I loved Gamleys. And my Mum bought me a Timex weatch from a small shop near the Western Road end (I think it was). Always seemed a bit exciting in there.
[Brighton] Whatever Has Happened to Imperial Arcade?
- Thread starter Cowfold Seagull
- Start date
Got something to say or just want fewer pesky ads? Join us... 😊
Nobby Cybergoat
Well-known member
- Jul 19, 2021
- 8,624
Yes. Imperial Arcade is horrendous currently.
The commercial landlord must be delighted with high rent level he's set and presumably now he's getting not a penny. No shortage of pigeon shit to clear up though
The trouble is that now, who would be the first to move back in? They need to have a next to nothing rent for a couple of years to entice some small businesses and like other landlord, start charging some realistic rent in the longer term.
The commercial landlord must be delighted with high rent level he's set and presumably now he's getting not a penny. No shortage of pigeon shit to clear up though
The trouble is that now, who would be the first to move back in? They need to have a next to nothing rent for a couple of years to entice some small businesses and like other landlord, start charging some realistic rent in the longer term.
- Jun 20, 2021
- 3,870
It's amazing I haven't thought about Gamleys for years, but now all the memories flooding back of being taken there about November time to see what toys and games I was interested in, and then magically waking up at Christmas to find (some of ) them been left by Santa.
It took years to work out I needed to keep going over to the expensive toys!
I remember meeting Darth Vader in Gamleys when Return Of The Jedi came out. Also being very nervous while we were queuing up. Used to love it in the there, the top floor was always the best floor. Then straight over to Beaties (always more expensive though), there used to be several great toy shops in the area, Zodiac along by Argos, the one I can never remember, black sign with green writing where Card Factory is now. Even the toy department at London Road CO-OP, many happy nostalgic memories.
Shropshire Seagull
Well-known member
Gamleys - oh YES!
Must of bought 100's of Airfix models from there during the 1970s
Must of bought 100's of Airfix models from there during the 1970s
Cowfold Seagull
Fan of the 17 bus
- Thread starter
- #26
Aint that the case. Horsham is full of them, it's called East Street.
Cowfold Seagull
Fan of the 17 bus
- Thread starter
- #27
I must have been modelling at the same time as you, most of mine came from a store called Johnson & Clark's in Staines, my old home town.
Long gone now though . . . Johnson & Clark's not Staines lol.
marcos3263
Well-known member
There was a Panasonic or electrical shop - sold a few separates, amps and the like. Replaced the toy shop I think.
Cowfold Seagull
Fan of the 17 bus
- Thread starter
- #30
Yep, baked the finest sausage rolls in all of Sussex. Long since gone alas.
Cheshire Cat
The most curious thing..
Those concrete thing on either side are simply vile.
It is not an appealing place to have a business. It's outdated and almost decrepit. It has low visibility (eg. buses) so is not appealing for the big names, and a relatively low amount of pedestrians going through it now compared to the high street.
The only way it can become successful again is if it is modernised or restored to its former glory, to gain a reputation for niche or unique businesses like we have in the laines, by making it a desirable place to have a business.
Can't see any of that happening any time soon, so it is likely to remain a rain proof short cut for most of us.
Greg Bobkin
Silver Seagull
- May 22, 2012
- 16,034
The Internet and business in the city centre at probably two of the main reasons...
EA(s)T Street
And Viennese mince pies
I was quite partial to their cheese and onion pasty and those amazing breakfast pastries too
Modelling, you say? To me, that means fluttering your eyelids at a camera while wearing tiny pants.
Superphil
Dismember
Did there used to be a place called the Condom Shop in there back in the late 70s/early 80s?
Mackenzie
Old Brightonian
Was a magical place when I was a kid, I'd drag mum out of Marks's side door and straight in to Gamleys.....there was also a very sophisticated looking ladies hairdressers half way down.
Easy 10
Brain dead MUG SHEEP
Weststander
Well-known member
Loved Gamley’s as a kid in the 70’s …. heaven.
Imperial Arcade’s been rundown for decades, not on a natural pedestrian route, there’s little need to visit.
Imperial Arcade’s been rundown for decades, not on a natural pedestrian route, there’s little need to visit.