Robinsons Caravans

[THE WILSON FAMILY]

Hi new member here i have been looking for a new caravan and was interested in Coachman or Elddis looked on line for our local dealers Robinsons Caravans to find that the Coachman franchise is no longer there and they are no longer listed on the Elddis dealer website as a stockist.

So i popped down to the Chesterfield branch to find the shop almost empty of stock.

I wondered if anyone knew if they had changed ownership as it did not inspire me to look at purchasing from them.

 

[littlebasher]

To be honest, their site at Chesterfield always seemed a bit short of stock.

There always seems to be a lot more at their Worksop site

 

[Beachball]

Our experience of Robinson Caravan sites reflects your own where the Worksop site proved to be more varied and with a larger choice of caravans which enabled us to buy one we wanted, Hoping the future enables you to buy one and can begin your adventures.

 

[Johnb]

A bit of a worry hearing Robinsons are struggling - if indeed that's the case.
Bought vans from them in the past and used for services in the past. (Last van bought elsewhere since Robinsons did not stock Swift vans in 2019 when we bought current van).
Always found their shop fully stocked including awnings on display. Yard always full too.
I know many people use Robinsons exclusively and rather hope they are not likely to close.

 

[ArcaneAsh]

Could it have been that stock was at the NEC Show? It always seems busy and full yard whenever we go. Our van is there currently for some warranty work.

 

[THE WILSON FAMILY]

We went to the NEC show yesterday but they have not got a stand this show which seems odd as they are usually there every year.

 

[ProfJohnL]

...
I wondered if anyone knew if they had changed ownership as it did not inspire me to look at purchasing from them.

I looked at their web site and it seems they are "now a part of MBH, who in partnership," So there is a significant change.

 

[otherclive]

I looked at their web site and it seems they are "now a part of MBH, who in partnership," So there is a significant change.

MBH acquired White Arches in 2023. Industry rationalisation I guess. The strong devour the weak!

 

[ProfJohnL]

MBH acquired White Arches in 2023. Industry rationalisation I guess. The strong devour the weak!

"Rationalisation" ? Greed.

 

[otherclive]

"Rationalisation" ? Greed.

I would just call it business. Perhaps Robinson’s were looking to withdraw from some areas and found the offer attractive.

 

[Dustydog]

They were PCv Dealer of the year 2020.👏👏
All old family firms come to an end as they did in 2020 when acquired by the German Leisure Company. They are now advertising new Coachman caravan at Worksop £43k ish. Are they running down
How is the firm today?

 

[ProfJohnL]

...
All old family firms come to an end ...

Ultimately that of course will be true. But the same applies to ALL businesses whether family controlled or not.

I am connected to a business that has been under one families for control for 8 generations since the last quarter of the 1700's.

 

[Dustydog]

Ultimately that of course will be true. But the same applies to ALL businesses whether family controlled or not.

I am connected to a business that has been under one families for control for 8 generations since the last quarter of the 1700's.

👍That beats King Charles 111😉

 

[Raywood]

The exception that proves the rule.

 

[Buckman]

Where all the advertising harps around it being a "family" business we are a bit wary having had our fingers burnt previously. I am not saying every family business is like that, just one or two.

 

[Johnb]

Just been to Robinsons at Chesterfield. Didn't see any motorhomes but yard was full of caravans. Loads of new stock for sale. Didn't go to shop but would be surprised if it wasn't stocked as usual since nothing suggests and problems.

The office reception has been doubled in size and now carries sign saying "only by appointment". However, I went in and explained I had a small water ingress issue and although I didn't purchase this van from them they were happy to look after me. Will be dragging van over with service history record on Wednesday for appraisal.

Was told if parts need ordering it was likely September before any work can be undertaken. Sooner if no new parts required.

My strong impression is that Robinsons in Chesterfield are operating normally.

Apart from the change in offices and some new staff the only other change was the absence of any motor-homes! (Possible hidden away but unlikely I think as previous visit saw them facing road in car park area that's now filled with vans).

Could this suggest a new "business model" I wonder?

 

[Raywood]

MBH acquired White Arches in 2023. Industry rationalisation I guess. The strong devour the weak!

Looks like the wrong way round now and the weak devoured the strong. MBH have gone bust. so you do wonder how they found the funds to complete the purchase when they must have been wobbly at that time.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Looks like the wrong way round now and the weak devoured the strong. MBH have gone bust. so you do wonder how they found the funds to complete the purchase when they must have been wobbly at that time.

I'm sorry but we don't know what MBH's financials were like when they incorporated the caravan dealers., and we also don't know hat has happened to destabilise the business now.

 

[Johnb]

Just to add I did find some motorhomes on next visit. Maybe before they were displayed somewhere else.

Seems all normal.

 

[Raywood]

They are hopefully carrying on in the hope of a sale.

 

[ArcaneAsh]

I don’t think things are great at the moment. Our van has been in the service department for a number of weeks now awaiting parts. We went up yesterday to check on things (they never answer phone so have to turn up in person). We’ve been ‘advised’ to collect the van sooner rather than later as there are no guarantees that the gates will remain open. I must stress this didn’t come from anyone in a position of management within the branch (not sure if there is anyone tbh - service manager has recently left) but they did say they are all ‘waiting for something to happen’

 

[Raywood]

I would collect the caravan as if the business closes, although the caravan is yours, there can be problems in collecting it. Once the parts arrive, assuming the business is still there, you can take it back and if not get it repaired elsewhere. Not good but seems the only way forward.

 

[Buckman]

I would collect the caravan as if the business closes, although the caravan is yours, there can be problems in collecting it. Once the parts arrive, assuming the business is still there, you can take it back and if not get it repaired elsewhere. Not good but seems the only way forward.

I think many people had this issue when Discovery went into administration and the administrations attached everything on the property..

 

[ArcaneAsh]

I would collect the caravan as if the business closes, although the caravan is yours, there can be problems in collecting it. Once the parts arrive, assuming the business is still there, you can take it back and if not get it repaired elsewhere. Not good but seems the only way forward.

This is what we’ve done today. We were told by a few people there that our timing was ‘spot on’. A real shame if it does go, as the work quality has been spot on (once you can get booked in etc).

 

[otherclive]

Robinson’s are not alone, Swindon Caravans are not undertaking any work unless the caravan or motorhome were purchased from them. Even for those purchased from them there’s a long waiting time.