There is, in Walthamstow, a simply massive YMCA on the Forest Road. They have now decided they need to run a charity shop in the High Street.

The site they have selected, or had selected for them, is one which has been left unrented for many many months, considered and rejected by those commercial establishments which know a bit about retail. The Stretton's Estate Agent sign on the old Burger King next to French Kiss and Sainsbury's had instead long been joined by graffiti and flyposting for un-enticing 'events' with plenty of MCs and talents no-one has ever heard of and few ever will ever read of in future, unless it is in the court reports. Now though, the unattractive set-up is in the process of becoming the latest commercial venture by a 'charity' to grace our High Street since the British Red Cross discovered they may have a good brand on a battle-field, but its not much good in the bloody world of retail unless you know a lot a bit about the competition. When it becomes clear what they are intending to sell, and how this is in any way different from the offerings of our market, the or even other charity shops like Help the Aged, Oxfam, Crest, Scope or the British Heart Foundation, I shall update this post. I wish the YMCA the best of luck, of course, but do hope they are not about to make a major and very expensive mistake.