The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

[regent]

agree its a shame about Urban Igloo!

[Puerto bella]

Out of interest how much spontaneous passing trade does a cash generator get?

[Epykat]

[Makaveli]

Was at the market today for the first time in months and must say I was very disappointed with the number of stalls and variety of things for sale. Didn't seem to be many folk there either.

Can't see us hurrying back.

[Porty]

oops

[Porty]

[Porty]

[Epykat]

[Porty]

IAh so you were simply reinforcing the point forPOP? i misunderstlood.

[Puerto bella]

Pop maybe needs to stand outside with some balloons?

[wangi]

[Pal of Porty]

[Epykat]

[Grunk]

Perhaps the organic Market would be better suited at the area outside the bank of scotland?
I think there is enough room for it, and it would be bringing business to the high street?

[Porty]

Instinctively that would be better for our type of business over the present situation> I could see it being good for cafe's too. Not sure what the likes of Findlays and Williamsons may have to say.

[Puerto bella]

[Mark Cameron]

Couldn't Finlays and Williamsons set up a stall there too for the 1 day a month?

cOULD closing off a stretch of the High Street one day per month (even during the summer months) from the main crossroads to Ramsay place provide a dedicated market space and allow stalls and tables/chairs to be set up while not reducing footfall for local businesses? Think they do this in Las Ramblas, Barcelona.

My own view is that for our high street to be succesful there needs to be something different on offer, something that either draws them to Porty to shop or for residents gives them a product or experience they can't get at the big supermarkets/retail parks.

Unfortunately I have my doubts whether this is achieveable in isolation and feel it would need to be part of a concerted effort on building Porty's image - driven by the community and the City Council. We've a unique location in Edinburgh which is poorly promoted in my view.

[Pal of Porty]

[wangi]

[Lambie]

I didn't do a good job with that last post. Not sure about the URL tags at the end. Wanted to add that I only just spotted a piano shop along in Joppa where the tile (I think) shop used to be. This seems like an excellent business for Porty High Street. Even along in Joppa it's still going to feed cafés and maybe the piano shoppers will stop in for a look at Cove, Martha's Attic or Urban Igloo (please find a new shop in Porty).

What if all the charity shops got together and agreed on specialities. One sells retro clothing, another books, furniture, bric-a-brac. One of the things that drew me to Portobello was the Transition Town status. Charity shops are very Green so maybe we should make a feature of the many we have. Could Pedal help them unite? Actually, there must be loads of good stuff hanging about in everyone's cupboards. We could all have a clear out and de-clutter. Free up some space and get some premium Stuff back in circulation. Make Portobello a destination High Street for discerning charity shoppers and do some good work for charity at the same time.

[Epykat]

Great ideas from Lambie and McDryburn. It would be brilliant to see things like that happening here

[Porty]

They are good ideas and well done for a bit of lateral thinking.

Generally speaking, there needs to a downward adjustment to rentals in suburban high streets. It is happening but progress is slow.

Also, funding for start up retailers is a very hard to come by.

[Lambie]

I agree. I work away from home far too often. I'd love a shop in Porty. I think it'd be a great way to earn a living and opportunity to be part of and contribute to an excellent community. The rates and rental cost on the shops I've looked at make the idea quite difficult to take any further.

[rmolehusband]

[Porty]

[wangi]

Admin: a number of posts split off to thread.

New cafe / restaurant opened up on Portobello High St - Butternut Squash "the place to chill"

[magbagpuss]

Just been to The Butternut Squash for the first time . Will not be the last . Lovely couple called Keith and Kay running it . Both of us had the breakfast plate and were well impressed , definately no cheap sausages or bacon here. Free refill with coffee too . Took home made meringue with toffee sauce to heat for later !!! Happy days . Looked at menu and it's quite diverese with lots of specials . Daily menu had among other things Piri-piri smoked mackerel on a warm potato salad. Mr Magabgpuss is already planning next visit . Let us know what you think if you pay a visit ?

[Bob Jefferson]

For info, Butternut Squash is offering friends of Portobello Online a special deal. Pay for one 2 course meal costing £6 and get another free. The deal is for Mon - Fri until 20 December. Just quote 'porty website 1'.

[Epykat]

[Bob Jefferson]

The offer is for 2 people. You must have one friend left, surely?

[Epykat]

[Porty]

[Epykat]

[Pal of Porty]

I see there is already a new shop in the vacated Urban Igloo site - Get your outfits in time for Christmas ladies!

[Porty]