While Mr Geddes considers it naïve for people to stick their head in the sand and ignore the potential of a recession, he is inclined to keep advertising, putting on staff and wearing a smile.

It’s about being prepared.

He advertises heavily to combat a tricky economy and makes sure he keeps in touch with what his customers want.

“Advertise to get your name out there,” he said.

“You don’t want people to forget about you.”

Mr Geddes said good customer service was always important but focusing on this area during a difficult economic climate means retailers can ensure customers keep coming back to the business.

He said customers need the right advice and businesses need to look after them.

“You have to be realistic with pricing,” he said.

Mr Geddes puts lower end products on the floor of Harvey Norman’s electrical department to cater for people who prefer to spend more frugally.

“You’ve got to cover all your bases,” he said.

“But people aren’t going lower end.”

Mr Geddes has found customers continue to look for medium to high range products even as the dreaded ‘r’ word is thrown around.

He said people do tighten their belts when downturns are expected or experienced and attributed the popularity of more expensive products to the need for quality at home.

He said people are cautious and spend more time at home so as to prevent and reduce economical hardship.

When people stay at home they want home to be comfortable and that’s when they think of Harvey Norman electrical.

However, Mr Geddes said he realises everything is not rosy.

But he is of the opinion that it is important to keep a positive attitude humming through a business.

“Everyone feels it at some stage,” he said.

“Everyone has to tighten their belts at some stage - even retailers have to tighten their belts.

“It’s how they come out the other end.”

Mr Geddes said living through the tough times can forge a better retailer at the end of the day.