21 August 2008, 13:56 PM
  • This summer's final bank holiday is upon us and VisitBritain is expecting 10.8m Britons to travel up and down the country to enjoy this short break, but will it mean more shoppers on the high street? Although, most retailers agree bank holidays generally bring more trade, opinions are split as to whether this weekend will be beneficial.

Sue Kemp, owner of Matlock delicatessen, The Derbyshire Larder, is very much looking forward to the 25th August and an influx of customers. “I think it is true to say that the credit crunch causes more people to stay in the UK. Bank holidays are always good for trade and I don’t think the next one will be any different,” she explains.

On the other hand, Stefan Najduch, owner of Barbakan Delicatessen in Manchester, doubts this long weekend will bring much good news. “We are generally busier during bank holidays, but to be honest we have been very quiet for the last three or four weeks,” he says. “I think this is caused by the combination of the credit crunch and the terrible weather.”

However, Mr Najduch and Ms Kemp indicate that it’s important to make an effort to get customers through your doors. Both are organising tastings this weekend to create a buzz in their shops.