Have I missed another announcement?

folkcott replied on 15/05/2023 19:17

Posted on 15/05/2023 19:17

Probably like a number of members we're doing a 'long' tour for the first time since the pandemic.  The niggles  over lack of WiFi and the new booking system have been well documented elsewhere but what has happened to the camp-site shop?  To date (we are travelling from S.West of England to Skye) the shop appears to be a thing of the past: no milk/bread or calor gas seems to be available,let alone 'loo roll.   In the more remote caravan-sites is it really welcoming after a long journey to not even have the basics on hand but instead be given directions to the nearest shop 6 miles away?  Have I  missed an announcement about no site shops in future?           

Cornersteady replied on 15/05/2023 19:29

Posted on 15/05/2023 19:29

There was a  thread about this somewhere and I or someone will try and find it. Basically yes they are being cut back as it is up to the site wardens if they want to run one or not. I'm not sure if you knew but the shop was run as a business independent of the club using their own money to start it up and their own time to keep it stocked. So some wardens felt it was not worth it.

As I recall though basic caravaning needs like toilet fluids would still be in stock.

I'll try and find the thread.  

Post edit: Thanks WN

Tinwheeler replied on 15/05/2023 19:29

Posted on 15/05/2023 19:29

There has been discussion about it but I don’t recall an announcement which may be due to the fact that shops in reception were run and funded by site wardens rather than CAMC. I believe H&S/food hygiene/allergy labelling regs have made it impractical for wardens to continue.

Are you a motorhomer or caravanner? It’s really easy to stop at a village shop with a MH and far from impossible with a caravan. We've done the SW to Scotland many times and never used a site shop for more than the occasional ice cream. I’m sure you’ll be fine.

Edit: Cross posted with Corners again and WN 😂

Cornersteady replied on 15/05/2023 19:31

Posted on 15/05/2023 19:31

From that thread by a serving warden (thanks to JK):

Morning

So to run a site shop has always been a voluntary decision by the staff. Moving on, in the light of "Natasha's Law" we cannot sell any home made produce, only items that are prepacked. Moving on further any staff wishing to have a shop selling anything, be it papers, milk, accessories etc etc have to run it as their own business. It's a liability thing. Working hours will come into it soon a s well. In my opinion running even a small shop is labour intensive and the upfront cost at the start is a choker so I must admit it's quite liberating not having to run around on your rest days getting stock and sitting forever on the phone ordering stuff and actually to have a days rest. 

In a further post:

We still supply Calor where available along with green toilet chemical and rock pegs, all these are supplied through the club

JK

huskydog replied on 15/05/2023 19:53

Posted on 15/05/2023 19:53

We were at a club site last month and it had a well stocked shop , so it’s down to the wardens 

 

Moderator comment: Post slightly edited. 

brue replied on 15/05/2023 20:27

Posted on 15/05/2023 20:27

You'll also find that C&Cc is reorganising it's site shops, they'll be stocking the same basics at each site but at present things are in change over mode so some won't have the stock.

Tinwheeler replied on 15/05/2023 20:35

Posted on 15/05/2023 19:53 by huskydog

We were at a club site last month and it had a well stocked shop , so it’s down to the capability of the wardens 

Posted on 15/05/2023 20:35

I’m sure all wardens are capable but other issues tend to be the determining factors.

A couple of sites have shops run by staff employed for that specific purpose.

JollyKernow replied on 15/05/2023 20:47

Posted on 15/05/2023 19:53 by huskydog

We were at a club site last month and it had a well stocked shop , so it’s down to the capability of the wardens 

Posted on 15/05/2023 20:47

Capability. That's a good word. I'm more than capable, I just don't want, have to or feel the need to run an additional business in my own time. I'm employed to run a site and I exhaust my working hours and some doing that. Fair play to those club employees that are seemingly more business minded than me I guess.

JK

huskydog replied on 15/05/2023 21:48

Posted on 15/05/2023 20:35 by Tinwheeler

I’m sure all wardens are capable but other issues tend to be the determining factors.

A couple of sites have shops run by staff employed for that specific purpose.

Posted on 15/05/2023 21:48

Ah ,yes the old H&S tag , always a good get out , cool

Tinwheeler replied on 15/05/2023 21:59

Posted on 15/05/2023 21:48 by huskydog

Ah ,yes the old H&S tag , always a good get out , cool

Posted on 15/05/2023 21:59

Not just that as you’ll have seen in JK's older post quoted above by Corners. 

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook