FDBusiness.com

An increasing number of consumers in the UK are now planning before going out to do their food and grocery shopping, compared to three years ago, according to the latest IGD shopper research. Nearly seven in ten shoppers (67%) plan most of their food and grocery shopping before they even get to a store, up from 47% in 2008.

Consumers have also increased their shopping frequency: with half of them (49%) making three or more trips a week to their supermarkets, compared to 39% in 2009.

“Most of us are facing stagnant wage increases but rising costs, such as public transport or fuel prices. As a result, shoppers are investing more of their time in order to secure the best value when buying their food and groceries,” points out Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive of IGD.

She adds: “They are trying to manage their budgets by making more supermarket trips, but aiming to buy only what they need. By making more frequent visits they are topping up when required and also hoping to secure the best promotions, stocking up when they see ones that appeal to them.”

UK consumers are also doing their main grocery shop less often as other forms of shopping, such as online or convenience stores, increase in popularity.