VAT increase affects people's spending

April 13, 2011 - PRLog -- As might be expected, the VAT rise to 20% in January has had a real impact on consumer spending habits, with many retailers announcing poor results this spring. A new survey and report by online sales giant eBay bears out these facts. It says two out of five people have been deliberately cutting back on buying goods since the start of the year.

The survey asked more than 2,000 adults, finding that most people had less money to spend, blaming either this government or the last. Half of those questioned said the higher rate of VAT had made a noticeable impact on their cost of living. Clare Gilmartin, vice-president of European Marketplaces at eBay, said: "While the recent VAT rise only had a short-term negative impact on consumer spending, we know consumers are still feeling the pain as they are budgeting to ensure they can afford basic necessities."

However, there is somewhere shoppers can turn when trying to budget wisely. Rewards First is an online membership discount shopping programme where customers can visit http://www.rewardsfirst.co.uk for top quality high street and online brand names, and online discount codes for over 600 retailers. Each of the 600 merchants has something unique to offer Rewards First shoppers, and their discounts vary from day to day, so it's always worth members checking regularly to see what new savings are available.

As well as the major retailing chains, like Boots, M&S and Sainsbury's, Rewards First has engaged with a whole host of independent retailers to provide not only their hottest offers of the month, but to offer excusive discounts just for Rewards First members. As well as these exclusive offers, Rewards First continues to provide its members with discounts from the whole spectrum of shopping categories, from high street fashion, clothing, jewellery and accessories to home, garden and DIY. Looking for clothes - try La Redoute, New Look or Miss Selfridge? Or entertainment - how about Zavvi or The Hut? Maybe it's time for action, then see what Reebok or Nike Store have to offer. Flowers at Easter? Perhaps Interflora or Valueflora has the deal? Why pay full price when all of the sales, discounts and savings can be found in one place? Rewards First has everything from the top designer brands to some of the best boutique shops.

Spring's here. So if you're making improvements around the house, it's well worth checking out the DIY retailers, and if it's household appliances you're after, then top high street names like Comet and Curry's are featured. Or maybe you're looking to get outdoors - with Golfbreaks.com or Funkyhampers.com or Red Hot Sunglasses. Thoughts turning to travel or a short break? See what Rewards First has to offer from Haven, Book a spa, Marriott or Intercontinental Hotel Group.

At www.rewardsfirst.co.uk members will find a Hot Picks list, updated regularly, to bring the very best discounts and special offers straight to their attention.

To join Rewards First please visit http://www.rewardsfirst.co.uk Rewards First is an online membership programme, which gives you access to a suite of discounts offered by 100’s of high street retailers.  Rewards First is a membership programme and monthly membership fees are payable after any free promotional period has come to an end.