Peter and Clarence Lesbirel, owners of the vegetable stall at Plaisance Road, say business has been booming over the past months. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0666935)

TRADITIONAL businesses look set to be the survivors of the credit crunch.  While many companies are feeling the strain of the current economic climate, others have been thriving.

Bicycle shops, jewellers, locksmiths and sellers of the traditional ‘hedge veg’ have all seen an increase in their takings.

Clarence Lesbirel, who jointly owns a vegetable stall at Plaisance Road, St Peter’s, said there had been a noticeable increase in trade.

‘The credit crunch is benefiting us at the moment and we have seen more customers. We can afford to sell our produce cheaper than supermarkets and I think people are realising that,’ he said.  Some new customers to his stall have surprised him.  ‘I’ve even seen some staff from different shops come here and buy our produce.’

Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop has also seen an increase in trade. ‘This has been one of our busiest years ever,’ said shop manager Paul Brehaut.  ‘The petrol and diesel prices going up at the beginning of the year definitely helped and the customers were rolling in.’