George Whites - Bust

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by -Ralph-

It's a similar argument to Tesco. They open a new supermarket and push out all the smaller retailers. People hate the principal of it but it doesn't stop them shopping there. The reality is they love the choice, the time saved by using a one-stop shop and the value.

This.

People go to the outlet stores and online as much as possible for kit as it's all down to price and convenience for most - agreed with you there Ralph. Just like a car main dealer though I would never go such a place for servicing, for exactly the same reason (get it done quick, never mind the quality, they'll come back anyway to keep their warranty alive).

My local shop used to have a reasonable stock of riding kit but it gets less every time I go in there, partly due to the proximity of Whites in Slough. Although that branch closed months ago the stock levels have remained quite low though. I try to support my local shop and they appreciate my custom (most of the time) and have ordered kit in for me at good prices before now to keep me happy. But, I do like to try things on first... Lady Poppy needs new kit and we'll defo try the local shop first - I just hope they have more than a choice of one in her size.

Originally Posted by Sir Trev

My local shop used to have a reasonable stock of riding kit but it gets less every time I go in there, partly due to the proximity of Whites in Slough. Although that branch closed months ago the stock levels have remained quite low though. I try to support my local shop and they appreciate my custom (most of the time) and have ordered kit in for me at good prices before now to keep me happy. But, I do like to try things on first... Lady Poppy needs new kit and we'll defo try the local shop first - I just hope they have more than a choice of one in her size.

Yep, that's my issue with most small places too. You have to spend a day driving round 4 or 5 of them before you find what you want. Easier for me to make one trip to somewhere like J&S or Hein Gerike.

I understand alot of stock will go back to the distributors who have stock that is not paid for or on SOR.

Mind you will be interesting to see what workshop equipment comes up for sale, could do with a few bits and bobs for here.

Originally Posted by SV650Racer

I understand alot of stock will go back to the distributors who have stock that is not paid for or on SOR.

Mind you will be interesting to see what workshop equipment comes up for sale, could do with a few bits and bobs for here.

Yup, a lot of distributors will have a retention of title clause - e.g. they own it until you pay for it.

There is also the possibility of debenture holders exercising their security which will mean they have a charge over the assets which could soak up a significant amount of the stock or even plant and machinary. Although, most will rather easy to shift items instead of risking paying storage for large items that may not sell so well.

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by SV650Racer

I understand alot of stock will go back to the distributors who have stock that is not paid for or on SOR.

Thing is with White's though is they often had all of the old/last year stuff Frank Thomas and others could not shift. So it may not be on SoR terms.

[andrewsmith]

should be interesting what comes out of this. I know my local dealer is hoping that sales will improve. It was no way to make money relying on the target bonus to soak up the losses, as there was no profit on the bikes themselves.

The rumour of the loses is around £36m

Originally Posted by andrewsmith

should be interesting what comes out of this. I know my local dealer is hoping that sales will improve. It was no way to make money relying on the target bonus to soak up the losses, as there was no profit on the bikes themselves.

There are still a few dealers shifting units at huge discounts simply to get just the bonus as their profit - in this climate it's absolute madness.

"Pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap, go bust" seems to be the normal course of events.

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by Lozzo

There are still a few dealers shifting units at huge discounts simply to get just the bonus as their profit - in this climate it's absolute madness.

"Pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap, go bust" seems to be the normal course of events.

Yep

We shall see one or more going this way.

I bought my Sv's lower fairing panels from them on eBay for a cracking price, both panels new, unmarked, still in wrapping. Just looked at their eBay profile and they have nothing listed for sale anymore.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/g.w.bikespares.2010/m.html