When it's a busy day, and you have 150 people all saying the same thing, it gets a bit wearing. The supermarket manager Trade is also healthy at the town's Co-op supermarket. Everything is running along on an even keel. We are able to offer a full range of products. Our sales are not depressed in any way, but we are not seeing any panic-buying.
Prices are stable, although there has been a bit of pressure on cooked meats.
The Co-op, like all other local businesses, normally looks ahead to Easter and the start of the tourism season proper, for increased trade. This year Easter holds no such promise. The hoteliers and guest house keepers are already counting the cost of business which is lost forever, and looking ahead to the summer with apprehension. But at least in Chipping Norton itself there is a resident population of some 6000 people who will need food and other supplies. It's a slogan which will appeal to Marilyn Ivings, who is constantly urging consumers to support local produce.