Consumers who are putting off buying big tickets items are increasingly turning to DIY or firms that can do the work for them.
The 'make do and mend' philosophy began to surface at the end of last year and could well be the trend for 2009.

Fears over job security and other economic considerations have seen sales of kitchens, bathrooms and other high-cost items nose-dive.

And, while Christmas and New Year sales may have papered over the cracks in the short term, firms like MFI, M&S, Waterford Wedgewood and The Pier have all shown the harsh realities of the current market.

But, there are still those who are enjoying the good times by offering what the more cash-conscious customer wants.

Oven cleaning firm Ovenu founder Rik Hellewell says his firm, which was formally established 14 years ago, enjoyed its best ever month of trading last November.

The firm, initially set up as a one-man enterprise, became a franchise 18 months later in 1994 and offers industrial-style cleaning for ovens.

He told diyweek.net: "Business couldn't be better, more people are looking at keeping their expensive items rather than upgrading them and turning to people like us.

"I use the internet to measure how were doing and the site has seen traffic more than doubled since the same period in 2006, while November was the best month for trading we've ever had.

"We also sell replacement parts for ovens and last year these sales almost doubled those of 2007."

As the Government increases pressures on business over the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) Mr Hellewell believes more consumers will go for the make do or improve mantra rather than buy big ticket items in 2009.