Axminster closures

[Mike Jordan]

I understand that Axi are closing at least one store, does anyone know what’s happened to the demand for tools? Or is this just another symptom of the curse of the drop shippers.

 

[Lons]

I'm not sure it's a lack of tool buyers rather than increasing overheads and different shopping habits. I go into the Newcastle store and it's usually empty midweek, I invariably come away having bought only small bits because their prices tend to be uncompetitive though if there's a sizeable purchase you can usually negotiate some extras if not a discount.
It's so simple these days to google and compare prices. I'd always support a local business where possible but sometimes it's too much of a difference to swallow.

 

[Trevanion]

Looking at their accounts which are available on companies house they've made some pretty serious profit over the last couple of years so they're pretty healthy as a company, I would guess as Lons says the bulk of their trade is online now rather than in stores and that's the way things are going to keep going as with pretty much all businesses now. Google is the new High Street where you can get anything you want and compare prices between hundreds of shops.

I've never been in an Ax store, but I've bought a fair bit off them over the years online. Nearest store is Cardiff, which would be a two-hour drive.

 

[Malc2098]

The shop in Axminster by the railway bridge is closed for sales, but they have opened a one floor new shop at their warehouse on the Weycroft Trading Estate.

Not sure, but they may be using the railway bridge place for courses.

 

[Woodbloke]

The shop in Axminster by the railway bridge is closed for sales, but they have opened a one floor new shop at their warehouse on the Weycroft Trading Estate.

Not sure, but they may be using the railway bridge place for courses.

When I worked for Ax, the business next door in Weycroft Trading Estate went bust and I recollect Ian Styles ruminating about buying it and then doing something with the premises, which was quite large. Decent sized car park as well so much better than the shop by the railway bridge as there was only space for about half a dozen vehicles.
If Ax do start to run courses again, that'll be a plus as Covid finished off the original ones held at AxHQ - Rob

 

[Malc2098]

https://www.axminstertools.com/stores/axminster







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[PAC1]

Nuneaton closed a few months ago. I never understood why Axminster who had a good on line presence for over 20 years started opening physical stores 10 years ago.

 

[AJB Temple]

Sittingbourne shop, which is my nearest has apparently closed. There is a story on the other place today (which oddly enough I have not visited for months) that Axminster is making an announcement this afternoon, the suggestion being, presumably, that it is closing.

 

[Dr.Al]

Sittingbourne shop, which is my nearest has apparently closed. There is a story on the other place today (which oddly enough I have not visited for months) that Axminster is making an announcement this afternoon, the suggestion being, presumably, that it is closing.

Let's hope it's "just" the Axminster store closing or one/both of the "currently closed for operational reasons" stores (Sittingbourne & High Wycombe) being permanently closed. While none of that would be great news, it'd be a crying shame if they stopped selling completely - apart from anything else they sell a lot of self-manufactured stuff.

It'd be a crying shame to see a UK manufacturer close and it'd also be extremely disappointing for people with (for example) Axminster lathe chucks to find they couldn't buy Axminster lathe chuck jaws any more (and I'm sure there are plenty of other examples of things for which you might buy accessories).

 

[Phil]

Our main woodworking supplier (not close by) started importing and selling Ax machines and other products.

The biggest problem would be warranty claims/after sales service.

 

[NickM]

Sittingbourne shop, which is my nearest has apparently closed. There is a story on the other place today (which oddly enough I have not visited for months) that Axminster is making an announcement this afternoon, the suggestion being, presumably, that it is closing.

If it closes, they'll probably have a closing down sale with some reasonable deals to be had. When Basingstoke closed, I stocked up on a few bits and bobs but wish I'd bought more!

I popped into the store in Axminster when I was passing last week. It is nice to have browse and a chance to look at things properly. I miss having the Basingstoke one on the doorstep.

 

[AndyT]

Their website says this:

Update: Store Closed - Due to operational issues Axminster Tools Sittingbourne store is currently closed. Thank you for your patience. In the meantime, you can find everything you need online. What's more, we'll deliver to your door for FREE when you spend over £50.

(on the Sittingbourne Store page at https://www.axminstertools.com/stores/sittingbourne)

 

[Dr.Al]

Their website says this:

Update: Store Closed - Due to operational issues Axminster Tools Sittingbourne store is currently closed. Thank you for your patience. In the meantime, you can find everything you need online. What's more, we'll deliver to your door for FREE when you spend over £50.

(on the Sittingbourne Store page at https://www.axminstertools.com/stores/sittingbourne)

The High Wycombe one says the same; the Axminster one still seems to be open, for now at least.

 

[AndyP]

Fingers crossed that they can weather the storm. Hard to pass comment on the situation that so many enterprises have found themselves in post Brexit without getting political.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

https://caseboard.io/cases/61b6c56a-282d-43de-af1f-54c3d4cf683f

 

[AJB Temple]

Shame.

 

[Stuart]

I’d read elsewhere about the appointment of an administrator which is (in my experience) generally terminal. But I did also hear that the administration was being ‘overseen’ (if that’s the right word) but another company registered to the Styles family (Newtool or something similar).

I hope they survive.