Old Amersham: Cost of living situation for High Street businesses

Three business owners and managers in Old Amersham have shed light on what the rising energy prices has been like for local companies, as their hopes turn to spring for a better outlook.

The Grocer at 91

Co-owner Kim Bates, who has run the High Street grocery shop for 10 years, said they’ve 'experienced the same cost as everyone else'.

“People are struggling,” she said.

The Grocer is full of treats (Image: Newsquest)

“Most of our costs have gone up, but we have tried to maintain prices.

“It’s been quite challenging despite living in a lovely area like Amersham.”

The Grocer sources as many local products as possible. Local producers have also felt the pinch amid rising prices, she said.

Usually in January and February, people were 'a bit more cautious', she said.

“With interest rates having gone up, people are thinking carefully about their spending.

“Businesses were getting to a good point after Covid, and then the energy crisis hit.”  

The co-owner said she was thankful of the “great local support” they have received. The monthly artisan market by Cooper’s Markets, which The Grocer has been involved in, has given more people a reason to go to Old Amersham, she said.

She remained positive about the spring and summer as good weather and initiatives like the artisan market attracted more people. 

The Swan

The popular pub’s assistant manager Philly Cauldron had just celebrated The Swan being “top of the brand” of their pub chains last week.

Customers at The Swan can enjoy a real fireplace (Image: Newsquest)

They were busier than on Christmas Day, she said.

She explained: “We were worried before January what it was going to be like as January can always be quiet, but it’s been better than we could have expected.

“We’re part of the Mitchel and Butlers family, so we’ve got their backing of course, but it’s tough for the independents."

The pub had managed to keep all staff on during tricky periods around coronvirus and she praised the support from regulars through a tricky period for all businesses.

Ms Cauldron was confident the pub would continue to thrive despite a tough climate nationally, but shared concerns for the tricky time that many others in the area especially independent businesses are facing.

Fabric

The independent fashion boutique was founded by friends Ailsa Feroze and Diana Halley right before the coronavirus pandemic shut the country down.  

Ailsa said: “So we haven’t actually had a normal period.

Fabric and its colourful shop interior is tucked off High Street behind The Grocer (Image: Newsquest)

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“We opened the lockdown weekend March 2020 - meaning we didn’t open!

“It’s not been too bad considering the cost of living crisis – probably about the same as the previous year, which we were quite pleased about.”

She felt it “can be completely random” how well the business does.  

“We also had a very good week in January. We were like ‘we did that come from!’”  

Before opening Fabric, Ailsa had a PR company and called the move to the store a 'complete change of direction'. Adding: "We’re on a learning curve, but it’s been good.”

The outlook for the spring and summer seemed positive, because customers were "already talking about holidays”, and feeling “much more positive”, she added.