The Woollies versus 99p stores debate continues.
I took the girlfriend to the Balham 99p store on Saturday. It was her birthday and she likes her treats. On my second visit it became clear that Pick and Mix was the great loser in the 99p vs Woollies debate. The sweets in the 99p store are all securely packaged, with little opportunity for teen freegan grazing of the banana foams.
However the 99p store did have Green and Blacks chocolate, good tupperware (though apparently replica, not the real thing, for all you tupperware afficionados) and Japanese rice crackers, as well as the previously mentioned Balsamic vinegar, Belkin ipod cases and sundry other items of middle class desire.
Disturbingly, they also have an entire Valentines sexytime section, with a wide selection of furry handcuffs, knickers and posing pouches. We didn’t linger here. The demand for 99p eroticism must be limited, surely?
It is all very confusing in its consumption based class signals.
Suck on this, Poundstretcher
Anyway. the glory days of the 99p store may be behind it already. In Hounslow a visionary has started the 98p store.
Not sure where the floor is on this, but it’s definitely good news for the copper industry.
Top tips, Hopi! Mrs’ birthday this weekend too – a much safer place to let her loose with credit card
Though try Poundland if your council’s ego can stand to have two discounters – they’ve recognized their staff’s union (USDAW) and seem to be actually engaging with them on some things – supporting stuff like their Freedom from Fear campaign for shopworkers’ safety.
The trend to heavy discounters is concerns me, as if margins are so tight, staff welfare is likely to suffer. There are lots of horror stories for example about heavy discounter supermarkets like Lidl, with low pay backed up by understaffing, stress, inflexibility and long hours.
I see you take her to all the best places. Giving me some useful tips!!!