SHOPPERS in Huddersfield are spending less on luxury items and switching to cheaper food stores, a survey has revealed.
A snap poll of 100 people showed that 45% were spending less on luxuries than they were last year in the wake of the credit crunch and the economic slowdown. Of those, 43% were spending up to £25 a month less than they were in 2007.
The survey by Ask Strategic Marketing and Research, based at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street, showed that the price of food was a major concern – with 41% of those polled ranking it as their top priority.
Their concern follows research showing that food prices have risen by 7% this year against the general inflation rate of 3.8%. Some 41% of those polled said they now shopped around more for groceries.
Soaring energy bills and the price of petrol were also ranked as major worries. Some 70% of shoppers questioned said they knew about the threatened 40% rise in energy costs.
In the face of rising petrol prices, 41% of those polled said they were making more use of Huddersfield town centre amenities rather than travelling to out-of-town centres.
Susan Kenyon, of Ask, based at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street, said many shoppers had become “more savvy” consumers and demonstrated the “Aldi Effect” by using discount supermarkets more often.
She said:
“In all, people in Huddersfield are feeling the pinch. But this is not all bad news if the town centre benefits by individuals’ cautious behaviour.”
