When the recession hit hard after 2008, unemployment rose, incomes fell, and lots of families began to struggle. Many businesses failed. Others, like discount supermarkets, went from strength to strength. Now the economy has turned a corner, wages are rising and unemployment is falling, but despite this it seems many people are still having to be incredibly careful shopping for the daily essentials like food and clothes. The discount stores are still doing well. In April this year Aldi has replaced Waitrose to become the sixth largest supermarket retailer and Poundland saw their turnover break £1 billion.