Companies bucking the recession

JOHN Lewis and Waitrose have proven to be success stories in the recession.

It has been said that less people are going on nights out because of the uncertain financial situation and are instead spending the spare money they have on computers, gadgets and the latest HD TVs and stereos. And they are choosing to go to John Lewis for these items.

Waitrose has also been doing well. Some of their success has been attributed to Delia Smith and Heston Blumenthal.

Since the advertising campaign with those two celebrities was launched an extra 370,000 people have gone through Waitrose’s tills.

Waitrose is also well known for providing affordable luxury.

John Lewis and Waitrose are part of the same brand and have just announced profits of £368 million.

The workers of these businesses also benefit as they own the companies. They are due to receive a bonus of two months’ pay.

Meanwhile, I find it difficult to believe that Subway has overtaken McDonald’s as the largest fast food outlet.

But it is true, Subway now has 33,749 restaurants compared with McDonald’s, which has 33,737.

This I found surprising because in town and city centre in England you would think there would be more McDonald’s.

However the American burger chain trails behind Subway, which has 200 more.

Subway started in 1965 and has an annual turnover of £9bn.

They can also be found in 95 countries.