The High Street

23 OCT 2009

Address: 60-62, Shirley High St Years on the street: 51 Number of staff: Four Manager: Graham Tucker Company service: Eight years

"It's the best it's ever been," says manager Graham Tucker. "A lot more people have been going camping.

"We couldn't get enough tents in over the summer. We don't usually sell the family-sized tents but this time people were coming in and asking for the big tents, so we sold out."

Pointing to a rail of winter jackets going at a reduced price, he says: "The only thing that has let us down is the warm weather running on a bit. This time last year it was a lot colder.

"The credit crunch doesn't affect us because we are affordable for this area. We don't stock a £95 jacket at full price."

28 JAN 2009

"I'm hoping more people take up walking and the cold weather stays while the winter lines are in," says Mr Tucker.

5 DEC 2008

As manager of an outdoor gear shop, Graham Tucker wants the cold snap to continue. Especially as the build-up to Christmas has so far been better than the same period last year.

"The last two weeks have been very good. We've got the winter lines in and we're gearing up for Christmas. We're selling plenty of warm clothing and a few gadgets here and there.

"Every year the regulars come in for gloves and hats and especially the thermals. We've got boxes of thermals and the cold weather really helps."

After the camping season ends in September, customers are most concerned with getting clothes that keep them warm, he says. And plenty of people come through the doors because they don't like shopping in Southampton city centre.

"They like Shirley because there's free parking and travelling here isn't a problem. It's hassle-free. And nearer Christmas, some people don't want to go into town because you can't move in there," says Mr Tucker.

But it hasn't been a week of plain sailing. The change to VAT meant Mr Tucker and his staff had to make the necessary deductions to prices, but only at the cash till.