Sales at John Lewis are up 5.6% and organisers of the Edinburgh Festival are expecting a record summer. What's the cause of it? The staycation trend that's seeing more of us holiday at home. Will it last and how will home businesses benefit?

The beneficiaries

In an article reporting on sizzling sales at the Edinburgh Festival and local hotels, Colin Paton of the Edinburgh Hotels Association made the comment "Scotland and Edinburgh have done very well out of staycationing."

It's a message that's coming from other parts of the UK and not just from hotels and B&Bs. There are a number of natural sales happening on account of more British holidaymakers ... such as wind breaks made by Diana Robbins in her home based business, Dart Designs Claire Martinsen must also be smiling. She gave up a 3 hour daily commute to London to realise her dreams and start Breckland Orchard, a company offering traditional soft drinks such as lemonade made to a Grandma's recipe. Her business deserves to do well in this holidaying climate. The same is true for many local food producers whose wares will be sold on busy Farmers Markets as tourists flock to the coast and quaint market towns.

Others benefiting are businesses in the home interiors market as consumers spend on the house, rather than a pricey holiday. Neil Saunders, Director at retail research outfit, Verdict, says:

"If you are not holidaying you probably have a little bit more disposable cash to spend on home improvement or home decoration. And if you're not holidaying you've got a little but more time to do home related activities."

So far, all looks bright. But some customers are miffed. Not by the products and services on offer; more on what's happening with the weather.

Dampened spirits

In a recent article in The Sunday Times entitled 'Chuck another weatherman on the barbie' Roland White reported on a comment overheard in his local grocery store from tourist customer to shop-keeper: "We normally go to Greece every year but thought I'd have a holiday at home this time. I shan't be making that mistake again." Oh dear. Does this mean the staycation trend is a one year wonder and only the glimpse of a bright spot for sellers?

Your views

This is what we'll be trying to find out in a poll asking if you're benefiting from the staycation trend and, if so, how you plan to maintain new-found custom. Please offer your views (the poll only takes 3-4 minutes) and I'll let you know how businesses plan to keep levels of customer service high to keep new trade coming back!  

Please click here to complete the poll: http://bit.ly/staycationsurvey

Photo by: syrenmuse