CREDIT CRUNCH?

Traders in Evington have defied the credit crunch as sales of every-day items remain constant. Top of the shopping list are groceries, medicines and DIY products. People spend only on what they need.

Many shops in the village have not been affected by the financial crisis. Glynnis Pascarella, J.A. Pharmacy, feels they are in a good position as people still need their prescriptions. She said: “We have noticed that cheaper items are sold.”

Cut price reductions and buy one get one free offers in the village supermarket have proved very popular. Sneha Odedera and Hema Patel, Co-op, have not noticed any changes in the shopping habits of their regulars.

“People still need to eat so that's why the economic situation has not affected us. I think we've also done pretty well because there aren't too many other supermarkets in this area.”

Steve Bennett, manager, Bennett's Home and Garden shop feels that people are spending more of their disposable income on home improvements. He said: “Instead of moving house people have concentrated on doing up what they've got. I've found customer numbers are no different from any other year.”

Mr Bennett added: “We don't sell big ticket items here and our prices are very competitive so that's why I think we haven't been affected. We are, of course, very grateful for the support of all our customers.”

A number of shops in the area which sold higher value products and services were not doing as well. One manager felt that economic confidence was at an all time low. He said: “I think there is a misconception amongst some people that prices will continue to fall. They are already at rock bottom - there is no way for them to go.

He added: “I am hopeful that things will start to pick up from March or April this year.”

Lately an off licence and two butchers have closed in the village, but it is not known whether these are as a result of the recession.

Sunil Patel