High street booming

Brian_Bullocks

Kez100 wrote: »

What are weekdays normally like? I know when we went on a late deal holiday in August we went to the late night shopping to avoid people and it worked - there was pretty much no one about. Even in the better times there must have been quiet days/times.

Trade has been good all year (incl.Aug), lots of people buying tents etc. for a cheap UK break...until mid-Sept., thats when we noticed a dramatic change in takings compared to the same period last year.

fc123

Traditionally, the last weekend of November is busy....pay day for most.

The papers may pick up on the story and claim it's because of the VAT reduction....except we don't apply it until 1st Dec.

There are a whole chunk of people out there who aren't being crunched at all right now.

A new Hotel Du Vin gastro pub thingy has just opened near us....so went along on Friday night to check it out.....packed and pricey too...but very nice.
Mind you, it was full of old people (ooops, I forgot, I am one of them )

neverdespairgirl

I didn't go near a single shop of any description today, and I'm sure I'm much happier for the lack.

Kez100

I hate shopping so I am no expert but really interested to know what is going on out there. I'd like to find see glimmers to cheer me up because I am a right sad individual at the moment.

I do hope tent buying etc will re emerge for you once the weather imprroves next year. Families will still want holidays and what a wonderful way to get away cheaply.

Almost all my present buying will be online but that was the same for me last year. I find it easier to keep surprises from the children that way. I just never get the chance to go shopping without them.

hethmar

Brian_Bullocks wrote: »

Restaurant business may be different, i'm talking about outdoor clothing & footwear (not made clear in my post above)....Millets/Blacks type trade.

Thats a pretty specific market Brian

A new Focus warehouse is about to open locally next week, I bet they wished they hadnt timed it this badly. Wonder how they will do.

mewbie_2

Kez100 wrote: »

I do hope tent buying etc will re emerge for you once the weather imprroves next year.

If the economic forecasters are right then tent buying should go through the [STRIKE]roof[/STRIKE], er canvas, as repossessions rise.

I must say I was a bit surprised by all the good shopping news, how can it be when we're all doomed? My guess is, Xmas, pay day and cheap tat on sale are responsible. Unfortunately I don't think this is a reliable indicator of how good or bad things are.

beecher

Glasgow seemed busy yesterday but there weren't that many shopping bags to be seen. Most of the ones I saw were Primark bags.

Pobby

Our Pound shop was busy as was the recently opened CEX. That sells pre used games and music disks. Also they do mobile phones and consols I think. Thought that there priced were good. On both visits you had to line up at the checkouts.

Very good staff also.

SingleSue

beecher wrote: »

Glasgow seemed busy yesterday but there weren't that many shopping bags to be seen. Most of the ones I saw were Primark bags.

Must admit that was one of the things I noticed too (in my area though), lots of people but not people loaded down with shopping bags. We did have two shopping bags but that was because 2 of my children kept winning things in the cheapie tombola :rotfl:

I must admit to having just had a splurge week, managed to buy a further 6 presents this week (phew big relief to actually have some bits and pieces in) although those 6 presents cost me the grand sum of £25! Wahey, last of the big spenders here!

A few years ago, that would not have even constituted one present let alone six and back then, I would buy and not feel guilt...I would love the feeling and get a boost of enjoyment from it, this week I feel so guilty about spending that meagre amount on 6 presents and the effect it had on my weekly budget.

beecher

SingleSue wrote: »

A few years ago, that would not have even constituted one present let alone six and back then, I would buy and not feel guilt...I would love the feeling and get a boost of enjoyment from it, this week I feel so guilty about spending that meagre amount on 6 presents and the effect it had on my weekly budget.

I just can't bring myself to spend money just now - think I've gone too far to be honest! My pay might be cut substantially in November 09, and I've moved into miser mode just in case! Will be spending £100 max on Xmas presents, though I could afford to spend a lot more - wonder how many people are thinking along the same lines.