A large brand, with national scope, has decided to take a retail space in Forest Hill.

Unfortunately it isn't the most exciting business in the world, nor is it the sort of glamorous brand that will generate a great deal more footfall to other shops (as such), but it does remove an eye sore from our streetscape.

For those who do not drive down our way too often, Topps Tiles has taken over the large 'discount' furniture shop on the corner of Stanstead Road (opposite the Railway Telegraph). It is a great move for them as they will have great brand profile there. Not sure what they will do about parking (always the same question), but it will make that corner a bit more attractive without permanent 'closing down sale' signs.

Now, only a few dozen more empty shops to fill.

Will that make the corner more atttractive?

than it was before? Naturally!

any business moving into Forest Hill is good news, even if it is just from the perspective that it makes the area look a little less run-down to the passing public

As each shop in a parade becomes empty the parade tends to die. Customers attracted by one shop tend to visit other shops.

that spot is ideal for a shop like tops tiles with shannons, travis perkins, maplins and an industrial estate to the back, it fits. hope they do well to prove me right.

Just slightly surprised as there are so many other tile places nearby. If something opens up near me about 85% of time it turns out to be an estate agent (still) or property surveyor, or some kind of DIY establishment.

I think it's great to have a Topps Tiles in FH. It means that the rather barren corner actually might become a thriving little DIY centre. The Garden Centre is a gem, travis perkins is really useful and I've had to go to Maplins a few times and I'm always impressed that they've got what I need!

Let's support them and give them a big Forest Hill welcome. Maybe we should all tile the outside of our houses in gratitiude at a national chain (and not a chicken one) has come to the Hill....

I love Shannon but bafled as to how anyone can possibly enjoy DIY, but glad it is going to be popular with local residents.

(..baffled, I mean.) I do lots of it, but only under duress.

I remember the old furniture store. Used to be a great view from Torygraph garden in 70's.
Is there not already a new tile place on London Rd , opposite The Grove

I just feel so underwhelmed - it just makes me think of the Ferrero Rocher advert agt the Ambassador's party where our guest to Forest Hill would say "Monsieur with your [Topps Tiles] you are really spoiling us".

Younger fans of mine may wish to check out the classic 80s ad that inspired me to post this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P-nZZkQqTc

Can't wait for the Spud-U-like, The Sock Shop, Mr Byright or other similar 80s classics of the high street to arrive in our backwater.

At last, some sanity - except I miss Spud-u-like

you guys deserve to have forest hill full of empty shops - oh it is.......

There, you've got your wish!

I had been hoping for a Tesco so we could have compared notes on rival firms' Big Issue sellers.

Whilst not being especially excited myself by the coming of a Nat Tile shop I suppose there are a few jobs provided.
However knowing how it works the employees have probably come in from Eltham or Crayford causing futher congestion

Tesco at Catford seems to have a resident Big Issue seller.