Forum Topic

Ealing shops - good news and bad news

The good news is that Robert Dyas is returning to central Ealing, close to Marks & Spencer in the shopping centre. Not many useful shops in the town centre, so welcome back.The bad news - and it's really bad - is that City Radio in Bond Street is closing at the end of the year, as the owner is retiring. It's one of the very few remaining shops where you can go in with a daft question or an unusual request and come out with a solution. Are there any other really useful, practical, helpful shops within a mile of Ealing town centre? Would love to hear recommendations.

Christine Gratus ● 4433d21 Comments

I now know who Mr.Theo Paphitis is - he's not only famous for being famous, he is a famously keen entrepreneur and a Millwall big-wig.

Gerry Tan ● 4385d

I should know who Theo Paphitis is apart from owning Robert Dyas chain - please tell me what he's famous for?

Gerry Tan ● 4385d

I hadn't realised that he now owns the Robert Dyas chain.

Nigel Brooks ● 4385d

I see that Theo Paphitis is due to officially 'open' the new Robert Dyas store (Ealing Broadway Centre) this Friday, 4th April.

Andy Horridge ● 4385d

What a good addition to Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre is the new Robert Dyas store - went in there again today  - they have some excellent offers - some of the electric kettles are great value.

Gerry Tan ● 4390d

great news about O'Neills!

Andy Vaughan ● 4390d

Also new openingsCreams (Dessert Parlour) replaces Sony shopO'Neills to be rebranded as a pub (same owners as North Star)Grillshack restaurant opening next to CHinese herb shop in the centre)Turtle Bay (chain) to open in the former post officehope that helps

Ron Gill ● 4390d

Yes! Hurrah for Robert Dyas!! I did think though that the display shelves on the laft as you walk in are a bit tight. Whos gonna be the first to knock one over!!?

Tom Clifford ● 4391d

We've just walked back home from Ealing B'way Shopping Centre and couldn't help noticing that Robert Dyas is open and there was a very large crowd outside and inside the new shop - hurrah - wish them all success!

Gerry Tan ● 4394d

Wonderful, hope it stays just as 'quirky'.Robert Dyas I believe open today according to the lovely people (if you want to enjoy cracking customer service take a trip to) in their Chiswick branch.

Nigel Brooks ● 4394d

Good news - the wife popped into City Radio today to wish them well and was told someone will be taking over the shop.

John Walker ● 4394d

Pleased to know Robert Dyas are opening a shop in EBSC. Most new shops are rather dull and dire, but I like the crafts and bric-a-brac shop on The Green(near the pharmacy) - always pleasant items to browse and occasionally buy.

Gerry Tan ● 4427d

Actually it is Walter as I had no idea that Peter had made the decision to close not having been in since late last year.

Nigel Brooks ● 4428d

thats been going on for the last 5 years at least, he was a handy shop keeper for electrical stuff but its not news, no disrespect

Walter Coady ● 4430d

There are retail businesses that have been running though for hundreds of years. Alfred Sayers was a case in point and on its' third generation.Such a shame but, as you rightly say Gerald, inevitable.

Nigel Brooks ● 4432d

(my point being, that a good, well-run, and socially useful chain is a good sign for Ealing; while the demise of a much-oved family-run business is certainly a great shame, but basically inevitable).

Gerald Cabb ● 4432d

This is just the downside of "proper local shops", though, isn't it?They're dependent on individuals and when they pack it in, end of shop.In a way, the return of Robert Dyas is bigger and better news as it means Ealing is worth investing in, for those who are able to invest and keep up continuity of services.  It's a chain, but a useful one and not just another fashion footwear chain.

Gerald Cabb ● 4432d

"Proper local businesses and much loved as part of 'real ' Ealing."How beautifully (and accurately) expressed Anthony.

Nigel Brooks ● 4433d

What a shame.City Radio is the best place for light bulbs and electrical oddities. Brllliant shopand as much loss to Bond Street as Kings Florist was quite a while ago now.Proper local businesses and much loved as part of 'real ' Ealing.

Anthony Waller ● 4433d

How sad. The shop window in itself is a gem.

Penny Crocker ● 4433d

The good news about Robert Dyas is more than outweighed by the new that City Radio is closing.Quirky and unique puts it mildly but I have never left without either buying something or with a clear suggestion of a solution. I know of nowhere else like it.A bad day for men of 'a certain age' with Alfred Sayers closing just before Christmas and now this news.

Nigel Brooks ● 4433d