MSE News: Better-off switch to value brands

During the last year, we have noticed that the Aldi Car park has gradually been getting full and there are are a lot more people in-store - as witnessed by the number of tills in use. Before parking was easy and less people in store.
The credit crunch is indeed biting.
Dave

Almost one in five (17%) in this group said they had cut back use of oil, gas and electricity during this period.

This is bound to generate pressure on energy suppliers to increase prices.

I suspect it's somewhat misguided advice anyway.

If the postings to this forum are anything to go by, it is the value brands that have been suffering the most heinous price rises in recent months, under the cloak of 'brand price matching' by the major supermarkets.

Trying the cheaper versions is exactly what MSE recommends in order to spend money wisely. If a minority of the well off high income asset rich are doing this it is more likely to prove that they are sensible, rather than being forced to because they can't afford the more expensive product.

My own shopping basket is quite eclectic, and I buy from the full range of price points from the dirt cheap to the seriously luxurious. What I am always looking for is value for money, according to my own quirky value system. Quite often I do not buy a product because 'its not worth it' or 'it will be on offer next week' because I am mean, not because I can't afford it.

If the final paragraph

Just under three in 10 (29%) of those in the successful security bracket and almost one in five (18%) of those in the exclusive lifestyles category said they are likely to or have already switched to a cheaper supermarket for their basic food shopping

is true, then the other 70%+ of the affluent or people in poorer categories must be switching to the traditionally more expensive supermarkets. Why else are Waitrose the fastest growing supermarket and Tesco the laggards?

It is also now fashionable amongst the better off to boast about how little you have spent and what a canny shopper you are, rather than how much you have spent. I know some very affluent people who entertain each other to dinners but sometimes compete to spending as little as possible (in Waitrose) on the meal. But they don't stint themselves on wine at prices to make your eyes water :rotfl:.

Overall I don't agree that the article reflects a depressing state of affairs. Instead it is rather refreshing that some people are shopping sensibly. They may well subscribe to MSE.

LesU wrote: »

Thank you Old Vicar for a breath of fresh air

Thanks for the compliment! :A

I must be unwell. Normal service as curmudgeonly old cynic will be resumed as soon as possible.