Mundane News

[oldwheels]

If it's cooperative group store thats not technical true store mangers are allowed to order stock "off list" the difficulty is the fine balance of what sells in large enough amount to warrant the cost, shelf and shop floor space. Wastage after all go's on the store balance sheet so they get it in the neck either way. Some of the wastage figures can be eye watering and soon get noticed and with some blood and the carpet.

I was involved in retail as we had our own shop at one point and understand stocking problems.
In my distillery days I was also responsible for stock control with eye watering amounts of money involved.
I have been told by several different coop workers that they have no control over what is stocked and that all such decisions are made by Manchester. An isolated one could be badly informed but all from the local manager down cannot be wrong surely.
They have a relatively large section for example of ready meals which the majority of residents do not want. A whole aisle devoted to alcohol is definitely overkill. How many varieties of gin do you need for a resident population of about 1500 which includes outlying hamlets?
Marmite and vinegar to give two examples have recently been removed and yoghurt is in very small tubs sprinkled with gold dust judging by the price.
I recently bought carrots which can only be described as floor sweepings. Never again.
The whole ethos is for selling to tourists in holiday houses and to blazes with those who are permanent residents.

 

[Threevok]

Covid finaly caught up with me

 

[oldwheels]

Now raining again.
Knackered after sorting out most of my shopping and got my clothing unpacked and the washing machine has now finished for today at least. A duvet cover is waiting but was too large to get into the machine and no drying space left anyway. Fortunately I have several as we used to stock such things in our shop so no real rush. Same with towels and I really need to sort them out and 70% at least could go to the local fabric disposal.
Now watching the ravens playing again. They seem to like this weather but are not keen on calm cold days as they are not seen then.

 

[rockyroller]

You're going to need an umbrella - unless it's snow, in which case a very warm hat is advised.

yes, yesterday & last night was very wet indeed. this morning there's a coating on the unpaved surfaces. the temp is 4 degrees above freezing. the trails will be free of ice, but that layer of wet snow would make things interesting

a little after sunrise, out my back door

 

[tyred]

The keyboard was sent in error to the wrong address apparently and I can keep it if I want it.

My laptop is still with the courier apparently. Where are they dispatching it from? The wilds of Borneo?

 

[rockyroller]

Covid finaly caught up with me

tremendous inconvenience isn't it? protect the elders!

 

[rockyroller]

Apple crumble in the oven

yum! aside from blueberry that's one of my favorite deserts

 

[tyred]

A nice but stormy evening here. I uncovered my 205 and drove it around the yard a bit. Amazing how refined a proper 4 cylinder engine is compared to the hideous rough running VW 3 cylinder in the Skoda.

I had hoped to get someone to fix the front strut mounting and rear chassis rail properly but I spent so much time and money on the Czech patient plus ending up having to get an expensive dental implant mean it hasn't happened.

I'm undecided whether to look for a better 205 or get a Honda Jazz but I really want to get rid of the Fabia later in the year as it I just hate it and it's been nothing but trouble.

 

[Threevok]

tremendous inconvenience isn't it? protect the elders!

Incidently, is that you in the Avatar pic?

 

[Reynard]

Lovely luncheon of two slices of dark rye toast, one with smoked salmon & lemon, one with some really top-notch Stilton* cheese. Plus a pear, an apple and two

There was a brief rain shower while I was eating, but now the sun is out and Madam Poppy has decided to take a constitutional in the garden.

* It's actually the Tesco mid range (not Finest) Stilton, and it really is very good. Not too strong, not too salty, but with a lovely flavour and a texture that's both creamy and crumbly. I recommend this cheese to the house.

 

[Reynard]

Covid finaly caught up with me

Mend quickly @Threevok

 

[Threevok]

Lovely luncheon of two slices of dark rye toast, one with smoked salmon & lemon, one with some really top-notch Stilton* cheese. Plus a pear, an apple and two

There was a brief rain shower while I was eating, but now the sun is out and Madam Poppy has decided to take a constitutional in the garden.

* It's actually the Tesco mid range (not Finest) Stilton, and it really is very good. Not too strong, not too salty, but with a lovely flavour and a texture that's both creamy and crumbly. I recommend this cheese to the house.

I recently discovered Shropshire Blue. Got it from Aldi. Can't believe I've missed that one for so long.

 

[tom73]

I was involved in retail as we had our own shop at one point and understand stocking problems.
In my distillery days I was also responsible for stock control with eye watering amounts of money involved.
I have been told by several different coop workers that they have no control over what is stocked and that all such decisions are made by Manchester. An isolated one could be badly informed but all from the local manager down cannot be wrong surely.
They have a relatively large section for example of ready meals which the majority of residents do not want. A whole aisle devoted to alcohol is definitely overkill. How many varieties of gin do you need for a resident population of about 1500 which includes outlying hamlets?
Marmite and vinegar to give two examples have recently been removed and yoghurt is in very small tubs sprinkled with gold dust judging by the price.
I recently bought carrots which can only be described as floor sweepings. Never again.
The whole ethos is for selling to tourists in holiday houses and to blazes with those who are permanent residents.

Not saying you don't understand the financials of stock. You no doubt had a sound hold of costs and supply. For many years the co-op had none. As with all parts of the group change had to happen once Guy was bought into food it was like breath of fresh air. Working with him was totally different things got done. Sadly he's now left and not every thing is going for the better. Are thing perfect no , are things still in room for improvement yes. They will stock what sells and is on trend like every other seller. Lines have been cut in every store same as every other retailer ever higher costs are driving even deeper changers. Overall store layout and format is standard but they can order off list if they know it will sell. Sounds like they've not work out how you do it without ringing too many alarm bells.
I understand people issues with local stores it was a constant matter of members concerns and many an hour of board time spent on dealing with it. I'm not here to defend or encourage I was just trying to be helpful and pointing out stock can be changed be it at a small level.

 

[biggs682]

yum! aside from blueberry that's one of my favorite deserts

The first servings were nice with some custard

 

[Reynard]

That's the wood bins in the house topped up. Madam Poppy has returned from her stroll in the hortus.