Debenhams axe talk sparks debate
News in last Friday’s Observer that retail giants Debenhams plans to axe up to 50 shops – putting around 4000 jobs at risk – drew a response from our Facebook readers.
Debenhams is a cornerstone of the Stirling’s Thistles shopping centre and has been a feature of the mall since it opened in the 1970s.
Emma Jayne Bowey posted: “What is happening at Debenhams is no surprise to me. It’s sad if the Stirling store is closed, especially with the closure of BHS.”
Colin Gray: “Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford surely needs a reality check.
“In the article he says, ‘Where other areas have seen a decline in the number of high street businesses in recent years, Stirling has seen an increase.’
“He needs to be reminded that in recent years BHS, Tiso, Toys R Us, Ann Summers, Maplin and Wilkies have all closed, soon to be followed by Homebase and a relocation by Argos to within Sainsburys.
“So when businesses are closing down, just how has Stirling seen an increase Mr Crawford, or does increase mean something different to you?”
Leigh Ghislaine Doherty: “You can buy clothes online much cheaper than in store, so why would you want to pay more?
“People who will suffer are elderly people who don’t know how to work computers which is a big shame!”
John J Bennett: “The UK Government on Monday announced a digital services tax to apply to Amazon, eBay, etc – hopefully levelling the playing field. What we need now is the Scottish Government to reduce business rates, or at least stop taxing the pants off us.”
Billy Angus: “You can’t blame Debenhams; all the big multi stores are going.
“Where’s the incentive to stay?”