More than 380 jobs to go as Co-ops close

“make_redgreen

Your 'research' could not have been that detailed or you would know that -

1. John Lewis offer a price match service, therefore will match the cheapest local or often on-line price on your 'big ticket' items
2. They offer a 5 year guarantee as standard, recognised as the best there is out there, something which even without no 1. would often be worth paying that little extra for”

“by make_redgreen
"I research before I buy big ticket items and not once has JL been the cheapest. A place for people with more money than sense IMO."

Or a place for people who realise that John Lewis will price match other local or online stores, as well as offering an unbeatable (and quite valuable) 5 year guarantee
Obviously your research was very detailed if you did not know these two small facts”

“@all_for_derby

I'm not disputing the facts, but I just don't think Derby reflects that at all. On the surface, I do think that much of Derby presents as economically deprived. These comments indicate that others have that perception too. The city centre is full of lower-end shops, there are lots of working class areas in Derby with only a handful of comfortable middle-class suburbs - all very unscientific I know, but I just don't see how Derby has the second highest average income.”

“to by bubbles2u2 - "Derby is poor" - Derby is absolutely not poor. It has the highest average income for any City outside of London. Don't take my word for it - have a look at this - http://tinyurl.com/a6bma2e

as for "derby is a city in decline...with no chance of revival" - this is absolute nonsense. what planet are you on by bubbles - again read here: http://tinyurl.com/a6bma2e

you should not be posting utter rubbish without checking the facts.

i suspect that westfield has taken trade away from the old city centre, but let's not forget, we're still in a recession and many cities would kill for a Westfield, including Nottingham. Derby has a lot going for it but posting negative and totally inaccurate posts does not help. Get your facts right and be supportive.”

“I only realised a year or two ago that the Co-op Santa train doesn't actually move ... I'm 21”

“Derby is not poor - the average income in Derby is actually fairly high for the part of the country we are in - the problem we have is that we don't attract people into the city centre in enough numbers because the centre doesn't really offer enough to tempt people in from outside of Derby. I agree that we need some new thinking - parking charges are an issue an should be looked at. I shop in the city centre a lot but then I live within easy walking distance. It is becoming a downward spiral now where the city looks and feels like it is in decline and that is a further disincentive for people to visit - we need some radical thinking fast.”

“There is nothing in Derby to attract the punters. Westfield is all coffee shops and mobile phone shops an no retail presence of any note.

Nottingham will attract shoppers far more than Derby but lets not pretend Nottingham is a good shopping centre. Take John Lewis away and Nottingham would struggle.

After all we are becoming a nation of supoermarkets”

“So sad for Ilkeston. This was a store that added character to a desperately ravaged town centre.

As for John Lewis they will never have store in Derby. Derby is poor and doesn't have the cliental to use a JL outlet. Get real! Derby is a city in decline and with a City Council that is in disary we have no chance of any revival.”

“Does anyone else NOT want a John Lewis - I'd never used them for anything and when the MP's expenses 'scandal' occurred I wasn't surprised to see that out overlords (via us) 'paid' stupid prices for everything.

I research before I buy big ticket items and not once has JL been the cheapest. A place for people with more money than sense IMO.”

“What a real shame for Ilkeston that the last remaining anchor store is to close. Over the years I have had some wonderful well made and quality furniture from Ilkeston Co-op, albeit at sale prices and have had some wonderful old fashioned service which never failed in all the years they have been trading. I well remember when we flooded and I ordered a new settee thinking I lived in a mansion instead of my humble terrace and the made to order supersized beast would not fit into the house - let alone the room intended for. Not only did they take it back but let me reorder a realistic one on priority (as we had nowhere to sit for months previously) but also waived the second time round delivery charge. I doubt I would have even got close to this level of service with some of the other chains churning out super inflated over priced plastic on balser wood frames! I cannot thank the Coop enough for the years of continual good old fashioned service they have provided to the people of Ilkeston and I am so sorry that they are now closing down forever. My kids now all grown up and hundreds of others have been enthralled at the Christmas toy displays in the large window overlooking the lights and Christmas tree - I can't imagine not seeing those wonderful displays ever again nor encountering that wonderful old fashioned service seldom seen nowadays. With the very best of luck to all the staff and thank you for all those years of exceptional service.”