Older customers: Don't ignore the 'grey pound'
Now the babies are reaching retirement age and there are already just four people of working age supporting each pensioner. By 2035 this will fall to 2.5 and by 2050 it will be two.
This means we’ll have an ageing population for a long time to come and pubs need to cater for the older demographic to benefit. As Edward Barlow says, older people often come out to pubs in search of companionship and this means that they are likely to venture out more often.
They also have their favourite venues, so despite their sometimes lower, always careful spending, they are a good demographic to attract.
In terms of keeping them happy it is as simple as providing good food and attentive service. Perhaps more than younger patrons, older diners will be thrilled to exchange a bit of banter with the barman or discuss the weather with the waitress in classic British fashion.
Incidentally, it’s gone ever so cloudy, hasn’t it?
