Latest press release from VoucherSeeker- enjoy!

When it comes to being British, a few things come to mind. We like to queue, love fish and chips and our home is our castle… we also love shopping online at voucher code sites such as VoucherSeeker (http://www.voucherseeker.co.uk/vouchercodes).

Research by the Centre for Retail Research has found that UK shoppers spent more online than anywhere else in Europe. On average, we Brits spent £1,102 each online last year, getting braver about spending bigger sums on the web.

“Consumers are realising that saving money lies on the internet,” states Neil Ainsworth, VoucherSeeker Director. “Using Vodafone promotional codes (http://www.voucherseeker.co.uk/file/8c07f9b2387a79aa4860f829cdf713e7/vodafone-promotional-code.html) and Currys discount codes (http://www.voucherseeker.co.uk/file/a62ac26940c49940f7f8da1eabd901e1/currys-discount-codes.html) from sites such as VoucherSeeker can save users a fair amount on expensive items.”

According to the Centre for Retail Research, online sales account for 10% of the total retail sales in the UK. The research further predicts that internet shopping will increase this year, eventually hitting £42.7 billion in 2010.

The recession created a new type of shopper, who was now prepared to not only haggle for better prices, but research their options further in order to get the best deal. Shoppers became more aware of the discount vouchers and discount codes they could get for money off items such as electricals and groceries. Sites such as VoucherSeeker found that there was more interest in the vouchers on offer, as consumers actively searched for money off.

The shopping habits which were learnt during the recession are now becoming permanent habits. Shoppers have realised the savings they can make and although the economy is recovering, consumers are still keen to continue saving money.

Men were a key demographic who were quick to turn to the internet in order to save money when the recession hit. In the past, women have been the biggest demographic group of online shoppers, with clothing and footwear proving popular purchases. However men began to realise the saving potential of the internet, logging in online to search for promotional codes and voucher codes and investigating where to make the best savings.

12.9 million men in the UK are now shopping online, compared with just 10.3 women. Since 2006, 839,000 extra men are shopping online compared with an additional 400,000 women.

Another demographic turning to the internet for savings is the ‘Silver Surfer’, typically a pensioner who is learning about the internet and getting online due to easier access and more accessible internet packages.

A survey conducted by Mature Marketing Consultancy, Millennium, questioned four hundred over 50s on their shopping habits. More than a quarter of people questioned admitted to shopping for groceries online, over half spending in excess of £150 per month.

Currently, online discount vouchers and discount codes are more influential to the over 50s group of people than brand loyalty. Quality and price are significant factors for this age range. This may be due to the fact that this age range has a limited pension and therefore need to get value for money.

UK shoppers spend the most online in Europe, as consumers are now very savvy. Shoppers in the UK now search online for voucher code sites such as VoucherSeeker in order to save money on items such as electricals and fashion. This could be due to factors including the recession encouraging shoppers to look for vouchers or promotional codes online in order to save money. This behaviour has then carried on into the post recession shopping as consumers realise how much money they can save.

Another factor is that more demographics are beginning to realise the importance of the internet in the savings it can provide. Men and silver surfers are quickly becoming aware of the discounts available on voucher code sites such as VoucherSeeker (http://www.voucherseeker.co.uk/vouchercodes). As more and more people realise the saving potential, UK online spending is set to further soar.

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Buying a house is allegedly one of the most stressful things you can do. What with the the to and froing of lawyers, estate agents and banks, trying to sort everything out is like trying to mobilise a small army. And that’s before you even move into the house…!

Well Tesco is hoping to iron out some of the annoyances by launching its own website with estate agent Spicerhaart in order to ensure the market is more competative.

Strict internet rules mean that only established estate agents are online offering similar prices to their competitors.

Tesco are keeping all plans tightly under wraps, and state that buying a house will be more difficult than simply going to a supermarket. However, they do intend on making the whole process cheaper…

Watch this space!

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Latest press release from VS- enjoy!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and whilst the economy enjoys no longer being in a recession, thrifty consumers are increasingly turning to voucher code sites (http://www.voucherseeker.co.uk/vouchercodes) such as VoucherSeeker to save on their spending.

Last years Valentine’s Day occurred in the grip of the recession, prompting consumers to cut back on luxuries and think of more inventive ways to shop in order to save money. Couples celebrated by purchasing gifts and eating out using voucher codes.

According to Moneysupermarket, last year 22% of women and 16% of men cut back on Valentine spending. However, shoppers who are used to saving money are continuing with their new shopping behaviours of comparing prices online and also using discount vouchers and discount codes from voucher sites.

Research by eBillme Online Spending Index found that almost half the people surveyed did not know what to get their loved ones for Valentines Day, but 23% knew they would be buying the gift online.

“Since the beginning of January we’ve had plenty of promotional codes and voucher codes for romantic treats.” States Ed Wilkinson, VoucherSeeker Director “Vodafone promotional codes (http://www.voucherseeker.co.uk/file/8c07f9b2387a79aa4860f829cdf713e7/vodafone-promotional-code.html) and Currys discount codes (http://www.voucherseeker.co.uk/file/a62ac26940c49940f7f8da1eabd901e1/currys-discount-codes.html) remain popular, but there has a been a definite noted rise in searches for shops and products of a more amorous nature.”

Shopping behaviours learnt during the recession, such as comparing prices online, shopping around for products to get the best deal and also using vouchers for money off, are set to continue as consumers have realised the savings they can make. Shopper’s perception of value has changed significantly. Consumers now expect greater services, if not more, for the same amount of money they spend.

Other shopping habits which are set to stay for consumers include shopping down, where consumers choose to shop somewhere else for items such as groceries and fashion in order to save money. GI Research found that 21% of shoppers had shopped down to cheaper stores and are happy to continue to do so. Many did not notice the difference between own brand and labelled products and therefore see shopping down as a permanent resolution and a long term way to save money without too much sacrifice. Whether this trend carries over into Valentine’s day this year however has yet to be seen.

Last year, sweets and chocolates took precedence over flowers and jewellery due to the recession, research by IBIS World found. Although consumer confidence is still low, consumers continue to want to treat loved ones and so are going online in order to do so without going over budget.

A similar trend occurred over Christmas, where consumers were determined to treat loved ones and therefore spent more money on Champagne and festive treats in order to make their Christmas more enjoyable. The previous year had seen consumers cutting back on spending over the festive period. These shopping trends suggest that consumers do not want to miss out, but are not prepared to pay full price either.

After a difficult Valentine’s Day last year, consumers are more determined to treat themselves, whilst continuing to turn to voucher code sites (http://www.voucherseeker.co.uk/vouchercodes) such as VoucherSeeker to get money off Valentine’s items such as flowers and meals out. Although the UK is now out of the recession, consumer confidence remains low and shoppers are still wary and even reluctant to spend money. Shopping habits which were learnt during the recession has ensured that consumers now see this as a permanent way to save money.

About VoucherSeeker

http://www.voucherseeker.co.uk is a leading UK voucher codes website. It features all the latest vouchers, voucher codes and discount codes from a wide range of shops and top brands. Users can use the site to find the latest discount vouchers and promotional codes to save money on many products and services. VoucherSeeker also provides its users with details of all the latest sales and promotions.

For further information, please contact Deborah Read at VoucherSeeker: email: deborah.read@clickangel.co.uk, direct line: +44 113 380 0891.

VoucherSeeker® and ClickAngel® are registered trademarks of ClickAngel Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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