Monthly Newsletter from the Chairman of Atkinsons of Sheffield – Nicholas Atkinson
Atkinsons has been part of Sheffield life for 154 years and remains proudly family-run, now in its fourth generation. After 54 years in the business, I still enjoy sharing a few stories and observations from behind the scenes.
Well, you know the details by now, so let's get on with this month's newsletter.
Carrying on from last month's newsletter, I told you about Sainsbury’s moving out of Atkinsons, vacating the space they had occupied for the previous 26 years and moving next door to a standalone unit that had previously been a small secondary M&S store.
The repercussions for Atkinsons were significant. The potential loss of customers walking through the store and back again could be counted in the hundreds every day. The old Sainsbury’s space amounted to 20,000 sq ft, with access mainly through Atkinsons, and there was a similar area underneath for storage and deliveries. Then there was the car park above, providing customer parking for 400 cars, which at the time was run by Sainsbury’s themselves. Overnight, we had to become car park operators as well, which turned out to be a minefield.
In the lead-up to Sainsbury’s departure, we started planning. We needed to integrate the Sainsbury’s area into our own store and make it feel like part of our business. This meant significant structural alterations, opening up the space and adding another eight new departments.
At the time, The Moor was booming and had taken over from Fargate, which had always held that mantle. The novelty of Meadowhall had worn off a little, and there was significant interest in what we were doing. There was a strong lobby of individuals who did their utmost to stop us, but we stuck it out, come hell or high water. Six months later, at the start of September 2000, we opened the new area to great fanfare, and my two daughters, Hannah and Becky, helped their grandad cut the ribbon.
Eight new departments, another restaurant, and one of the biggest toy departments in the area were opened in time for Christmas that year. It was a huge success, and we finished that financial year up 30%! Wow, what a relief - and a good way to start the new millennium.
The demise of Debenhams nationally was no real surprise within the trade, but what was a surprise was John Lewis leaving Sheffield. The store was hugely profitable, and yet they decided to go. One must wonder why this icon of retail left one of the country’s largest cities.
It ripped the retail heart out of our city centre and rebuilding that confidence has been a difficult process. However, I am glad to say that The Moor has taken over from Fargate and has a lot to offer. We do, though, need more support from the public, and that will encourage other retailers to consider our city centre in the future.
I spent my working life helping to save The Moor, especially after Meadowhall opened in the early 1990s, and I would like to think that my youngest daughter will be able to take over from me in the years to come.
Atkinsons is a very rare beast in today’s retail world, but we must have your support, and in return we will give you something special. Shopping should be a pleasure, and Atkinsons goes out of its way to make everyone feel comfortable while remaining highly competitive.
So, if you want sound advice on things like carpets and flooring, visit Bensons at Atkinsons, another family firm working alongside us. They will let you borrow samples to take home and ensure you get exactly what you want. If it’s a bed you’re looking for, we stock most of the leading brands and are adding Hypnos to our ranges this year. Relyon is another excellent name, along with Harrison Spinks, Sealy, and many more.
Our staff are well trained, and there is no pressure selling - just sound advice to help you make the right decision.
Like most people in this city, I used to ride on Muffin the Mule when I was a tot. My father, Peter, used to give me a few pennies pocket money each week, most of which went on sweets, especially penny toffee bars or gobstoppers, which seemed to last all day. But I always kept something back for Muffin.
These days, we must take care of him, and when he goes on the blink, it’s a nightmare finding the parts needed to put him back together again. Yet his popularity continues to grow, and, like Atkinsons, he has a huge following of loyal admirers!
Sorry if the works in the car park have been holding you up a bit recently, but better late than never - they are now fitting electric vehicle charging bays and additional disabled bays near the payment machines. Those machines have also been replaced by super-easy-to-use pay stations, which are a doddle - even I can use them!
Before I sign off, keep an eye out for future posts. We have something rather special in the pipeline and, while I'm not letting the cat out of the bag just yet, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
See you next month and do come and say hello. My wife Christine loves talking, so she's in her element!
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