High Fuel Prices - Shoppers Set to Make Fewer Trips and Shop More Locally – IGD

Over half (52%) of shoppers said they would shop less frequently if petrol prices continue to rise, to save on the number of trips they make.

4/19/2011 --- Shoppers intend to shop less often and more locally because of the high cost of fuel, according to the latest research from IGD’s ShopperTrack.

Over half (52%) of shoppers said they would shop less frequently if petrol prices continue to rise, to save on the number of trips they make. A similar proportion (50%) plan to use shops nearer to them in order to use their cars less, and over two-fifths (41%) said they will do more shopping in supermarkets with petrol stations, as they offer cheap petrol. Nearly a third (31%) would also consider shopping more online to save on motoring costs.

Shoppers with young children and those living in the north of England are most likely to be impacted by high fuel prices, the researchers found.

Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive, IGD, said: “Petrol prices have shot up in the last two years forcing shoppers with cars to make tough decisions on how they spend their money. They are telling us they plan to prioritise groceries and petrol, while cutting back on other items.

“Households are facing a number of pressures on their budgets and they are increasingly looking at ways to economise, while not compromising on quality. More than three-quarters (77%) of shoppers said they pay a bit extra for premium quality groceries, such as locally produced items and those with higher welfare standards.

“The high cost of fuel means that shoppers are thinking about using the internet more for their food and grocery shopping. They also plan to reward stores that give fuel discount vouchers and supermarkets with forecourts, as they are seen as offering cheap petrol.”

IGD ShopperTrack found:
•    47% of shoppers said they would not spend less on groceries and petrol, but instead would find savings in other areas
•    44% said they will be more loyal to shops that give petrol discount vouchers