Christmas means many different things to different people. Over the next three weeks, Eastlondonlines will be asking a number of local people to describe their feelings about the festive season. The series begins with ELL reporter, Jasmin Kopotsha, whose childhood love of the season still lingers. 

Despite Britain’s economy growing past its pre-recession peak, it would seem that people are still feeling the pinch this Christmas.

From stall-owners to store managers, profit margins are tight with market research showing a stagnation in Christmas spending.

Notwithstanding these signs, local retailers remain positive that shoppers will be reaching deeper into their pockets than figures suggest.

Ken Holdway, manager of the Lewisham branch of Marks & Spencer, said: “Our M&S Christmas shop has been very popular this year. The Christmas Shop brings together everything our customers are looking for over the festive season, from decorations and novelty Christmas jumpers, through to more luxury items for that special gift, such as our cashmere collection and beautiful lingerie and nightwear.”

Justin James, store manager assistant of Rough Trade East music store, spoke about how the resurgence of vinyl is proving popular this Christmas: “There has been a 10 per cent increase in online sales this year compared to last year. We’re expecting Temples debut album Sun Structures to sell really well as it tops our own chart.”

Anna Lidster reports on your shopping trends this festive period.

by Hannah Boland and Alex Taylor