Superquinn Ballinteer vs. their tenants

Red Alert

I was in Superquinn this evening and noticed that they now stock newspapers and magazines. This is in addition to the fact that they now recently have begun selling flowers. I think this is very nasty to their tenants, namely Newsprint and All Blooms florists who happen to be located in their own shopping centre. I'm afraid Newsprint will be forced out of business, since SQ are now stocking some of the more widely read magazines. I'm afraid that if our newsagent closes I won't be able to source bus tickets, specialist magazines and a huge selection of cards he stocks. Plus the paper isn't any cheaper in the supermarket.

I enjoy shopping with superquinn as the service is generally good (not as good as it used to be at all, but still far better than tesco), and because they are irish. Their mall is very nice, always clean, bright, 2 ATM's, plenty of seats, good music etc, but I think they are being very unfair on everybody by doing this. Has any other branches done this?

Sarsfield

Superquinn are planning on redeveloping Ballinteer and developing a wider mix of tenants. They don't feel a newsagent and a florist add much to the mix. They don't attract customers to the supermarket. It only works the other way around.

Have a read of this article from the SBP a couple of weeks ago. Ballinteer gets a specific mention

http://archives.tcm.ie/businesspost/2005/10/30/story9257.asp

MorningStar

I really don't see the problem. Small expensive news agents and florists are being sqeezed out by direct competition. Now if they were a mile or two away that would be differnet but it doesn't sound like the little shops are actually convenit shops and therefore don't really add value.
I don't think all small business should close just not be beside huge competition. I still regret the loss of my local harware store which I always tried to support. You don't want to have to go to a massive store for a paint scraper or a screw.

deisemum

It's the same in Waterford

seamus

Since Feargal Quinn sold it off, it's been moving more and more towards becoming a Tesco clone.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if they start moving in that direction altogether.

MorningStar

seamus wrote:

Since Feargal Quinn sold it off, it's been moving more and more towards becoming a Tesco clone.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if they start moving in that direction altogether.

THe only solution is people stop buying in them and voice their opinion but as we just like to moan I wouldn't expect it.
I don't buy in the big boys now and I get better cheaper food.

whiskeyman

MorningStar wrote:

THe only solution is people stop buying in them and voice their opinion but as we just like to moan I wouldn't expect it.
I don't buy in the big boys now and I get better cheaper food.

I know many people, parents included, who have abandoned Superquinn Ballinteer in favour for the 24hr Tesco in Dundrum.
The Ballinteer centre has become run-down of late, with poor stock control.
Althought they still hold some USPs (bakery, butchers and some customer service), it's just not enough anymore as the new Tesco is doing fine in these areas.
No point "voicing your opinion"... they'll find out themselves as they analyse their sales figures.

Downtime

Red Alert wrote:

Has any other branches done this?

nothing new here really - it's the same in Knocklyon and other Superquinns. The florists were nearly forced out of business and the tenants were up in arms.

coolxtra

Red Alert wrote:

I was in Superquinn this evening and noticed that they now stock newspapers and magazines. This is in addition to the fact that they now recently have begun selling flowers. I think this is very nasty to their tenants, namely Newsprint and All Blooms florists who happen to be located in their own shopping centre. I'm afraid Newsprint will be forced out of business, since SQ are now stocking some of the more widely read magazines. I'm afraid that if our newsagent closes I won't be able to source bus tickets, specialist magazines and a huge selection of cards he stocks. Plus the paper isn't any cheaper in the supermarket.

I enjoy shopping with superquinn as the service is generally good (not as good as it used to be at all, but still far better than tesco), and because they are irish. Their mall is very nice, always clean, bright, 2 ATM's, plenty of seats, good music etc, but I think they are being very unfair on everybody by doing this. Has any other branches done this?

superquinn now very diluted as irish owned ,run.staffed more european now

Noelie

Slighty off topic but still about superquinn ballinteer, has anyone else noticed that the quality of their fresh food is now awful, the banana's are a joke, they pile them so high the ones at the bottom are brusied so badly they can't be eaten. all the fresh food seems to be bad.
They don't have enough staff, so when you go in during the evening the shelves are half empty as they don't stock them till the night. I bought some meat and asked for it to be chopped for a stew, the kid behind the counter nearly cut his finger off, looked at me, then to the meat, then back to his finger and proceeded to put the meat in the bag and hand it to me. Seriously. I've so any issues with them, just bad training of staff or lazy staff.
I wouldnt mind but they are dearer than any other of the super markets, even supervalu, before it was fine as superquinn gave the best quality and service, but not anymore.

rant over

le-dub

SuperQuinn in Sutton is doing exactly the same. I know they have being selling flowers for over two and half years and in the last year and half it’s begun selling papers and magazines. There is a well known florist and news agent just outside on the main road that have being there well over 10 years. I heard that they put the rent up on the block were the shop and florist is as SuperQuinn own the premises. I know there was a lot said when this started, but im not sure how the both business are being affected. I do think it’s a disgrace on the smaller business outside.