Consumers use Voucher Codes from VoucherSeeker for Valentine's gifts

Online, February 11, 2010 (Newswire.com) - 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: [email protected], 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.