Shopping lists make a come back as consumers aim to save cash (From Swindon Advertiser)

Shopping lists make a come back as consumers aim to save cash

12:20pm Wednesday 21st November 2012 in News By Web Team

Shopping lists make a come back as consumers aim to save cash

THE shopping list, packed lunch and weekly food planning are making a resurgence as increasingly sophisticated consumers in Swindon and beyond battle squeezed budgets, a survey suggests.

Asked how they had changed their shopping habits, if at all, 90 per cent said they now write a shopping list before they leave home, 37 per cent plan meals for the full week and 28 per cent are now taking a packed lunch into work, the poll for Sainsbury's revealed.

The supermarket's report, called New Fashioned Values, claims that the behaviour and expectations of British shoppers are 'undergoing deep and sustained change' as they carefully consider what they buy under the constraints of shrinking budgets.

Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King said: "Our customers are recalibrating their spending but they're not prepared to compromise their values.

"The credit crunch has not led to a values crunch. We're seeing people from all backgrounds rediscovering some of the shopping habits of the past to ensure they can meet the values-driven aspirations of today.

"Although people have less, they actually care more. The downturn has led to a strengthening of values, irrespective of people's income.

"We believe this is not a passing phase but a fundamental change that is here to stay."

Despite the downturn, Sainsbury's said it had sold 8.5 per cent more sustainably-sourced food in the last 12 months, with more than £1 in every £10 spent on sustainably-labelled products from families on the lowest incomes.

But what do you think? Have you started planning meals to save the pennies? Leave your comments below.