AS CHRISTMAS approaches, five independent shops in Basingstoke have told the Gazette how they're finding business amid the cost-of-living crisis. 

David Langley, the owner of Church Street Models since it first opened almost 15 years ago, sells products varying from their bestselling aeroplane starter kits to collectable car models.

He explained that his business tends to be seasonal, so more people buy his products during the colder months when they spend more time inside and have more leisure time. 

READ MORE: What will replace Basingstoke Debenhams unit in Festival Place?

David added: "December is normally a very busy month with people buying Christmas presents, however, I appreciate the current pressures that customers are facing. 

"People want a Christmas, but they also have had to deal with an increase in the cost of energy bills and food so it's hard to say how business will be throughout December because I understand people will spend less than they previously did."

Basingstoke Gazette: Lindsay Lewis, the manageress at Nicola Florist.Lindsay Lewis, the manageress at Nicola Florist. (Image: NQ Staff)

Likewise, Nicola Florist, an independent business which is also along Church Street, is catering its prices so there is something for everyone whilst people's budgets may be more restrictive this year. 

Manageress Lindsay Lewis felt that more could be done to help businesses situated outside of Festival Place with "business gradually dwindling at the Top of Town" over the years. 

Basingstoke Gazette: Milena Gervasoni, the owner of Secret Garden and website assistant, Anna Turczyn.Milena Gervasoni, the owner of Secret Garden and website assistant, Anna Turczyn. (Image: NQ Staff)

Another independent business, designer jewellers Secret Garden, said usually their busiest time is December, however, it has seen most of its customers now buying from its website. 

Owner Milena Gervasoni said: "We've made it to December, but it's difficult to say how business will be moving forward." 

Basingstoke Gazette: (Left) Assistant manager Daniel Minty and owner of The Gaming Den, Daniel Flewitt (Right).(Left) Assistant manager Daniel Minty and owner of The Gaming Den, Daniel Flewitt (Right). (Image: NQ Staff)

The Gaming Den, owned by Daniel Flewitt for the past three years, also said that business hasn't been as busy as it was during this period in previous years. 

Basingstoke Gazette: (In the middle) Assistant manager at Cool! Merchandise, Rachel Williams, alongside two employees.(In the middle) Assistant manager at Cool! Merchandise, Rachel Williams, alongside two employees. (Image: NQ Staff)

However, another independent business inside Festival Place, Cool! Merchandise explained that it is looking to expand where the shop has been busy all year round. 

Rachel Williams, the assistant manager in training, said: "We have been really busy, especially running up to Christmas. In particular, people love our T-shirt merchandise and Pokémon cards."