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With such a prominent message to UK consumers of foreboding economic doom and gloom, especially from TV and Newspaper reports over the last 18 months, you would be forgiven for thinking that now might be the time to start saving some money. It's luxuries like eating out, drinking, and travelling that are of course the first things you can start to cut back on - but with a culture of working long hours and with all sorts of other responsibilities to hand - you might also be forgiven for wanting to cut back on these personal treats least of all. Statistics on the numbers of us eating and drinking out at restaurants, pubs and bars can paint a confusing picture. You can definitely spot a downward trend with many major chains reporting an expectation of zero growth as far back as December '07, but there are other issues to think about here - the smoking ban has undoubtedly influenced the footfall at pub and bar trade, plus England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 will also keep many consumers firmly seated at home this year. For consumers, there can be other ways of saving money than simply cutting back. With restaurants under pressure to bring footfall up to normal standards, we could expect to see menu prices dropping and interesting insentives or special offers designed to bring affordable eating out onto the market. It's certain that many consumers who value eating out once or twice per week that we've now grown used to, will not be letting it go lightly. Look out for restaurants offering promotions and take full advantage of them to save a little on your own weekly spend, but also to support your local restaurant trade. The Midweek Dining Club has developed a network of over 1,000 restaurants around the UK who are offering great discounts or special offers to our membership base. This is a great win-win situation for both consumers and restaurants who are able to take advantage of some great offers - up to 50% off the total bill, two for one dining, a free glass of Tio Pepe, and lots more - and in the case of restaurants by driving consumers to them providing an opportunity to reverse the current market trend and increase overall footfall. This can work out especially well for restaurants looking to increase their revenue generated from footfall during weekday evenings and lunch times but may already be successful during peek times. If you are a restaurateur, consider working with us to promote your business more effectively and face the market trend head on. Read more & sign up today. Not a member of the Midweek Dining Club yet? Join today, it's just £9.99. Read more about the Credit Crunch's effect on the Restaurant trade, and view actual statistics: Eating out less (The Telegraph) Canteen sales at work increase, as workers eat out less (EthnicNow) Wine sales and the Credit Crunch (CatererSearch) |
