Waterford Crystal Closed

Michele Erdvig · Host

Waterford Crystal Closed

Anchoress · Guru

Just one of so many, Michele.

Job losses and closures are every day news here now.

Numbers may seem small by comparison with the Us, but with the small population here it is a hard scenario

Blessings

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

From a post I left on Fodors:

It IS true that Waterford has effectively shut down. Upper management went on a buying frenzy over the past decade or so, using cheap credit from the Celtic Tiger economy to buy up numerous "Old Name' companies that were, themselves, already on the verge of bankruptcy. Off-shore divesture (much Waterford made in Poland or Checklovakia and much Royal Doulton and Royal Albert made in China or Indonesia)only cheapened the Brand.
Now, with people 'cutting back' on their spending for luxuries ...

The Irish Government is discussing the possibility of stepping in and taking over the Visitor's Center (at least) to shore up the Tourist value. Dunno how well that will work out -- or when -- as they seem pretty mired down in dealing with the general economy.

Some former Waterford artisans HAVE struck out, on their own and there are a number of FINE, regional crystal makers, scattered through out Ireland, although none have, as yet acquired the "NAME" recognition that Waterford has (HAD) carried.

I thought that it was reported that an American compay had been awarded Receivership of Waterford and that the locals, at least, held out high hopes. Apparently, the details were LESS than were hoped for:

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/business/waterford-crystal-union-reps-to-meet-potential-investor-14161651.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7863612.stm

Shawn · Senior Member

I went skiing a few weeks ago and ended up sitting w/ a guy in the lodge who was from Waterford (weird, huh?). I was shocked when he told me about this. Waterford Crystal always seemed like such a huge brand known across the world.....especialy since the make alot of trophies and the New Year's ball, etc. I really couldn't believe it...too bad.

He also said that if you travel over there, don't pay asking price for anything. He said things are tough and people are willing to negotiate over everything.

Anchoress · Guru

Shawn wrote:
Many "names" are vanishing...

Yardleys went a while ago.

Er.. I would not advise trying to "haggle " in shops here.

Makes me smile to think of the likely reactions:)

We like most have fixed prices:)

Maybe different for locals known to the shops..

I went skiing a few weeks ago and ended up sitting w/ a guy in the lodge who was from Waterford (weird, huh?). I was shocked when he told me about this. Waterford Crystal always seemed like such a huge brand known across the world.....especialy since the make alot of trophies and the New Year's ball, etc. I really couldn't believe it...too bad.

He also said that if you travel over there, don't pay asking price for anything. He said things are tough and people are willing to negotiate over everything.