The cost of living is rising and we are changing the way we shop as a result. Forced to evaluate our spending, we are increasingly becoming savvy shoppers with half of us no longer wanting to pay full price for anything. Brand loyalty is one of the biggest victims of the current economic climate with more than half of people switching from their preferred brand if they see a better deal elsewhere. As uncertainty in the job and property market prevails, shopping around for best price and best value is likely to colour the way in which we purchase products and services.

– – Alexandra Richmond, Senior Consumer and Lifestyles Analyst

This report looks at British lifestyles in 2011. It looks at the impact of the continued economic situation in the wake of the recession. Unemployment and uncertainty in the housing market as well as low interest rates continue to impact on consumer confidence levels but how does this play out across the FMCG markets and other services such as travel and finance? What does this mean for the next five years?

The report also looks at British lifestyles through the eyes of the consumer. In which sectors do people notice price hikes the most and how does this shape the way in which they shop in those sectors? How are shopping habits changing as consumers adjust to the rising cost of living in combination with their new or strained financial circumstances and what impact does this have on how happy they are? British Lifestyles 2011 also delves into the impact of money on happiness and the implications of this on impulse purchasing.