I suppose the question we are all thinking about is how long it will be before economies around the world recover. How long will it be before our incomes are not being squeezed by over taxation, while some of the wealthiest people in the world seem to be able to profit even further off the back of economic misery.
I guess the main culpret is fuel prices. Transporting goods from manufacture to market causing the most inflation. I don't think people like myself have confidence to buy things unless they are essential. I haven't bought new clothes other than a few fleeces for winter and a new pair of jeans this year. I am not much of a shopper anyway.
We have a record high of people unemployed here in Jersey, over 2000. Then there are those who haven't signed on, so I guess the figures are actually higher. For the eligable work force this is a lot of people. Before the crash the unemployed figure was about 1000. On a small island 1000 extra people without a job causes real problems. It impacts heavily on service industry revenue. Restaurants, hair salons, beauty salons, small retail shops.
Also with the benefits of internet shopping, small retailers are being hit. A friend bought a pair of walking boots nearly £20 cheaper online than buying them in a local shop. The shop has to pay rent, wages, and overheads. My friend tried on the boots, and then declined the sale as she decided to check out how much she could buy the boots for on Amazon.
I have to say I would do the same. In fact my Husband bought my walking boots as a present on Amazon. I bought my waterproofs for dog walking on Amazon, although my Jacket in a sale locally.
I guess what I am questioning is how my choices are affecting local sustainability. In an island we do need to support local retailers otherwise we will lose them, the staff they employ and the ability to actually have a shopping 'experience' if you actually enjoy traipsing round shops and trying on clothes.
I did think a few years ago that shops realy ought to be hooked up to communal wearhouse fulfillment companies. AKA that a shop was a local place to try on and sample products but that they didn't need to hold stock. Once the client had decided what they wanted it could be ordered online from the wearhouse and delivered to the customer within 2 days. Commision for the retail owner, postage for the item, and convenience for the customer.
I might think how we could fix all these economic problems, just for so