It's been a year (almost) since we opened the door to our new shop "Gadget Hub", which incorporated a DVD rental business and our exisiting IT support business "Gadget-Help".
Since then so much has changed, the business has grown and changed, our customers numbers are growing steadily and Gerard is now known around the City as "The Gadgetman". We've introduced Independent Wines, Grown-up Gadgets (including 2 Dragons' Den Exclusives) and a phenomenal range of collectable and birthday present toys.
This is one of the reasons why we have decided the time is right for us to change our name. We are now known simply as "The Hub" or online as "The Hub Direct". So this blog will be ending....but a new one will be starting. Hop over to http://thehubdirect.blogspot.com/ and follow us there to see all the latest news and stories from The Hub.
It's the same with our Facebook Page - so you can now follow us at www.facebook.com/thehubdirect for daily updates.
Look forward to seeing you there!
Tuesday 15 March 2011
Wednesday 16 February 2011
Spring is in the air...
It's been a little while since I've done a blog, and thought it might be nice to let you know of some of the changes and developments that have been going on at The Hub.
We are feeling positively spring-like here as the snow has all finally cleared and we've been doing some special offers to make space for the new products that are arriving on our shelves this month.
Firstly, we've been making room for all of the new film titles coming out this month, including "The Social Network" and "Despicable Me". This means that there are lots of our ex-rental films for sale, some older titles, some newer ones. Bargains include "Eclipse" "New Moons" and "Twilight" from the Twilight Saga, "Shutter Island" and classics such as "The Last King of Scotland" and "One for the Road". These are available in store for £4.50 each or 3 for £10.00.
We've made it even easier for you to catch up with all the latest titles. Our Midweek Madness offer is now a regular feature where every week from Monday to Wednesday simply pick 2 films, for 2 nights for just £6.00. A great saving and a fantastic opportunity to get to see all the week's new releases as they hit the shelves.
We've had delivery of lots of new products for kids, such as our Lego City Playmats, Lego Pens and Moshi-Monsters range (see facebook for the full range) with Zoobles, Filly Princess and Iwako due in the next few days. As a result we have a small sale on some select items, including pink puffles, which are reduced to £5.00 until the end of the month.
Not to make the men left out, we've introduced our Sackboy Remote Control Holder in tandem with the release of the Little Big Planet 2 game and our Jigsaw SAW head knocker with 7th and final SAW movie due for release in March. Get the SAW head knocker for just £12.99 (saving you £3) when you rent any of the SAW titles.
We've also been reviewing our selection of Independent Wines for you to enjoy on your night in. With a duty increase as well as VAT going up we've been having lots of fun trying to find great wines that suit everyone's budget. Our top pick of some of our newest wines include Terra Andina Carmere - a rich and fruity red from Chile (£5.99) and Stellar Organics Chenin Blanc - a Fairtrade and Organic refreshing white from South Africa (£6.49).
Valentine's Day also saw a rush on our Pink by Yellowglen Sparkling Rose Wine - at just £7.99 it's perfect for adding sparkle to any occasion (and much better in our opinion than most of the supermarket rose's - that are often more expensive). In the words of one of our regular wine customers "Anyone can pick a good wine that's expensive, but the challenge is picking good wines that are affordable". With the majority of our wines priced under £10.00 we think we've done just that.
With lots more changes planned over the coming months we'll carry on Spring cleaning to make sure your family is entertained after a visit to The Hub.
We are feeling positively spring-like here as the snow has all finally cleared and we've been doing some special offers to make space for the new products that are arriving on our shelves this month.
Firstly, we've been making room for all of the new film titles coming out this month, including "The Social Network" and "Despicable Me". This means that there are lots of our ex-rental films for sale, some older titles, some newer ones. Bargains include "Eclipse" "New Moons" and "Twilight" from the Twilight Saga, "Shutter Island" and classics such as "The Last King of Scotland" and "One for the Road". These are available in store for £4.50 each or 3 for £10.00.
We've made it even easier for you to catch up with all the latest titles. Our Midweek Madness offer is now a regular feature where every week from Monday to Wednesday simply pick 2 films, for 2 nights for just £6.00. A great saving and a fantastic opportunity to get to see all the week's new releases as they hit the shelves.
We've had delivery of lots of new products for kids, such as our Lego City Playmats, Lego Pens and Moshi-Monsters range (see facebook for the full range) with Zoobles, Filly Princess and Iwako due in the next few days. As a result we have a small sale on some select items, including pink puffles, which are reduced to £5.00 until the end of the month.
We've also been reviewing our selection of Independent Wines for you to enjoy on your night in. With a duty increase as well as VAT going up we've been having lots of fun trying to find great wines that suit everyone's budget. Our top pick of some of our newest wines include Terra Andina Carmere - a rich and fruity red from Chile (£5.99) and Stellar Organics Chenin Blanc - a Fairtrade and Organic refreshing white from South Africa (£6.49).
With lots more changes planned over the coming months we'll carry on Spring cleaning to make sure your family is entertained after a visit to The Hub.
Friday 28 January 2011
Don't fall victim to the latest computer scams
We are receiving more and more reports from our customers of computer scams in the area. Basically they all start the same way, the phone rings and a fraudster tells you that they are from a microsoft accredited company, or associated with your broadband provider. They then tell you that they have reports of a virus on your computer and persuade you to switch it on asking you to visit various web pages so they can show you the virus warnings. In some cases they will also ask you to download remote access software so they can take control. They will always say that the anti-virus software you have is inadequate, and that they can recommend better options.
The aim of the call is to persuade you to part with some cash when they repair the "problems" they've highlighted to you, the rub here is that these problems never existed in the first place. However there are also concerns that they may actually infect your computer with viruses and malware searching for personal data.
These scams take hours to set up, operate under various different names, but seem to have in common an 0203 telephone number. These are bought in an attempt to make themselves look legitimate, however these numbers are cheap and easy to buy and can be accessed from around the world. They offer no guarantee that the person on the end of the phone is calling from London.
It's an easy and cheap fraud to set up, but shutting it down seems much harder. The only way to ensure that you stay safe from these scams is to hang up if you receive an unsolicited call.
Think about it as you would your own door, if someone called unsolicited asking you information about your PC or laptop you wouldn't let them in...don't do it over the phone or internet either!
If you think you may have fallen victim to one of these scams drop in to chat to our resident gadgetman.
The aim of the call is to persuade you to part with some cash when they repair the "problems" they've highlighted to you, the rub here is that these problems never existed in the first place. However there are also concerns that they may actually infect your computer with viruses and malware searching for personal data.
These scams take hours to set up, operate under various different names, but seem to have in common an 0203 telephone number. These are bought in an attempt to make themselves look legitimate, however these numbers are cheap and easy to buy and can be accessed from around the world. They offer no guarantee that the person on the end of the phone is calling from London.
It's an easy and cheap fraud to set up, but shutting it down seems much harder. The only way to ensure that you stay safe from these scams is to hang up if you receive an unsolicited call.
Think about it as you would your own door, if someone called unsolicited asking you information about your PC or laptop you wouldn't let them in...don't do it over the phone or internet either!
If you think you may have fallen victim to one of these scams drop in to chat to our resident gadgetman.
Monday 17 January 2011
Blue Monday
Watching the news today I discovered that today is apparently one of the most miserable days of the year. So much so that it has been nicknamed "Blue Monday". All of us are fed up with the UK weather, and looking at post-Christmas bills with horror!
So what is the best way to cheer yourself on this downtrodden day, slap on a happy face! According to experts one of the most effective ways to trick your body into cheering up is to smile, forced or not!
So what is the best way to cheer yourself on this downtrodden day, slap on a happy face! According to experts one of the most effective ways to trick your body into cheering up is to smile, forced or not!
We have some great comedies in store to help you put that smile back on your face, and even better news (particularly with the post Christmas blues) is that midweek you can now rent out 2 movies, for 2 nights for only £6.00. Our top pick of titles are:
1. The Hangover - 15 - A high action rip-roaring belly laugh of a comedy that tells the story of a Las Vegas Bachelor party which goes way off plan.
2. Yes Man - 12 - What happens when you say "yes" to every question? The possibilities are endless in this laugh-out-loud comedy starring Jim Carrey.
3. The Ugly Truth - A battle of the sexes romcom that both men and women will love with brilliant chemistry between the lead actors Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler.
4. Priceless - 12 - Outstanding French romantic comedy which is funny, sexy, romantic and glamorous...perfect!
5. Please Give - 15 - Quirky and perceptive comedy which portrays a families life in New York City. Excellent humour which will have you laughing for days afterwards.
We have a dedicated comedy section in store with a great selection of classic and new titles, so come down to find your favourite and laugh away those January blues!
Saturday 8 January 2011
Top Films of 2010
Happy New Year to all our customers and friends of The Hub. We've now been able to look over the Top Films of 2010, and there has been very little change, even though some cracking titles came out towards the tail end of the year. In reverse order, the top 10 films of 2010 were:
10. Clash of the Titans - all out action in this re-make of the classic 1981 film. Enjoyable to watch for the whole family, although younger children may find some scenes a little scary.
9. Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief - Based on the popular book series this film is all about Greek mythology brought into the modern day setting. Fantastic action and a good film for the whole family.
8. It's Complicated - A simple comedy, pure fun and entertainment with a great cast including Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin. Light and easy to watch.
7. Law Abiding Citizen - A high octane action movie which has a lot of violence but is very watchable.
6. The Blind Side - A nice as pie film based on the true life events of an American family when they take in a homeless boy. Sandra Bullock won the Oscar in 2010 for this film - and it's a great watch which leaves you feeling really positive.
5. 2012 - Pure spectacle in a disaster movie, where the action packed special effects are entertaining in themselves.
4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - The first film in the Millennium Trilogy with graphic violence and a sprawling length, but great suspense in a dark crime drama.
3. Shutter Island - An enticing and engaging thriller that tells the story of an investigation into the disappearance of of a murderess from an island's fortress like hospital. Twists, turns and great suspense.
2. Avatar - Very impressive technically with incredible special effects and a simple plot. Classic storytelling which is wholly entertaining.
and in the top spot......
1. Sherlock Holmes - Superb chemistry from the two main characters ensure that this high action take on a legendary character is fabulous entertainment. If you haven't seen it yet it's a must see that will please the whole family.
So there you have it...the top films from The Hub last year. We'll be expanding the range of movies available even more over the coming months, with some amazing titles due to be released in 2011.
10. Clash of the Titans - all out action in this re-make of the classic 1981 film. Enjoyable to watch for the whole family, although younger children may find some scenes a little scary.
9. Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief - Based on the popular book series this film is all about Greek mythology brought into the modern day setting. Fantastic action and a good film for the whole family.
8. It's Complicated - A simple comedy, pure fun and entertainment with a great cast including Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin. Light and easy to watch.
7. Law Abiding Citizen - A high octane action movie which has a lot of violence but is very watchable.
6. The Blind Side - A nice as pie film based on the true life events of an American family when they take in a homeless boy. Sandra Bullock won the Oscar in 2010 for this film - and it's a great watch which leaves you feeling really positive.
5. 2012 - Pure spectacle in a disaster movie, where the action packed special effects are entertaining in themselves.
4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - The first film in the Millennium Trilogy with graphic violence and a sprawling length, but great suspense in a dark crime drama.
3. Shutter Island - An enticing and engaging thriller that tells the story of an investigation into the disappearance of of a murderess from an island's fortress like hospital. Twists, turns and great suspense.
2. Avatar - Very impressive technically with incredible special effects and a simple plot. Classic storytelling which is wholly entertaining.
and in the top spot......
1. Sherlock Holmes - Superb chemistry from the two main characters ensure that this high action take on a legendary character is fabulous entertainment. If you haven't seen it yet it's a must see that will please the whole family.
So there you have it...the top films from The Hub last year. We'll be expanding the range of movies available even more over the coming months, with some amazing titles due to be released in 2011.
Wednesday 29 December 2010
What a funny time of year...
This time in between Christmas and New Year needs a name of it's own. It's not quite Christmas, not quite New Year, just a kind of middle ground. Some people have taken extended holidays, whilst others are back to the grindstone after a brief break.
I think that a lot of us still feel very much in the party mood, and work, although quieter for lots of us, offers a good distraction from the excesses of Christmas.
The good news is that this means that many of us can spend our evenings (or days if we are lucky enough to be off) catching up with some of the years best films. Some of our top titles of the year have included Sherlock Holmes, Avatar, Shutter Island, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and 2012.
Children and families alike have enjoyed Toy Story 3, How to Train Your Dragon, Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief, Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang and The Sorcerer's Apprentice. We've also got some great World Cinema options such as Heartbreakers, Lebanon and MicMacs.
New Releases this week include The Last Exorcism, Jonah Hex and the popular Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. We also have some great December releases in store, such as Knight & Day, The Last Airbender, Eclipse and Inception. So if you didn't get one of the top titles from 2010 in your stocking this year why not pop in to catch up on some fabulous films.
We are business as usual today and tomorrow and will be closing early on New Year's Eve. We'll be offering 4 films for £10 on December 31st, and the great news is you get to keep hold of them until 6th January so start 2011 with a fabulous film fest!
I think that a lot of us still feel very much in the party mood, and work, although quieter for lots of us, offers a good distraction from the excesses of Christmas.
The good news is that this means that many of us can spend our evenings (or days if we are lucky enough to be off) catching up with some of the years best films. Some of our top titles of the year have included Sherlock Holmes, Avatar, Shutter Island, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and 2012.
Children and families alike have enjoyed Toy Story 3, How to Train Your Dragon, Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief, Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang and The Sorcerer's Apprentice. We've also got some great World Cinema options such as Heartbreakers, Lebanon and MicMacs.
New Releases this week include The Last Exorcism, Jonah Hex and the popular Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. We also have some great December releases in store, such as Knight & Day, The Last Airbender, Eclipse and Inception. So if you didn't get one of the top titles from 2010 in your stocking this year why not pop in to catch up on some fabulous films.
We are business as usual today and tomorrow and will be closing early on New Year's Eve. We'll be offering 4 films for £10 on December 31st, and the great news is you get to keep hold of them until 6th January so start 2011 with a fabulous film fest!
Thursday 9 December 2010
Keep Calm and Carry On!
Are you panicking about Christmas yet? With adverse weather affecting much of the UK deliveries are being delayed and it’s difficult for many of us to get put and about to go shopping. Well don’t worry too much – we have a great selection of gifts for men, women and children at The Hub in Dunblane High Street to make sure you can keep calm and carry on this Christmas.
Our pick of the top gifts available are:
For Men
Urban Bar Cubana Champagne Flutes – These beautiful glasses are the must have in contemporary elegance. Gleneagles Hotel uses this stemware when serving champagne in the hotel’s main bar. Buy a set of two for just £19.95. Large Red Wine glasses are also available at £21.00 for a set of two, or why not enjoy a G&T in one of the Cubana Double Old Fashioned glasses at just £14.00 per pair.
Dolci Colline Prosecco – A light refreshing tipple perfect for Christmas Day. This is shop owner Helen’s preferred tipple and sure to be a hit, particularly if combined with the Cubana Champagne Flutes as a gift. £9.75 per bottle.
For Boys
Star Wars Lightsaber Room Light - The final challenge in becoming a Jedi Knight is to build your own lightsaber. With the Lightsaber room light young Padawans can construct their own Jedi Lightsaber and mount it on the wall. Choose from 8 awesome colour effects using the remote control. £25.99
Star Wars Death Star Planetarium – Explore the Star Wars galaxy like never before! Project the Star Wars Galaxy on your walls and ceilings and then project Earth’s night sky. Your darkened room will be transformed into an amazing planetarium. £22.99
Lego Brick Light – How to make a boring night light Awesome! Perfect for all Lego fans they are wall mountable, but can be removed to allow them to be carried around if you need mobile illumination – ideal for night time jaunts to the bathroom or kitchen. Available in red or blue for £9.99
For Girls
Rainbow in My Room – This projects a brilliant rainbow across your walls and ceiling and is a sure way to make any room a happier place. Features an Auto-shut off and 2 illumination modes. £19.99
Toy Story 3 Alien Freefall – Toy Story 3 inspired version of the Kerplunk game – perfect fun entertainment for the whole family. Recommended for ages 5+ select a coloured stock and give a gentle tug, but be careful not to let the aliens fall. £14.99
Club Penguin Puffle – Disney Club Penguin game has become an online phenomenon for children everywhere. These cute little plush puffles, which feature in the game as a club penguin pet, come in a variety of colours complete with a token which can be used online. Boys and Girls collect these, but the pink puffle is particularly favoured by girls. £6.50
If you want to see more, pictures of all these products are available on our facebook page www.facebook.com/gadgethub
Our pick of the top gifts available are:
For Men
Kymera Magic Wand – This magical buttonless remote control took Dragon’s Den by storm just a few months ago. The must-have gadget for men this Christmas. Available exclusively within Dunblane at Gadget Hub £49.99
Motormouse Wireless Mouse – This mini-Porsche wireless mouse appeared on Dragon’s Den in 2009. Superbly stylish and a must have for every desk. We’d recommend the black, silver or red for men. £29.99
Pass the Popcorn Movie Trivia Game – 2 games are included to create a perfect evening of entertainment for all film buffs out there. Suitable for Ages 12+ you can include the whole family in fast paced movie fun. £10.99
For Women
Motormouse Wireless Mouse – This stylish wireless Porsche shaped mouse is available in Pink too for all the gadget girlies out there. £29.99
Motormouse Wireless Mouse – This mini-Porsche wireless mouse appeared on Dragon’s Den in 2009. Superbly stylish and a must have for every desk. We’d recommend the black, silver or red for men. £29.99
Pass the Popcorn Movie Trivia Game – 2 games are included to create a perfect evening of entertainment for all film buffs out there. Suitable for Ages 12+ you can include the whole family in fast paced movie fun. £10.99
For Women
Motormouse Wireless Mouse – This stylish wireless Porsche shaped mouse is available in Pink too for all the gadget girlies out there. £29.99
Urban Bar Cubana Champagne Flutes – These beautiful glasses are the must have in contemporary elegance. Gleneagles Hotel uses this stemware when serving champagne in the hotel’s main bar. Buy a set of two for just £19.95. Large Red Wine glasses are also available at £21.00 for a set of two, or why not enjoy a G&T in one of the Cubana Double Old Fashioned glasses at just £14.00 per pair. Dolci Colline Prosecco – A light refreshing tipple perfect for Christmas Day. This is shop owner Helen’s preferred tipple and sure to be a hit, particularly if combined with the Cubana Champagne Flutes as a gift. £9.75 per bottle.
For Boys
Star Wars Lightsaber Room Light - The final challenge in becoming a Jedi Knight is to build your own lightsaber. With the Lightsaber room light young Padawans can construct their own Jedi Lightsaber and mount it on the wall. Choose from 8 awesome colour effects using the remote control. £25.99
Star Wars Death Star Planetarium – Explore the Star Wars galaxy like never before! Project the Star Wars Galaxy on your walls and ceilings and then project Earth’s night sky. Your darkened room will be transformed into an amazing planetarium. £22.99
Lego Brick Light – How to make a boring night light Awesome! Perfect for all Lego fans they are wall mountable, but can be removed to allow them to be carried around if you need mobile illumination – ideal for night time jaunts to the bathroom or kitchen. Available in red or blue for £9.99
For Girls
Rainbow in My Room – This projects a brilliant rainbow across your walls and ceiling and is a sure way to make any room a happier place. Features an Auto-shut off and 2 illumination modes. £19.99
Toy Story 3 Alien Freefall – Toy Story 3 inspired version of the Kerplunk game – perfect fun entertainment for the whole family. Recommended for ages 5+ select a coloured stock and give a gentle tug, but be careful not to let the aliens fall. £14.99
Club Penguin Puffle – Disney Club Penguin game has become an online phenomenon for children everywhere. These cute little plush puffles, which feature in the game as a club penguin pet, come in a variety of colours complete with a token which can be used online. Boys and Girls collect these, but the pink puffle is particularly favoured by girls. £6.50
If you want to see more, pictures of all these products are available on our facebook page www.facebook.com/gadgethub
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