Bargain-hunting Brits shop early to avoid the VAT Increase

A study conducted by the UK voucher code site www.HotVouchers.com has revealed that an estimated 33% of British women hit the stores in the week leading up to the 2.5% VAT increase. Astonishingly, the research also indicates that the average British female spends EIGHT MONTHS of her life searching for bargains. Researchers for the site spoke to some 4,000 women and found that the typical female will wander around stores, looking through racks of clothes for 20 minutes on each shopping trip. The survey found that British women visit stores some eight times a month, which that means two hours and 40 minutes is whiled away looking for that perfect item of cut-price clothing.

The nationwide study of women aged 18 to 45 quizzed them on their shopping habits and spends. It found:

•     60% of women operate with ‘very tight purse strings'

•     40% of them admit they enjoy the thrill of getting a bargain

•     29% feel guilty if they spend money on themselves

•     45% endeavour never pay full price for products

•     50% say they don't buy anything on at least two of those 8 shopping trips

•     66% later regret buying something when they return home – of which 60% realise their new purchase doesn't fit properly, 40% decide that they just don't like it and one in six find it cheaper elsewhere

•     25% of women make up excuses to justify the amount they've spent, 11% hide their new buys, while 17% lie about the true cost to their partner or family

•     More than a third (35%) shop to cheer themselves up, 57% claim 'it was on sale' when quizzed on new purchases by their husband and three in ten said they deserve a treat
Paula Felstead, of money-saving voucher site www.HotVouchers.com , said: "It comes as no surprise to learn that women loved a bargain, but to discover they spend a full eight months of their lives seeking out the best deals is quite something! Women have a sharp eye when it comes to a bargain and clearly enjoy the thrill of buying at a discounted price. Yet despite making savings, they still feel guilty and use excuses to try to justify their purchase to their partner or family.

"This time of year is incredibly busy for us, particularly for Travel Promotions Codes and Travel deals from companies such as Thomson and Hotels.com. However, the VAT rise has dampened down enthusiasm in the mainstream Voucher market and we expect that to continue for the next few weeks, but the UK retailers are certainly offering some great deals and promotional codes at the moment in an effort to tempt the shoppers back."

"Both shoppers and retailers are watching prices carefully at the moment; we expect some shops to hold prices whilst others will be forced to raise them due to their increasing costs and tax. Bargain-hunting will be a well honed skill during 2011." The survey also showed that, in addition to their clothes-shopping trips to online sites such as Dorothy Perkins, women will also head out on three supermarket shops a week and dedicate 13 minutes checking out offers like two-for-one deals each time.