Davinder Jhamat, Head of Research and Education at BCSC, vents her frustration at Birmingham International station's wasted potential for retail gain.
Now, I very rarely moan but on this occasion I do have a serious beef which needs to be aired.
I'm a daily rail commuter where my hub is Birmingham International station. The serious commuters amongst us can appreciate that when you disembark after a long day at the office a retail offer can only be a good thing for those bare essentials. Don't you think?
I'm not talking about high end fashion brands or anything too bling bling but just the simple things as an express supermarket, a chemist, maybe a dry cleaner / shoe repairer or even a good takeaway. So can someone explain to me why Birmingham International station has none of the above? For it surely has the space for it.
Although I appreciate it is not a regional hub, has no one cottoned onto the fact that with thousands of commuters passing through this station - whether they are journeying to work or using it as a connection to the airport - the potential and value for retail could be immense? Personally, I think the station can do better and benefit more than just a simple WH Smith and Subway offer. So more retail please - the station needs it! We the commuters need it.
It's off my chest now. I just wanted to share the pain with you.
Hi
Interesting comment - I work in a retail shopping mall so can see where you are coming from - never been to Birmingham but yes there are always opportunities to delight the customer.
I commute into Waterloo and whist there are shops available the whole area would benefit from an upgrade - have you talked to the management of the station or the town planning department.
My understanding of retail I am sure there are stores out there that would only too willingly tender for retail space given half the chance.
Thank you Sylvie for your comment. The town centre and station management is going to be my next port of call.
I find it quite intriguing the lack of retail at Birmingham International station. As an integral connecting point to Birmingham International Airport, the NEC and other leisure and commercial venues, with the footfall the station receives particularly from the business community the potential for retail is most apparent.
I appreciate that it is not qualified as a regional hub nevertheless it is a prime location which warrants some exploration. It’s all about heightening the consumer experience and interaction with the space – which is currently underutilised.