Brits turning to online voucher codes for festive shopping

Fri, 09 Dec 2011
 
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An increasing number of UK retailers are using vouchers and discount codes to entice consumers to their online and high street stores in the build-up to Christmas .

According to new research, some 2,500 vouchers and online codes will be offered by retailers this December – 66 per cent more than last year - in a bid to win customers.

Discount vouchers have proved hugely popular with bargain-seeking consumers this year, with figures from Vouchercodes.co.uk showing that more than 6.5 million UK shoppers have snapped up a discount deal from the site over the last 12 months.

Vouchercodes.co.uk expects this figure to rise to 7 million during the busy Christmas period as more Britons look to save money on purchases during the recession.

Simon James, shopping expert at Moneysupermarket.com who carried out the research, said: "Christmas shopping is a significant area of expenditure for parents in particular. However, the cost of items can be more than 50pc cheaper online."

"With money tight for many there has never been a better time to look out for sales and bargains and do all you can to make sure you get the best deal on every purchase."

According to the data, more than £21 billion will be spent by festive shoppers this year, with the average consumer set to splash out £437.