“Save and repair”. That is the mantra which is driving increasing numbers of consumers to the repair shops rather than to the brand new products on display in the shops….

A great video from the BBC America team makes a simple point really well. In an economic downturn, demand switches from one market segment to another.

Take the buyers of shoes. You have a selection of favourite footwear, some of which is looking a bit worn. Do you buy a new replacement, or do you spend less and have the footwear repaired, making use of the traditional cobbler’s skills. Looks like business has rarely been better for this Florida cobbler - and good luck to him.

So, which other consumer product markets will see buyers looking to “save and repair” rather than “buy new”?