Credit Crunch - The People of Bournemouth

The credit crunch has significantly affected spending with 48% of retailers reporting lower sales than last year.

We travelled to Bournemouth Town Centre and spoke to Patrick Rowson, 36, from Alum Chine. 

‘As a Curry’s Team Leader, I get paid twice in December so the credit crunch is not affecting me as much as some.’

Best friends Branya Hayward and Steff Warall, are both 14 and from Sandbanks, Poole.

Branya said ‘spending is definitely on the up towards Christmas, my dad is an estate agent and says work is rubbish, but we are not going to let it spoil Christmas.' 

Whilst Steff whose only source of income is a paper round, complains, ‘my dad isn’t giving me pocket money any more, it’s not fair!’

Chris Martin, 31 from Trowbridge, Wiltshire, has been selling the Big Issue in Bournemouth since last April. 

He said ‘I have noticed that people are buying less Big Issues now.  When I ask people I often get replies like “I would usually” but people are trying to cut back on their spending.’

Bournemouth Square News Stand owner Dianne Dellar, 50, from Charminster has got the impression that people ‘aren’t spending anything’. 

She has spoken to other retailers and said ‘people just aren’t buying anything this year, so the credit crunch is definitely affecting the high street.’

Anthony Hall, 44, owns an accessories shop, Lianta on Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. 

Anthony said that ‘business was good over summer but it has slowed down now.  Hopefully people will feel a bit more festive over Christmas.’

Ann Medcalf, 67, from Romsey, Hampshire, works in Sweet City in Burlington Arcade, Bournemouth.

She said, ‘the credit crunch hasn’t affected business for me.  People feel good eating sweets and don’t really miss spending a few pounds on the occasional treat.’

Adam Costa works with her during his time off school.

The 10-year-old, whose parents own the business said, ‘lots of my friends still like to come in and spend their pocket money.’

Market place vendor, Paul West, hasn’t felt the effects on his fresh food stall.

The 41-year-old from Lower Parkstone said, ‘Buying fruit and veg’ isn’t a luxury so the credit crunch hasn’t really affected me.’

Anita, 52, from Surrey has a daughter at Bournemouth University.

She said that she hasn’t been affected and as long as she had enough money to support her daughter, she would be happy.