Unfortunately, another UK based Elvis shop closed its doors. This message from Andrew Hearn (Essential Elvis Shop) was posted on several message boards this morning: "Unfortunately, due to a rather disappointing retail year I've decided to close the Elvis Shop & museum with immediate effect. It's with regret and frustration that I have to announce the closure, but like so many businesses, it's just not feasible to continue with a retail unit that is simply not making any kind of profit", - Andrew Hearn
UK Elvis Shop Closes
January 17, 2011 | OtherFortis wrote on
January 17, 2011
If EPE is smart: they'll open up themselves an Elvis shop in London, Berlin, Paris, Brussels, Milano etc etc and if not EPE, then together with Sony/HMV, etc Why not let Sir Branson do it for them... and paying EPE franchising fee? Now, we are left with only a few shops that offer us far too expensive FTD products and books....Ripping....the cow !
Brian Quinn wrote on
January 17, 2011
Sorry to see The Elvis Shop close down. However, the Elvis Magazine and other retail business is as strong as ever and going from strength to strength.
Tony C wrote on
January 17, 2011
This is sad news, but it is a sign of the times regarding retail shops. Mail order is the only cost effective way to operate these days and Essential Elvis are one of the best at that.
Regarding an earlier posting, I don't think Richard Branson would particularly want to run an EPE shop in England, why would he? He sold off his Virgin Megastores, cutting his ties with the retail market. I think EPE opening a shop in London would be a disasterous decision, the overheads are huge and the prices would have to reflect that.
emjel wrote on
January 17, 2011
Probably the best stocked Elvis shop down in East Ham London (The Elvis Shop) closed it's doors a few years back as it was probably more profitable for mail order/internet sales. There are just not enough punters these days to cover the overheads. As for EPE or Richard Branson doing it - then dream on.
Tony C wrote on
January 17, 2011
It was always a great pleasure to visit The Elvis Shop in East Ham, although I did not go there that often. It had so much great stuff, I would save up until I had a couple of hundred pounds and go there one Saturday morning and blow the lot. Chris was always very friendly and gave me good discounts. It was a real treasure trove of hardcore rare Elvis goods.
phurren2006 wrote on
January 18, 2011
Unfortunately EPE will never open an Elvis store in the UK - there just isn't the market for it I'm afraid. We're just too few in number.