It seems the only thing we're coughing up for is medicine
It seems to have been more 'Grey Friday' than Black Friday, with the Christmas retail rush yet to get underway.
According to the British Retail Consortium, concerns about energy bills and weak consumer confidence has so far translated into sluggish sales on the high street, as shoppers watch their pennies.
About the only area which has seen an uptick in spending has been at the medicine counter, where more people are seeking remedies for the winter bugs.
Of course, Christmas is still more than three weeks away, and it might well be that people are simply leaving their purchases to the last minute. But you can hardly blame the retailers for getting a little jumpy.
At times like this, it is important to remember that money doesn't equate to happiness, and it is better that people live within their means than overstretch themselves, and have to pick up the pieces in January.
Nevertheless, if the main bright spot for the retail trade is people buying more cough mixture, you can't help but fear for our high streets.
