M&S
Blackheath Standard
We've all been waiting for it - and today at 10.00am, Old Dover Road was the fullest I have ever seen as throngs of nosy people like me queued to get in to have a first peek. The local law enforcement services were also out in their droves in case there were any brawls between overexcited old girls with shopping trolleys driven crazy on M&S champagne.
As was to be expected, there was rather more hoo-ha than when the Co-op reopened last week. The celebrations involved PR girls handing out fizzy and tying balloons onto kiddies' prams. They also had hi-tech raffle tickets to win M&S vouchers if you could battle your way to the back of the store to get it checked on an ultra-violet reader. A boom-box blasted out Magic Moments and people milled around doggedly pushing giant shopping carts in a most antisocial fashion.
I naturally wanted to explore every corner of the new store, but had already made the decision not to buy anything today. Part of it was, of course, the vast queues at the checkouts (I don't think they would be a problem on any other day - they seem to have enough) but most of it was that today, of all days, it was important to visit the other shops at the Standard who have been supplying us through thick and thin (mostly thin recently.)
When it boils down to basics, this is a Marks & Spencer store. If you've seen one, frankly, you've seen them all. It's very nice indeed, with dinky boxes of dinky food at rather less dinky prices. The quality is high, and the presentation modern and fresh. It still feels a bit - well - dark inside - a problem of the building as much as anything, but the food is well displayed and appealing. I have always felt I could spend a small fortune on M&S food. There is a small bakery at the back (though don't forget Hirst &Sons) and the usual excellent ready meals.
I am pleased to see a very basic selection of M&S clothes. There is a paucity of clothing stores at the Standard (unless you're into the charity shop look) and the pants, socks, jeans and woollies are a welcome addition. There are also various toiletry items and basic homeware.
The car park is back in action - though do remember that if you stay longer than an hour it will cost you.
I squeezed out through the throngs of customers queueing round the store and visited the other shops which were, understandably, empty. GG Sparkes, Apple and Orange, Pegga Stores. NOW is the time to visit these guys, while we still have them.
Although M&S is going to be pricier than the old Somerfields I'm really hoping that this new store will begin to turn the quality of the Standard around. We have some fine specialist shops there already; hopefully they will enhanced by M&S supplying the rest of our needs and we may even get some lovely new ones. Laziness mustn't be allowed to sneak in - remember, kids - if we don't play with our toys they'll be taken away...
We've all been waiting for it - and today at 10.00am, Old Dover Road was the fullest I have ever seen as throngs of nosy people like me queued to get in to have a first peek. The local law enforcement services were also out in their droves in case there were any brawls between overexcited old girls with shopping trolleys driven crazy on M&S champagne.
As was to be expected, there was rather more hoo-ha than when the Co-op reopened last week. The celebrations involved PR girls handing out fizzy and tying balloons onto kiddies' prams. They also had hi-tech raffle tickets to win M&S vouchers if you could battle your way to the back of the store to get it checked on an ultra-violet reader. A boom-box blasted out Magic Moments and people milled around doggedly pushing giant shopping carts in a most antisocial fashion.
I naturally wanted to explore every corner of the new store, but had already made the decision not to buy anything today. Part of it was, of course, the vast queues at the checkouts (I don't think they would be a problem on any other day - they seem to have enough) but most of it was that today, of all days, it was important to visit the other shops at the Standard who have been supplying us through thick and thin (mostly thin recently.)
When it boils down to basics, this is a Marks & Spencer store. If you've seen one, frankly, you've seen them all. It's very nice indeed, with dinky boxes of dinky food at rather less dinky prices. The quality is high, and the presentation modern and fresh. It still feels a bit - well - dark inside - a problem of the building as much as anything, but the food is well displayed and appealing. I have always felt I could spend a small fortune on M&S food. There is a small bakery at the back (though don't forget Hirst &Sons) and the usual excellent ready meals.
I am pleased to see a very basic selection of M&S clothes. There is a paucity of clothing stores at the Standard (unless you're into the charity shop look) and the pants, socks, jeans and woollies are a welcome addition. There are also various toiletry items and basic homeware.
The car park is back in action - though do remember that if you stay longer than an hour it will cost you.
I squeezed out through the throngs of customers queueing round the store and visited the other shops which were, understandably, empty. GG Sparkes, Apple and Orange, Pegga Stores. NOW is the time to visit these guys, while we still have them.
Although M&S is going to be pricier than the old Somerfields I'm really hoping that this new store will begin to turn the quality of the Standard around. We have some fine specialist shops there already; hopefully they will enhanced by M&S supplying the rest of our needs and we may even get some lovely new ones. Laziness mustn't be allowed to sneak in - remember, kids - if we don't play with our toys they'll be taken away...
Labels: Food and Drink, Shopping
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
12:17
5 Comments:
Like you, Ms Phantom, I popped in on the opening day, just to be nosy. Although I did manage to spend £15 on things I didnt need - perhaps as a thank you for the glass of fizz? I think the 5, yes 5 policemen outside was a little over the top to control the crowds (whose average age was probabaly 65+) but lets face it what else would they have been doing on such a lovely morning! Like you I made a point of doing my real shopping at the other smaller shops as they have gone out of their way over the last 14 weeks to cater to our needs with items that they didnt usually stock. By the way, I overheard two M & S staff on a coffee break today saying that the store took over £100,000 on their first day, make of that what you will.
100 grand? Blimey - mind you - that was probably just the price of two ready-meals!
Glad other people are championing the small shops too. And that you enjoyed your champagne so much!
The woman in the queue behind me on the first day bought a carrot, a cucumber a leek that's all AND moaned that she couldn't buy a head of lettuce, why Oh why didn't I ask her why she didn't go to Apples and Oranges for those things, I'm not usually that polite. I bought my veg there instead AND asked them if there was any chance of opening a branch in Greenwich (EAST!) as we are crying out for such, the woman that served me thought they have their hands full with the one so unlikely. Maybe if we sow a few seeds...... I've tried Hand Made Foods too, a branch in Greenwich would be lovely.
Ooooh - Hand Made Foods in Greenwich. oooooohhhhh....
It all-but ran out of bread by 7pm on Friday, mind ;-)
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