Coping with the credit crunch to make sure of a cracking Christmas
Last updated 21:08, Thursday, 06 November 2008
SHOPPERS are feeling the squeeze in the run up to Christmas as the credit crunch takes hold.
While most traders are gearing up for a hectic festive season, shoppers in Workington this week said they would probably reduce their spending.
Heather Graham, 22, of Ling Beck Park, Seaton, said: “I am cutting back and trying to put a bit of money away for Christmas.
“I think most people are doing the same and I don’t think people are going out as much as well.”
Mike Ousby, 23, of Kelsick Park, Seaton, said: “I am just watching my money at the moment and definitely being a bit more careful with it.”
Gemma Hawes, 22, of Moor Road, Broughton, also said that she would not be spending as much money as she used to at Christmas.
She added that she was working longer hours in order to try to save up some extra cash.
Susan Baines, 50, of Moorclose, Workington, said: “The credit crunch will definitely affect my spending.
“I am taking a loan out with a credit union and I will be shopping in different places.”
But some people are not concerned about the economic crisis.
Rachel Calliln, 32, of Curwen Street, Workington, said: “I always save up for Christmas, but the crunch hasn’t affected me more than usual.”
Meanwhile, businesses are getting ready for a Christmas season with no real difference to any other year.
Celia Atkinson, manager of Workington’s Marks & Spencer, said: “We are just cracking along as normal. We have got three for two offers in our gift shop and the customers are enjoying that.”
Poundland in Washington Square, said it was looking forward to Christmas and its customers did not need to spend a fortune to have a good festive season.
The store launched its Christmas range this week, including stockings, wrapping paper and crackers.
Families are getting into the party spirit too. Sharon Coles, who owns the Monkey Madhouse play centre in Workington, has had to start weekend opening to cope with demand.
She said: “We are almost fully booked up for all of December.
“Normally it is a quiet month, but I think I have only got about two dates left when I can do a party.
“We are being refurbished in the next two weeks, and the interest from that alone has led to bookings. Kids can come in for £2.50 an hour and most people can find that.”
Other businesses are hoping for a boost to their profits at the end of the year.
Justine Lewis, of Maryport and North Allerdale Credit Union on Wood Street, said more people were approaching them for loans.
She said: “We have had a really good response this year. There have been a lot of enquiries from people who are looking for easier money, but we are trying to educate people in the benefits of drip-feed saving, even if it is only a couple of pounds a week. “That can make a difference when you hit hard times of the year.
“The banks will not give out small loans, but people can save £400 for Christmas with us.
“We don’t take credit history into account, and people build up their credit rating with us.”
