ecuk268 Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/9986379.Saints_programme_shop_closes/ Always interesting for a browse. Does everything have to be about making money? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 From the comments below, "Usual story, probably makes good business sense but handled badly". I fail to see how this was supposed to be handled? And OP - one of the things we should all know about Cortese by now is that he wants to maximise revenue where possible. Worth pointing out that this will also help with queues and waiting times for food in the Chapel which we've have been complaining about for years (although I know it doesn't help the other 3 stands). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 From the comments below, "Usual story, probably makes good business sense but handled badly". I fail to see how this was supposed to be handled? And OP - one of the things we should all know about Cortese by now is that he wants to maximise revenue where possible. Worth pointing out that this will also help with queues and waiting times for food in the Chapel which we've have been complaining about for years (although I know it doesn't help the other 3 stands). I guess it would be interesting to know what, if any, provision has been made by the club to find an alternative appropriate site for the shop. Think that would be a fair and reasonable deal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 I guess it would be interesting to know what, if any, provision has been made by the club to find an alternative appropriate site for the shop. Think that would be a fair and reasonable deal? It would be a decent gesture, but they have no obligation to do so. There's nowhere in St Marys anyway, the only possible place he could move to is one of the empty outlets over by the Alfred. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour Mash Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 It would be a decent gesture, but they have no obligation to do so. There's nowhere in St Marys anyway, the only possible place he could move to is one of the empty outlets over by the Alfred. I know there is no obligation, although I'm slightly surprised there isn't a contract in place that rolled over each season or something. Does seem like we're scraping after every penny at the moment though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Ah no, really liked that little shop, such a pity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Jonny Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Never sat in the chapel in ten years, so I didn't even know it was there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRM Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 They used to have a little shop incorporated into the external wall of the Milton Road stand which could be accessed by all fans, was a really superb little place that was always very busy, in the golden age when a programme was affordable and very collectable. I used to have shoe boxes full of them in order each season and if you missed an away match could guarantee you could pick one up from them at the next home game. Definitely a reminder of a time before all the excessive commercialisation of football that has sadly now put an end to this great tradition. I have made a conscious effort not to buy any food drink in the stadium, or anything from the club shop since Cortese started his booking fee and parking charges, takes the plss charging £1.50 per ticket and then send them all out in one envelope normal post! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 They used to have a little shop incorporated into the external wall of the Milton Road stand which could be accessed by all fans, was a really superb little place that was always very busy, in the golden age when a programme was affordable and very collectable. I used to have shoe boxes full of them in order each season and if you missed an away match could guarantee you could pick one up from them at the next home game. Definitely a reminder of a time before all the excessive commercialisation of football that has sadly now put an end to this great tradition. I have made a conscious effort not to buy any food drink in the stadium, or anything from the club shop since Cortese started his booking fee and parking charges, takes the plss charging £1.50 per ticket and then send them all out in one envelope normal post! I remember it from the Dell. I would say JRM that there has always been one theme that has remained intact in all my years of following Saints and that is people moaning about the price of the programmes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lets B Avenue Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 I have made a conscious effort not to buy any food drink in the stadium, or anything from the club shop since Cortese started his booking fee and parking charges, takes the plss charging £1.50 per ticket and then send them all out in one envelope normal post! The £1.50 charge applies when the ticket is in my pocket, whilst I'm walking away from the box office. I think you should be charged extra for getting an envelope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 There is a right way and a wrong way of doing things, much like the way the programme sellers were treated, the wrong way yet again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_clark Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 There is a right way and a wrong way of doing things, much like the way the programme sellers were treated, the wrong way yet again. What is the right way to change a programme shop to a food stall then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooney Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Nobody will be complaining when they are sitting down to an Egon Ronay gourmet meal wth knapkins and knives and forks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint si Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Never sat in the chapel in ten years, so I didn't even know it was there. This is a fair point. If the programme shop is actually only available to those in the Chapel, then it's not actually that accessible. Wouldn't it be better sited somewhere else anyway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 I've sat in the Chapel for years and never noticed the shop was there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dingbattigger Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 I've sat in the Chapel for years and never noticed the shop was there. This^^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manji Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 I go to most home games and I didnt know there was a programme shop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint-Armstrong Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Didn't know this even existed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 So, for the few people who were aware of the existence of the programme shop: - was in run by/for the club? - or was it run by some individual and the club gave him the space? The Echo article mentions the chap who works in there, but it doesn't state whether he's an employee of SFC or if he was just given the space to work out of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 So, for the few people who were aware of the existence of the programme shop: - was in run by/for the club? - or was it run by some individual and the club gave him the space? The Echo article mentions the chap who works in there, but it doesn't state whether he's an employee of SFC or if he was just given the space to work out of. I think the person sells Football Programmes wherever he can including at St mary's so now I expect there will be a shortfall in his income Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 What is the right way to change a programme shop to a food stall then? Apply to local council for A5 permission to change use? Contact shopfitting company to install counter, shelves, cash register (most important in planning), microwave that is capable of making pies rock hard? Contact local Employment Agency to obtain staff that only have one way of working, slooooooowwwwwly? Contact food supplier that sells pies with 5% meat content and Hot Dogs with that enable seller to obtain 700% markup? I'm sure I have left loads out. Seriously, who in their right mind buys food at a football stadium? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Seriously, who in their right mind buys food at a football stadium? Chicken balti pasties from SMS used to be totes amazeballs, Norm. I haven't had one for ages though. Do they still do them? Maybe the programme shop will be turned into a balti pasty dispensary. Result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Chicken balti pasties from SMS used to be totes amazeballs, Norm. I haven't had one for ages though. Do they still do them? Maybe the programme shop will be turned into a balti pasty dispensary. Result. Forget the rubbish I posted earlier! 100% behind NC's decision to change the shop into a Balti Pastie shop. I'm moving my seat to be near this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eurosaint Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 My guess is that the shop had an incredibly low turnover and was only there for historical reasons ! Let the guy start up a website and the club could give him a free link on the official site to help him get the thing up and running ! Makes more sense than having an unused cubby hole that very few are even aware of IMHO ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 I heard others mention the programme shop before but never seen it nor known where it was (never have set foot in the Chapel). Seems a much better idea would be for it to be relocated outside the stadium area to allow everyone who is interested to visit, not just a few in the Chapel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Balls Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Sat in the chapel for a few years when the stadium first opened. Like many others, I didn't even know it existed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jawillwill Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Didn't even know it exited. I'm assuming it's a similar type of shop to the little Post Office in the Northam Stand though. I assume it won't be long before that shuts too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Fan CaM Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 I had absolutely no idea that the shop existed and I suspect a large % of other supporters don't know either. Result = move on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotonjoe Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Seriously ... who gives a ****? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sainthomer Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 I've known Andrew and Anna since I started collecting programmes from there shop at the dell around 1989. Having seen him with tears in his eyes last week was quite upsetting. This was there 30th year running a shop and whatever small profit was made he always tried to get a programme for you if you missed out on one. I know that he left phone messages and emails but no one got in contact with him to give reasons as to why it was being shut. I'm not surprised that messages were not dealt with as I have had problems with my season ticket and spent hours on the phone or email and it got me nowhere. The club shops could not even market the new saints book on its release but can flog posters worth 50p for £3 in a tube. Shame that some tw**s have no idea about customer service. Thanks to Andrew and Anna for always providing me some far flung programmes from 1st team to friendlies from abroad!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aintforever Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 It's all part of he new improved matchday experience. Want to buy an old programme? - Tough sh!t, f*ck off and spend your £3 on a pasty full of minced up cow b*ll*cks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Seriously ... who gives a ****? I imagine the guy who runs it / ran it and the people who did actually use it, they might give a ****. Don't you think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 I've known Andrew and Anna since I started collecting programmes from there shop at the dell around 1989. Having seen him with tears in his eyes last week was quite upsetting. This was there 30th year running a shop and whatever small profit was made he always tried to get a programme for you if you missed out on one. I know that he left phone messages and emails but no one got in contact with him to give reasons as to why it was being shut. I'm not surprised that messages were not dealt with as I have had problems with my season ticket and spent hours on the phone or email and it got me nowhere. The club shops could not even market the new saints book on its release but can flog posters worth 50p for £3 in a tube. Shame that some tw**s have no idea about customer service. Thanks to Andrew and Anna for always providing me some far flung programmes from 1st team to friendlies from abroad!! God that makes me cross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Seriously ... who gives a ****? and that makes me crosser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wild-saint Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 i am after a saints programme from a few seasons back, i dont suppose anyone can suggest a suitable retail outlet where i may find one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horton Heath Saint Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Don't suppose there is room in The Club Shop? They barely found room to display a new historical book called ' Suited and Booted ' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm Posted 16 October, 2012 Share Posted 16 October, 2012 Seriously ... who gives a ****? Sorry Joe, that comment made me cringe:blush: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toomer Posted 17 October, 2012 Share Posted 17 October, 2012 What is the right way to change a programme shop to a food stall then? Andrew was told he had to vacate his unit about an hour or so before the kick off of the last home game a little more notice would have been a little more polite and business like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 17 October, 2012 Share Posted 17 October, 2012 Andrew was told he had to vacate his unit about an hour or so before the kick off of the last home game a little more notice would have been a little more polite and business like. The "Southampton Way" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted 17 October, 2012 Share Posted 17 October, 2012 Yet again more history wiped... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostBoys Posted 18 October, 2012 Share Posted 18 October, 2012 I have to say I did not know it was actually there as I am in the Kingsland but it seems a shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom & Gerry Posted 18 October, 2012 Share Posted 18 October, 2012 It's next to the bookmakers or didn't you spot them? opposite the toilets or ...ah forget it. I guess it's probably a relic of a bygone age and not best placed. I only used it once but the guy got me a Skates v Saints match I didn't have for which I was very grateful. Sad and you would have thought after all these years they could have given him more notice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Saint Posted 18 October, 2012 Share Posted 18 October, 2012 I was only looking at the 1976 FA Cup programme all wrapped up at £75 on the wall in ther the other week. The policy at this club with small but traditional niches is like living in the countryside in China, the state sends in a bulldozer to put a road through your front room and there ain't nowt you can do about it. There was something on the radio today about how fans get the stinky end of the stick, a bloke on there said that the TV deal next year is so huge that clubs could reduce their match day ticket prices by £32 and still make the same as they will this year! If someone truly believes that turning the Programme shop into another food bar is going to improve the match day experience, they are severely misguided. Pie & Pint deal makes the matchday experience a little sweeter, taking that away too just makes me feel like my trousers are heading to my ankles a bit quicker than it felt under Mr Lowe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Posted 18 October, 2012 Share Posted 18 October, 2012 Seriously ... who gives a ****? Some people are so clueless... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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