Recession 2009. How has it been for you?

As we move in to Xmas 2009 we can look back on a year which has undoubtedly been a tough one

A survey of 700 towns from the Local Data Company found that florists, independent book sellers and fashion retailers had been hardest hit by the recession. In the first 9 months of this year 233 florists closed which equates to 11% of the total number of florists, and 731 bookshops, or 13% of the total number.

Independent fashion retailers also suffered as sterling slumped and imports became more expensive.

The sector which seems to have done the best is food shops but it is still estimated that 12% of retail space is currently empty

As a soft toy wholesaler we have definitely found the biggest challenge to be the cost of importing goods. Sales have been great, especially if you consider the economic climate, but the cost of our teddies and knitted toys has increased far more than we have been able to pass on to our retailers.

However we are still here and still cheerful, and if you are reading this then you are still here so well done you and we hope you have a very successful Xmas!