Has the recession spelled the end of the big weekly shop?

As rising living costs and tight budgets continue to take their toll, people are getting smarter about the way they shop, according to research from budgeting account provider thinkmoney.
 
The research identifies three major types of bargain shopper.
 
Disloyal deal hunters: One in six shoppers (around 8.4 million) switch supermarkets based on which one has the best promotions.
 
Multiple shoppers: 21% (around 10.5 million) visit more than one supermarket to pick up the best deals.
 
Timed to save: More than a third - around 17 million people - go to the supermarket at a specific time to take advantage of the best bargains. Many of these people also fit the 'multiple shopper' or 'disloyal deal hunter' description.
 
Just half of people (54%) now shop regularly in the same supermarket (either online or in person), suggesting that a lot of people are becoming more aware of where to get the best deals.
 
And a particularly savvy 1% compare prices online before they shop, and use the supermarket that works out cheapest.
 
Ian Williams of thinkmoney said: "The weekly or fortnightly shop uses up a large chunk of most people's earnings, so it's good to see so many people getting smarter with their money and making an effort to find bargains.
 
"Good shopping habits can really help people to get a good budget plan - and that's what we're all about, too. The thinkmoney Personal Account helps people to budget by putting money for bills and other living costs to one side at the start of the month."