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Post by carl1 on Oct 11, 2008 15:18:30 GMT
just heard from Tom at Hydra in Northampton that he and Carl from Cranfield are going into partnership and that Cranfield will be closing once Carl sells on the lease and that they will be opening a store next door to the GW shop in the Centre MK.
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Post by mike on Oct 13, 2008 8:17:49 GMT
Now that's gonna please GW no end ;D ;D
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Post by Matt on Oct 13, 2008 8:26:46 GMT
Shrewd positioning I say. Also saves me having to trek 5 miles from one end of MK to the other.
Also means Claire knows where she can find me if I go awol when we're shopping.
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Post by Mark Wightman on Oct 13, 2008 10:25:01 GMT
I'm not sure what to make of this. MK is certainly a better location than Cranfield, but I can't imagine the new store will be anything like as large as the old one, so bang goes what was great gaming location / tournament venue.
I'm also a little worried how GW will react. They've been known to cut off supplies to stores in close proximity to there own. I've been led to believe that they did this with both the old Bedford stores (Comics Unlimited and Maurice's store). Maurice's first shop was a particular bone of contention when it opened directly across the road.
However, we could pick up a couple of members, who could now make Monday evenings.
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Post by Mark Wightman on Oct 13, 2008 10:25:48 GMT
Also means Claire knows where she can find me if I go awol when we're shopping. You've not had the "chip" fitted yet then?
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Post by Matt on Oct 13, 2008 10:48:31 GMT
I'm booked in for the op when we get back off honeymoon ;D
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Post by terrywarden on Oct 13, 2008 12:12:43 GMT
It is a shame if it is closing as it is an excellent gaming venue; it has been a little to handy though as I seem to go on for a look needing nothing and come out several pounds poorer. But it has been areal bonus having a source of paints etc on the door step
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Post by mike on Oct 13, 2008 12:14:19 GMT
I'm also a little worried how GW will react. They've been known to cut off supplies to stores in close proximity to there own. I've been led to believe that they did this with both the old Bedford stores (Comics Unlimited and Maurice's store). Yep - I'd heard a rumour to that effect too I can't imagine the new store will be anything like as large as the old one, so bang goes what was great gaming location / tournament venue Guess we'll just have to wait for the new store to open on that one, although I suspect you're probably right - the rent in these big shopping centres can be astronomical
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Post by John on Oct 16, 2008 12:54:15 GMT
Interesting developement, can't blame Carl for wanting to share the load a bit running a store and online retailer single-handedly can't leave much time for other things.
I doubt GW will look to restrict stock, UK law is pretty clear in it's stance on the issue (thus why GW gave up it's policy of not selling to net only retailers). Will be interesting to see how it all pans out.
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Post by dave3 on Oct 16, 2008 16:00:05 GMT
yes, Tom told me about this too. I am not conviced of the business sense of it. As you say, where he is has got to be cheaper than MK, and a much bigger and better venue. I wouldn't have thought he would get any more customers than he already has, we are a bit of a niche market, which I would bet he has already reached the majority of in the area. I think it will all end in tears, which is a pity as we need a good gaming store. But good luck Carl, we will still support you. Dave
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Post by John on Oct 16, 2008 17:28:06 GMT
I can't imagine the new store will be anything like as large as the old one, so bang goes what was great gaming location / tournament venue Guess we'll just have to wait for the new store to open on that one, although I suspect you're probably right - the rent in these big shopping centres can be astronomical[/quote] Although I like the size of the Cranfield venue it has never been remotely near full when I have been even when Tournaments are being run. He could stock the same amount of stuff and still have space for 10 gaming tables in an area not more than half the size of the Cranfield venue. I think WargamesWorkshop still gets most of it's business through it's website, and Cranfield is a pretty poor place for a physical location (you'll only find the Cranfield store because you found the website or someone told you of it). Being in MK will at least expose them to a decent number of people, I'm not persuaded it's a good idea but tbh I'm not sure why WargamesWorkshop bothered opening a physical store to begin with
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Post by Matt on Oct 16, 2008 19:00:25 GMT
He does stock non-wargaming stuff too now. Last time we were in there Claire brought some stuff for presents.
I should imagine they'll get a fair amount of passing trade there. Whether its enough to pay the rent I guess we'll find out.
As for GW - Project Hydra may as well be next door to GW in Northampton as lets face it to get to GW you have to walk past Project Hydra. It has stopped me going to GW though as I often get the feeling your intruding when you walk into Project Hydra. Bit like the comic book shop in the program Spaced if anybody watched that.
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Post by terrywarden on Oct 17, 2008 14:56:09 GMT
We may be a bit premature with all this speculation I was having a little chat in the shop today and apparently there is still at least two and a half years to run on the current lease and not a lot of prospect of anyone taking it over in the current climate.
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Post by Matt on Oct 17, 2008 15:23:42 GMT
2.5 years should be enough time for Mr Wilkin to prepare for the emotional wrench of the move ;D
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Clousseau
Junior Member
The puppets are coming for ya...
Posts: 79
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Post by Clousseau on Oct 17, 2008 22:17:23 GMT
I have mixed feelings about this.
On one hand I've been a regular at WW on a Monday evening since carl opened, and gets very busy (though I agree there's not so many players around on a Saturday - just the 12 expected tomorrow). Carl has got me into skirmish games (Confrontation, Infinity & Hell Dorado) and I've made some good friends. With the new shop probably having very restricted gaming (as with GW MK) we lose a local tournament location apart from anything else. I won't comment on losing a gaming place as sure we can travel to Bedford/Northampton/Rushden/MK to play.
On the other hand Carl's probably reached saturation level where he is and would hope that the new location would increase business (though this will have to be substantial due to increased rates and probably needing to employ additional staff).
Whatever happens I'll continue to support Carl, but I'm secretly hoping it's closer to 2.5 years not 2.5 months until something happens.
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