could be as I said ...
Or vaulted ceilings ...
Take a look sometime ...
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on December 12, 2020, 04:15:26 PM
Wow, talk about a site for this stuff ...
This is about Bradlees/Stop&Shop ...
... (the whole site is great; I've spot-used it, just never fully explored it)
http://pleasantfamilyshopping.blogspot.com/search/label/Bradlees
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Tru on December 12, 2020, 04:40:16 PM
Go get em cowboy!
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on December 12, 2020, 05:22:55 PM
I've always been HUGE into retail history ...
I have no idea why; I just always have been ...
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on December 16, 2020, 08:51:51 PM
Walk-Thru of on old Ames ...
Check it out at 32:00!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T0x1OuzkBc
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on December 16, 2020, 09:32:05 PM
Or this Kmart ....
Check it out at about 25:00 ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CBlJK6PE98
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Tru on December 17, 2020, 04:36:28 PM
Quote
Check it out at 32:00!
The guys a fucking millennial pussy ass, afraid of his shadow who doesn't know what to record. Spends all his time on toys, crap and garbage.

There is some good stuff in there though.
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on December 18, 2020, 11:21:09 PM
I was referring to the Corvette and Porsche just rotting away ...
Let alone the other cars as well ....
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Tru on December 19, 2020, 12:43:14 AM
I had that same model Jag, I hated that it had the square plastic headlights instead of the iconic round glass and hood line, I only kept it a very short while.  The Porsche looked like it was in fair shape. (I think they are ugly though)

I thought you were referring to the creepy mannequin.
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on December 19, 2020, 01:42:42 AM
That was just funny ...
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 07, 2022, 10:37:06 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za44YpyTK_U
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 07, 2022, 10:55:20 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79CwOt2tZxk
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 07, 2022, 10:56:04 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRoo_tiZnYk
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 07, 2022, 11:18:01 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkWvNs0sPLA&t=298s
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 07, 2022, 11:30:23 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEhcD0VomKE
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 07, 2022, 11:36:57 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78MH187m-bQ
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 11, 2022, 03:02:49 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNSPl4YsQQ8
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 11, 2022, 03:34:51 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG4z89WH0vs
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 11, 2022, 03:35:18 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJTKtkqSEVs
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 11, 2022, 05:00:10 PM
RadioShack.Com goes to a Crypto Page now ...
Quote
Bringing Cryptocurrency To The Mainstream

RadioShack is a 100 year old brand embedded into the global consciousness… and we are going to lead the way for blockchain tech to reach mainstream adoption by other large brands.
... interesting (http://www.radioshack.com)
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Emperor Reagan on January 12, 2022, 10:04:20 AM
RadioShack is the only one of these that I actually miss.

All of their electronics kits were awesome. I remember playing with them as a kid, I had one of those 75-in-1 or 150-in-1 or whatever electronics kits. They had tons of great electronics kits over the years as maker spaces took off, too.

Their TVs and other home electronics were always too expensive, but they had better stock of accessories than anyone else. And they were all over the place, so you didn't have to go find a specialty electronics shop.

I did buy a ton of random parts kits when they closed at least.
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 13, 2022, 07:52:31 AM
I learned the basics of electronics with one of those "breadboard" kits ...
Overall, they were a little expensive and a lot of their stuff was just rebranded ... For example, the scanners were all Uniden, just rebranded ... The CBs were the same ...
I worked in one of their stores during peak, and their markups were insane ... Each store was built independently to the Tandy corporation ... This made it to profit levels, one to Tandy, and one to the store ...
A good example, a simple watch battery, it cost them about 14 to 18 cents, but they charged $4 in the stores ... That was the cost that Tandy levied to the stores, so what did it cost Tandy; probably about a dime ...

Everything in that store had the dual markup ...
The first one being what Tandy charged the stores, then the second being what the stores charged us consumers ...
They definitely had profits down to a science ...

PS; I really miss Bradlees as well ...
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Emperor Reagan on January 17, 2022, 05:08:33 PM
Seeing pricing markups at my job makes me a little nuts sometimes. I'll get pricing from a vendor and the part might cost us $35. We pass it through at $350 list/MSRP.  That usually gets negotiated down, so might sell it for only a 6-7x markup instead of 10x.

I've gotten list pricing direct from Chinese manufacturers for some parts. The markups can be pretty astounding.
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 18, 2022, 01:32:08 PM
Well, MSRP is a joke itself ...
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Emperor Reagan on January 18, 2022, 04:32:27 PM
Yeah. And then you can go down the rabbit hole of how much business and accounting are straight bullshit in general and wonder how our society even stays afloat.






Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 19, 2022, 12:45:13 AM
Seriously, I agree with that ....

But, MSRP is just for show ...
MSRP=$100
Our Price=$60
Get %X0 more off of MSRP with XXXXX Coupon!=
How can you justify $100 for this item selling RETAIL for half that, or less?

It's all a con-job, bro ....
All of "big business" is ....
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Emperor Reagan on January 19, 2022, 12:01:14 PM
Yeah.

Some of it is a relic of having a lot of sales people/middlemen taking a cut of things. We still have that in my industry; manufacturers sell through independent sales reps. They negotiate the price of the equipment with a contractor and then buy it from us for a standard multiplier - say 65% of list price. The closer they get to list price, the more commission they make.

I've always thought this was a con; the sales people really don't add much. Most of what they bring to the table is a demand for additional overhead and profit.

Those intermediaries have been forced out of most industries, so there's really no reason for the farce to continue other than the con. It's interesting to look at Target vs. Walmart, for instance. Walmart actually operates at much lower profit margins than Target - whether you look at gross, net, or operating. There's ultimately a really good reason that Walmart's yearly revenue is so much higher than Target's: they're ripping customers off less. You see the same thing at other companies like Costco or Aldi or Lidl, where they operate with slimmer profit margins (and all of the stupid tactics like 60% off door buster sales!).
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on January 20, 2022, 08:36:31 PM
That's actually a good point ...
We have places like Walmart, Target, and Amazon BECAUSE the "middleman" isn't present (or even necessary) anymore ...

Bradlees FAILED because they bought everything on "credit", sold it for 100% profit, and sold old inventory on 'clearance' for 40%-50% off
(break even) to pay the credit the suppliers extended to them (and burn off old inventory to make room for updated inventory) ... Walmart came in and bought everything in bulk outright from the same suppliers (give or take) ... The suppliers said "if they can do it, so can you", and with tightened credit limits the stores couldn't secure merchandise ... I get it; why "give it away", risking supply deficits, when you have a company that buys it outright (that you don't have to worry about collecting on)?

This is where the "middleman" started to fade away ...
The internet delivered more crushing blows to the middleman ....

I saw it in a few of my clients ... One was an AC supply company that operated out of a small office ...
They were simply brokers when you needed to be "registered" and "licensed" to distribute certain goods from certain suppliers ...
Enter - The Internet ---> Get anything you want from anywhere, anytime ...
Guess where the clients went ... And where those "elite distributors" went ... Hmmm ...

Distributors made more money selling direct to client, the client saved money with no middleman ....
Then ... BOOM! .... Amazon took over everything ....

Hmmm ...
Well, maybe not quite that cut-and-dry ....
But it's not too far off from how it all eventually ended up today ...
Title: Re: Defunct Retail/Bad Retail Decisions
Post by: Thrash on April 01, 2023, 10:38:55 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDLANSoAdjM