On 2007-06-19 11:41:33 +0100, "tim....." said:


"Andy Hall" wrote in message
...
On 2007-06-19 00:05:53 +0100, EricP said:

Focus sold to US hedge fund Cerberus for £1.00

I wonder if Wickes will survive yet again?

Wickes is now owned by Travis Perkins, although it's demise would be no
great loss.

What's wrong with Wicks?

- Most of what they sell is mediochre at best (e.g. tools)

- Limited selection - often only one type of each thing. Paint is
mainly own brand for example, and a poor selection.

- Timber quality is appalling.





ISTM that you get trade stuff without the (snotty) 'you're not
in the trade' attitude of the other places.

I never get that attitude from other places because I don't allow them
to play that game. However, I do mainly tend to buy items of one
type from one place - e.g. electricals from WF, plumbing from PTS/BSS
and so on. In this way, and with an account at each, there is a
trading history. The only exception is if I have a project with a
spend on materials expected to be greater than about £500. Then a
request for quote goes to several places and I can go for best quality,
price and availability.