The families are challenged to trade for a week against the backdrop of the Second World War. Rationing, coupons and identity cards bring home the difficult realities of life on the home front for the grocers, while the dressmaker and the blacksmith try to convince the residents of Shepton Mallet of the merits of 1940s-style recycling. However, the retailers face stiff competition as stock shortages mean their customers could be tempted to turn to the black market for their supplies.
