Print

[chrisbd]

Bindi has left IJC - hence the video being removed. Don't want to go into it too much but a few issues here and there so best we parted company.

RE Ganador Royal - the one which has sold Paul ranked number one in Top 5 bats - sold instantly.

I agree that a lot is overshadowing the good stuff atm. I'm hardly involved at all these days (very very very little if I'm honest) but it's sad to see Paul who I think is truly a decent man despite everything that may come across, overshadow the very exciting stuff like The Viking Platinum, Plat Lounge, Trustpilot 5* reviews etc, with some questionable things like this.

Whatever we think of IJC, sad to see any cricket retailer in this state really.

[justnotcricket86]

To clarify, it wasn't Paul who made those comments.

[Tom]

There are many reasons why retailers would want to stock a smaller brand, such as Ganador. It can be anything from the more attractive payment terms which the smaller brands offer (such as sale or return/60 day payments) through to the better service you'll likely get from a smaller brand in fewer retailers (The Viking deal is a great example of that).

I get why people are suspicious or don't understand it, after the whole ethos stuff which was spouted on here over and over again but I hope IJC are doing ok. It's a tough world being a retailer.

[Sivlar13]

Forgive me for my ignorance, but for how long has It's Just Cricket been based out of a storage unit only? Or is there a shop as well? Also, how can a profiting cricket shop only be open one day a week? It all seems rather bizarre.

[uknsaunders]

Forgive me for my ignorance, but for how long has It's Just Cricket been based out of a storage unit only? Or is there a shop as well? Also, how can a profiting cricket shop only be open one day a week? It all seems rather bizarre.

I imagine the 1 day a week means it's no longer offering full time employment to Paul and he's working elsewhere Tues-Sat. It's online sales probably dwarf the offline stuff so keeping costs down is important, hence the storage unit and limited access hours.

[liscon12]

Is the platinum lounge and the room next to it just storage units which he rents?

[Neon Cricket]

Is the platinum lounge and the room next to it just storage units which he rents?

As far as I know yes, but taking into account the cost of rent for anything commercial in London it's a good idea (and also enables a good location close to the Oval!). Obviously not ideal, but I can't imagine many sports store would have much luck making a profit whilst forking out rent in Central London.

[mdg20]

Is the platinum lounge and the room next to it just storage units which he rents?

Yes, but to be fair what more did you need. Passing trade is less of a thing. They are hardly missing out on people walking down the street and suddenly deciding they need to buy a bat and some pads. They are proper rooms too, not garage units. Fully lit, carpeted, heated etc. A good number of businesses who just need an office do this now. Makes good business sense to me.

[chrisbd]

Everything said here is correct. PC can work a couple other days at another job to keep IJC going, we don't really rely on passing trade, so not missing out too much on that, plus the storage units are more like Flexi-offices, as @mdg20 says, and especially the Platinum Lounge which we have smartened up a fair bit.

The benefit to the customer of the appointment only service is obvious - undivided attention on a one-on-one basis, much like getting a bespoke suit fitted, the member of staff will be able to give 100% focus to the individual client, and also we are able to do early morning and late evening appointments to suit the needs of the buyer!

[liscon12]

I agree with what you say @chrisbd about being able to give a better, more tailored service using the appointment method but on the flip side I feel it puts potential buyers off from coming as they could feel pressured into buying a bat (not by yourselves) but by the mere process of having to book an appointment, I for one would definitely feel like that if I was making someone come to open the store in order to sell me a bat.

[chrisbd]

I agree with what you say @chrisbd about being able to give a better, more tailored service using the appointment method but on the flip side I feel it puts potential buyers off from coming as they could feel pressured into buying a bat (not by yourselves) but by the mere process of having to book an appointment, I for one would definitely feel like that if I was making someone come to open the store in order to sell me a bat.

I think that's a very valid point. That's why we have the store open all day on a Monday so people can come in when it's open as usual, for a slightly more informal, less intense look around. Plus, Paul lives about 5 minutes from the shop, it's on his way home most days, and so it isn't a hassle at all for him to open up - he's usually in there anyway doing some book keeping or accounting / videos anyway.

Most people who book appointments are committed to purchasing anyway, but we do understand that and try to accommodate browsers on a Monday, and even for an appointment. No pressure from us - most people find a bat they love anyway so it works, but if not it's not a stress at all!

[iand123]

@chrisbd just saw the email saying you guys are dropping from two units to one. Does this mean that you don't carry a great deal of stock (e.g. Pads, gloves etc) for walk ins and the main stock there is bats? I haven't been to the platinum lounge but did visit Paul in the single unit and think (correct me if I'm wrong) you had some sort of warehouse for the bulk of the stock that wasn't bats

[chrisbd]

We have moved to one showroom yes but also a larger storage unit on site which is underneath the building which the Lounge is in. Lounge currently has pretty much bats only in but when requesting an appointment we ask customers what they are looking for and can then bring up a few options in preparation!

Cbd

[ca_gold]

sounds like downsizing until a final exit. unfortunate, as I always thought IJC had the foundation to be a strong retailer being in London. But it seems a bit odd for a shop based in England, to not stock most of the bats the majority of English professional players use. I would assume most people come in asking for a big brand (or at least have a choice).

[Tom]

I think it's just bloody hard to run a cricket shop, sadly. Paying rent and upkeep on a shop, which essentially does 2 months of trading a year.