Opticstar, anyone know what's going on?

[Dave_D]

Just read this on their website.

"Due to our new role as the UK distributor for Meade Instruments we regret to announce that our retail showroom will no longer be open to the public from 1st November 2014 onwards."

so does that mean there'll be no more just 'popping in as i was passing'? 

[moriniboy]

Fraid so, apparently they were not selling a lot via the showroom and in this cut thoat business you need to keep overheads as low as possible.

[Uplooker]

Correct. Apparently they make so little sales through footfall it's not profitable to keep the shop open. Not sure where they will operate from in the future but think I have heard or suspect that they may accept people on an appointment/ individual basis. Only met them a couple of times but they are a very friendly and helpful bunch ;-)

Ian

[Moonshane]

cannot fault them really

[Daniel-K]

thats a shame as they really are nice and helpful. 

[lensman57]

Just read this on their website.

"Due to our new role as the UK distributor for Meade Instruments we regret to announce that our retail showroom will no longer be open to the public from 1st November 2014 onwards."

so does that mean there'll be no more just 'popping in as i was passing'? 

They need every inch of the space in the show room for storage at the moment, whether they move to a larger place in the future is not clear. I too miss the opportunity to drop in just for a friendly chat and a nice cup of coffee.

A.G

[reddoss]

Good luck to them I say. I have never met them or been to the shop, but they have always been very helpful and have done some good deals for me in the past.

[ollypenrice]

Let's hope Meade perk up a bit. There's no reason why they shouldn't since the ACF is a good flatfield SCT.

Olly

[bob1957]

Shame really as a couple of times I bought from them I was able to go into the shop, look and compare items before deciding. But if the bulk of their sales are on line then that's were they need to concentrate their business.

Bob 

[bomberbaz]

They have a lot of ex display stuff and it is well worth enquiring if you are after anything new. I got my frac with a 35% discount.

[kev]

Forgive me, didnt bcf used to be the importer?

Sent from my iPhone so excuse the typos!

[Ptarmigan]

Forgive me, didnt bcf used to be the importer?

Yes.

Which is why I never bought a Meade.

[lensman57]

Forgive me, didnt bcf used to be the importer?

Sent from my iPhone so excuse the typos!

They used to be, but I guess that after the passing of Mr Fuller earlier in the year the company may have wanted a change in direction.

A.G

[David Smith]

so does that mean there'll be no more just 'popping in as i was passing'? 

Could save you a fortune

[kirkster501]

They were lovely guys at Opticstar.  Always ready to advise and guide even when you didn't buy anything from them.  I really hope they can keep their business going although I confess I pretty much always use FLO now because of their great customer service.  Maybe Opticstar are as good but when you get to do business with good guys who look after you then you stick with them.