Beauty and image industries have shown the greatest business growth in Northern Ireland over the past decade, it was claimed today.
However traditional businesses like blacksmiths, farming and greengrocers have witnessed a dramatic fall in the years between 1992 and 2002, according a study based on listings in the Yellow Pages.
The main trend emerging from Yellow Pages Alternative Census was that Northern Ireland's citizens have become more conscious of the way they look, with dieting and weight control businesses recording a staggering 2,200 per cent growth between 1992 and 2002.
Reflexology businesses reported a 1,100 per cent growth while herbalists registered a 400 per cent increase.
Seven of the 10 fastest growing new entrants into the Yellow Pages were also in the sector, with aromatherapy recording a 1,600 per cent growth.
Hairpiece and wig retailers also saw their business rise by 500 per cent, healthcare companies were up 500 per cent, make up artists and services grew by 500 per cent, complementary therapies increased by 354 per cent, yoga by 300 per cent and image consultants by 167 per cent.
The 10 sharpest declines were in more traditional industries.
The decline in the poultry and game dealers sector was 63 per cent, while coppersmiths suffered a 50 per cent drop, farmers had a 45 per cent drop, greengrocers and fruit sellers experienced a 43 per cent
fall and bakers and confectioners also witnessed a 39 per cent decrease.
Butchers also reported a 32 per cent drop, hardware retailers a 17 per cent fall and shoe repairers a 14 per cent decline.
University of Ulster economist Mr Michael Smyth said: "It is fair to say that Northern Ireland has experienced unprecedented levels of change in the last 10 years both politically and economically.
"More people are in work, household incomes have increased and living standards have risen accordingly.
"We have discovered the knack of `spend, spend, spend' and are doing so on things that make us feel or look better.
"The decision to go to one supermarket rather than a selection of smaller high street retailers is also symptomatic of our desire for stress-free living.
"Although we try to support our local neighbourhood retailers, longer working hours mean we don't always have the time and the little time we have is spent on ourselves."
PA