End Of An Era

Wow, two more long established retail outlets are a gonna this week. Not good. Not only that. A hugely popular, much loved fast food business has seen a major change recently. The last few days has certainly been an end of an era in many respects.

Let’s begin with the retail outlets.

End Of An Era

Firstly, it came as a shock to hear that the clothing store, Oasis, on Northgate Street has closed its doors for the last time. Oasis has been a regular sight on Northgate Street for over a decade. It is understood that they will keep some presence in Chester by leaving the outlet in Browns open. But as far as their own High Street presence goes, it seems there are a gonna.

I just hope it didn’t come as big as a shock to the staff as it did to shoppers and also hope that the staff have got themselves fixed up with alternative employment.

The Hat Place – End Of An Era

Also on Northgate Street and also a city centre presence for many years, The Hat Place has also closed. They will continue to trade online but again, as a High Street presence, another one bites the dust.

Yet another “For Let” board to ponder no doubt.

You can find their online trading website HERE.

Whitmore & White

Not so much of an end of an era, but still a shock nonetheless, is the closure of wine, deli and spirits store, Whitmore & White. Having only opened in Godstall Lane last June, Whitmore & White have struggled to make an impact in the retail sector, despite doing well with wine tasting events.

The owners still have their outlets at Frodsham, West Kirby and Heswall though. So, best of luck with those guys and sorry that things didn’t work out for you in Chester.

Doom and Gloom – End Of An Era

Sorry all of this seems to be all doom and gloom folks. The Jeff Bezos’ of this world have a lot to answer for when it comes to the effect their enterprises like Amazon have had on the retail sector. Amazon are not alone of course.

Who was it that said invest in property – you can’t go wrong!! As more and more retail outlets close and the rental boards dominate the streets, an investment in commercial property seems to be a “no-no” in many respects.

Is Chester now a ghost town? Not sure if it’s that bad yet. Mind you if anyone spots any tumbleweed, drop me a line.

End Of An Era – Not Doom and Gloom Though

The heading of this article is of course “end of an era”. This next report is to confirm an end of an era, but it is not a doom and gloom story to mention.

Hats off and a big digital send off from Chester Lifestyle to Geoff Mesney. Geoff and his wife, Anna, have finally retired after 30+years I’d guess.

I would be gobsmacked if anyone said, “retired from what”. It would be hard to imagine that there were people who didn’t know Geoff had the fast food stand at the Town Hall in Chester.

You know the one, that relatively small, independent fast food outlet that took on the might of McDonalds and won!!!

As I say, it’s not all doom and gloom though. Geoff has passed the successful business down to able and willing hands in the shape of his son, Nik. All the best Nik in following in your Mum and Dad’s footsteps. You have a hard act to follow but I’m sure you will rise to the challenge.

As it happens, I’ve actually known Geoff and Anna for something like 40+ years. In fact I knew them before their fast food days. We all worked in a well known bakery outlet in Saltney (which is now also closed by the way).

I also know Geoff from playing football. It wasn’t that long ago I was talking to Geoff and he informed me that he was still playing!! Now, I’m 50….plenty and I hung up my boots a long time ago. But Geoff is older than me. He is 50…..plenty…..plenty…..plenty!!! Credit where credit’s due. Well done Geoff for continuing playing.

I truly hope you and Anna enjoy your retirement. Although I’m sure you will be keeping a close eye on “Street Cuisine” and help Nik out with any advice if ever he needs it.

An Important Few Days And An End Of An Era

Yes indeed, an end of an era in more than one respect. As one business is passed down for, hopefully, many more years of success, let’s hope the other outlets are soon to be active again. The city centre needs it. Visitors need it. We all need it.

Anyway, only time will tell what is to happen. Fingers crossed though hey folks.

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Things To Do In Chester

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