SIR -- Following Carol Renehan's letter (Oxford Mail, August 24), I find it hard to imagine what pledge Andrew Smith MP could make to Littlewoods' staff.
Not even MPs can control market forces. There is little he can do to influence whether or not Littlewoods closes, or what happens to redundant staff.
I would be more interested to know how a store which survived so long, in a prime position, had to close.
Often when stores revamp themselves (Tesco in Cowley Road and Argos in Botley Road), they neglect to review their employed assets -- the staff. All they change are the fixtures and fittings.
Some readers may think I am being tactless by implying that the staff needs to be changed, but often shoppers will go where staff are welcoming and customer-focused. This can mean the difference between profit and loss.
It is a shame the area managers covering Oxford Littlewoods didn't think about revamping the store and turning around what was a successful business.
If I were a member of staff, I would like to know when the store was earmarked for closure.
It looks to me as if closure was decided long before the staff found out. What a waste!
PAUL LUMLEY
Oxford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article