Letter: Losing business by ignoring customers

Sir: Like Nancy Macintyre, I wished to do my bit for the economy, and attempted to purchase a new car. I expected it to be a pleasurable experience, but I found, as a middle-aged lady, that I was totally invisible. After visiting five local garages, I became disheartened: only VW and Volvo had taken me seriously, so I am now the proud owner of a Volvo.

In the garage selling British cars, I looked at almost all the models, without anyone approaching me. But when a man walked in and looked at one car, the salesman was instantly with him: 'Can I help you, sir?'

Perhaps part of the problems with the retail trade might be self-inflicted.

Yours sincerely,

MARY BUCKLEY

Harrogate, North Yorkshire