LDC shop change

   I've always found LDC shop really handy, as the nearest available to me (35 miles away). Not having been there for a couple of months, it was a bit of a shock to find today that you can no longer browse around for items. Everything - hardware, rope, clothing, etc. - it's all behind a counter and has to be asked for and fetched - like an auto parts department! What did we customers do to deserve being shut out, I wonder? It'll probably have to be the Dinghy Store at Datchet for me, now, for anything not suitable to buy online.

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Xpletive Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 28 Jan 06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 320	Post Options Post Reply Quote Xpletive Report Post Quote Reply Topic: LDC shop change Posted: 24 Jan 09 at 4:49pm
	I've always found LDC shop really handy, as the nearest available to me (35 miles away). Not having been there for a couple of months, it was a bit of a shock to find today that you can no longer browse around for items. Everything - hardware, rope, clothing, etc. - it's all behind a counter and has to be asked for and fetched - like an auto parts department! What did we customers do to deserve being shut out, I wonder? It'll probably have to be the Dinghy Store at Datchet for me, now, for anything not suitable to buy online.

radixon Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 27 Oct 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2407	Post Options Post Reply Quote radixon Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 09 at 4:51pm
	That way they can stock more items and hold a larger quantity. I am sure if you wanted to see items ie harnesses they would bring them all out to you.

pondscum Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 06 Nov 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 99	Post Options Post Reply Quote pondscum Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 09 at 5:50pm
	Guildford Marine (actually in Old Woking) may be closer to you and are always very helpful and browsing is no problem

pete_chinnock Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 01 Jul 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 70	Post Options Post Reply Quote pete_chinnock Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 09 at 8:27pm
	Guildford Marine is definately very good! They don't mind you browsing and are very helpful! Even made me a cuppa n some xmas cake when i missed the bus...
	Pete RS700 702

Roger Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 23 Mar 04 Location: Somerset Online Status: Offline Posts: 524	Post Options Post Reply Quote Roger Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 09 at 8:36pm
	I am sure they have their reasons, but I cant believe it will help increase sales, we all like to browse and make impulse purchaces don't we......

Jamesd Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 01 Feb 08 Online Status: Offline Posts: 377	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jamesd Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 Jan 09 at 9:34pm
	do many people go in there to buy things? im sure if you asked to view things they would let you come round the back. ive been out back there multiple times. perhaps with it on view, it is more likely to get robbed, its not the best of areas and chavs do like henri lloyd!!

rogerd Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 25 May 04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1076	Post Options Post Reply Quote rogerd Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Jan 09 at 9:33am
	It could be a way to reduce shoplifting. I know of one other sports supplier who reckoned he lost over 10 grand a year to theives. I hope not but a sad reflection on our times

Adam@LDC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Groupie Joined: 13 Feb 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 54	Post Options Post Reply Quote Adam@LDC Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Jan 09 at 12:29pm
	The shop change has happened for many reasons. But the main reason is stock, whilst we have been in Chandlers Ford we have grown massively, and our very short on space. Therefore half of the old shop has turned into the clothing store room. This allows us to be able to stock and store RS spares much more efficiently where the clothes were previously stored. The system the we have implemented also makes the mail order much easier and is the main part of the retail side of the business. The shop is not closed it has just changed in shape and stlye. At the moment it is still not finished, and it will be displaying ranges of clothing and hardware. As always we are more than willing to get products from our store rooms to show you. We still stock large ranges of hardware and clothing. We are very happy with the change, however if you think anything needs modifing or changing please let us know.
	Retail Manager, LDC Racing Sailboats

Xpletive Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 28 Jan 06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 320	Post Options Post Reply Quote Xpletive Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Jan 09 at 8:37pm
	Thanks for the reply Adam. I'm only one voice, but personally, I preferred it as it was. As a customer, if you know precisely what you want when you arrive, you have only to ask for it, of course. If you need to assess the suitability of what's available, and with clothing, gloves, wetsuits, boots etc., that is more likely, it is far less customer-friendly, no matter how keen your very pleasant staff are. Very awkward for her when more than one customer arrives searching for suitable stuff, as happened when I was there? I felt it was easier to give up! I think you will lose trade from impulse buying when people like me turn up for one item and spot others they need as well. Of course, if it's just a question of you running out of room, or just preferring to concentrate on online sales, that's obviously your company's commercial decision. Anyway, thanks for the response

Jimbob Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 05 Sep 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 77	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jimbob Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 25 Jan 09 at 10:57pm
	Xpletive. I agree. Boat Chandlers are browsing places. If I can't browse I don't go.
	Jimbob