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Administration for company that started in 1778…

That’s right folks – another one bites the dust.

Originally started in 1778 by William Clark, then going on to open more shops and re-naming itself Debenhams (because William Debenham became a partner) has entered administration.

This is for sure the end of the high street, big department stores….

People are just not buying from them!

I think the above says everything.

So why is this happening, Bal?

Simple – the answer is Digital.

Customers are buying more and more on-line. In recent blogs, I shared how Amazon have the ‘try before you buy’ option on clothes.

There’s also more smaller and independent clothing stores that are opening with a huge on-line social media following – that encourages people to buy and then take photo’s and share their latest purchase with the world.

Unfortunately – Debenhams have not been able to keep up with trends.

Now, don’t get me wrong – they sure do have a customer base – but not big enough to keep it going – and they are definitely not attracting new customers!

Whilst they did the whole on-line experience, mobile applications etc… they just didn’t get the right attraction.

Anyone can go build a website. Anyone can design a mobile app. Anyone can sell clothes. But it’s how you configure these three elements to give the customer a unique experience.

Is it also – most of Debenhams customers are older and therefore, maybe the app isn’t the right thing for them? Maybe building the app – they hoped for a younger audience?

Unfortunately (for Debenhams) we’re moving to more personalisation and individualisation.

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Monday Motivation

I always suggest – if you have a passion, you should follow it!

Sometimes, at the start it might not work out – or success might not come that soon or as quick as you wish…. but keep going. Don’t give up. Keep learning…

Today’s Motivation comes from a footballer…

Imagine – having to pay to play!

How many of you would pay to follow a passion? May would expect to be paid!!

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

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Tech Talk on BBC Radio

Last Night, I was invited to BBC Radio Nottingham – to provide my usual ‘Tech Talk’.

It usually consists of me talking, about some of the latest tech stories that would have a connection with the local community. Breaking down technical jargon into plain simple English.

In addition to the normal ‘Tech Talk’- I also offered some advice! – Mother’s Day is this Sunday in the UK, and I’ve shared previously on my blog some great presents you could buy.

On Radio, I shared a few more! – Let me know what you think to them…

Here’s a link to the show – I was on just after 7pm

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p072jgjj

Or there’s an audio clip of it below…

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

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Smart Home

Mothers Day 2019…

It’s fast approaching – Mothers Day in the UK is on the 31st March 2019.

I’ll be appearing on BBC Radio Nottingham on the evening of 24th around 7pm, to discuss the usual technology subjects – but also… to share my top 3 presents for Mothers Day!

Now – whilst I’ll be sharing them, I’ve found an additional 3 that I thought I’d share with you in advance – because then it provides you with enough time to go online – buy – have it delivered – wrap it up and make it that perfect present!

Okay – first up! – We have a Robotic Vacuum!

Let’s be honest – who enjoys doing the vacuum? – Exactly! With prices dropping on the robotic vacuums – my pick is the Mamibot ProVac Plus 2!

Small – but very good! – Gets going around the place and picks up the dust and dirt from your floors!

Coming in at a reasonable £69 – it’s alot cheaper than the bigger mightier versions but allows you to experience what it’ll be like for a robot doing the vacuum! – (Yes – robots are taking over!!)

In at Number 2…. a Vase for the Flowers you’ll buy.

But not any old vase – this is a smartphone holding vase!

So – not only could your mother look at the lovely flowers you’ve bought – but also the messages you’ll be sending her….

You can pick these up for £25 – £50, and you can also get ones for tablets!

That’s right – for when mum is in the kitchen cooking!!

And Finally… a little expensive, but Mum’s are worth it – a Digital Kettle!

I’m sure you’ve already bought her an amazon echo or google home – and/or her smartphone is connected to devices around the home.

This then makes the perfect addition.

That’s right – sit in the living room, and tell Alexa to turn the kettle on is not a dream or a fantasy…. it’s reality.

If Mum prefers a coffee… you could invest in a smart coffee machine!

Again – all connected and compatible to the latest devices.

The kettle comes in at around £130 – so not cheap…. but then, this digital world we live in – we must take advantage of it!

As mentioned – I have another 3 gift ideas for Mothers Day which I’ll share on Sunday – so watch out for that also!

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Bal's Friday Thought

Bal’s Friday Thought…

How strong is your determination to succeed?

If you have the will, the desire and the passion – you can make the difference between the impossible and the possible.

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Electric Aston

This morning – I was on BBC Radio Nottingham. Invited to talk about Electric Cars. Not any old electric cars, but the new one that James Bond will be driving.

That’s right – James (Yes! – I know that not his real name…but just stay with me on this…) has realised, he needs to get with the times – and upgrade his Aston. And he’s gone and done that… He’ll be driving the new Aston Martin Rapide E.

It can do 0-60 in under 4 seconds. Has 2 motors at the back whopping out 600 horsepower! Top speed of 155mph and a range of 200 miles. Impressive?

Photography : Nick Dungan

A price tag of £250,000 puts it slightly out of reach for me, unfortunately.

A very desirable motor. And can we see more electric cars in films?

I think so! – It’s the future!! – Not long ago, I blogged about the new Audi E-tron which was about £80k… and there’s more and more fully electric cars being made available.

Also, the infrastructure is improving vastly. More charging points. Quicker charge batteries…. but the most important thing is how clean and green a fully electric car is!

Yes – you will need to replace the battery at a certain time – 60,000 miles on some cars… but that’s no different to a cambelt change for a car – which happens, or should – take place around the same mileage. And probably is around the same cost.

In terms of servicing – well, that should be cheaper also! – Mainly because you haven’t got an engine!!!

But more importantly… Mr Bond will be able to catch the bad guy quicker – because the car is quicker!

Just hope the dizzy speeds don’t make him like his drink. Shaken (not stirred).

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Experience Centres…

A few weeks ago, I was in London with my colleague Bruno, who’d travelled over from Brussels – for a meeting.

I noticed his shoes – very nice they were, and let him know that.

For the next 10 minutes, Bruno explained to me how the High Street was changing – and where he went to buy his shoes, they had a Ferrari and other ‘items’ which you wouldn’t normally find in a traditional shoe shop. It was more like an experience centre – where you walk in, sofa’s, tea and coffee, let the kids look at the Ferrari, whilst you take your time and find the right shoes.

I fully agree. The High Street is changing. There’s more on-line shopping. We know this! – just look at the statistics.

Bal, how can we help the High Street?

Well – firstly, have more ‘experience centres’ – where customers can ‘experience’ what they want, take their time and indulge what you have to offer.

A place where they can ask questions freely, talk to people with some serious knowledge – sounding very familiar to the Apple Store!?!

But what if you had a kids play corner? What if there was some ‘attractions’ to divert your attention? What if there was a coffee machine that enticed you to stay longer… become more loyal to the brand/shop.

Thinking differently will help the High Street. Similar to how in the 80’s and 90’s the shopping centres appeared out of town, with ample free parking and huge variety of shops. They’re still popular – but why would I waste my time, to drive out of town, park up, walk into a shop, purchase an item, walk back, drive home….. when I could do it in a few clicks on my phone?

In addition to the experience, it begins to be more personal. More individual. And we’re seeing that in a number of sectors.

Pop-up shops for example. We don’t want the same thing as everyone else…. and that’s the same as our drinking! – look at the number of beers you can get now, different beers, different tastes – and more individualisation!

It’s funny to keep reading about ‘the High Street is Dead’… maybe it is, but how can it be revitalised?! – let’s look at other cities around the world. Let’s learn what other people are doing… and bring some life back to the High Street!