The depression in the retail sector is starting to throw up some strange anomalies in retailer behaviour as observed in the deterioration of the quality of service in some high street chains.

Take Blue Inc, the clothing retailer with outlets in many shopping centres across the country. However, hopefully Blue Inc stores in other cities are better run than that of Sheffield Meadowhall, where customers after spending some time in the selection of clothing may experience that the staff are unable or incapable of completing the card transaction for whatever reason resulting in the customer being handed a totally useless VOID SALE slip. This is not a case of the card not being read by the terminal, as the VOID slip lists the correct card details, but rather that the transaction has been VOIDED by the staff or as a consequence of the system in use.

Off course problem cards with defective chips could result in such a response. However such cards would likely have experienced such behaviour in other retailers both before and most definitely afterwards, which was not the case in the experience at Blue Inc, thus suggestive of a problem that is specific to Blue Inc, Sheffield.

So Sheffield Meadowhall shoppers, to save yourself wasting 30 minutes or more in selecting clothing at Blue Inc Meadowhall, resulting in being handed a VOID slip rather than the clothing selected, then either ensure you have enough cash in your pocket to cover the transaction or try other clothing outlets first.

Whilst we are on the topic of Sheffield Meadowhall, customers shopping at Debenhams do double check your receipts as you may find yourself being overcharged, as also experienced on Thursday. In fact this is a good rule that should be routinely followed at all retailers as you be surprised at the number of times the stores have been found to over charge.

I guess desperate times call for desperate measures?

By Nadeem Walayat
http://www.marketoracle.co.uk

Nadeem Walayat has over 20 years experience of trading derivatives, portfolio management and analysing the financial markets, including one of few who both anticipated and Beat the 1987 Crash. Nadeem's forward looking analysis specialises on the housing market and interest rates. Nadeem is the Editor of The Market Oracle, a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. We present in-depth analysis from over 250 experienced analysts on a range of views of the probable direction of the financial markets. Thus enabling our readers to arrive at an informed opinion on future market direction. http://www.marketoracle.co.uk

Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any trading losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors before engaging in any trading activities.

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Comments

Jane
03 Jul 09, 21:24

Blue Inc Thumbs Down

Their prices are cheap but unfortunately so are the goods, you can get the same quality at 1/4 the price at Primark.

Sami
04 Jul 09, 00:11

staff

happened to me to!

Shops cutting costs means hiring crap staff, which means less custom and hence a vicious cycle into insolvency.

Looks like Blue inc won't be around for much longer/

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