Consumer focus shifts as thrifty shopping trends continue through recovery

Consumers are sticking to frugal shopping habits developed in the recession, even as developed economies show signs of recovery, suggesting some behaviour changes could be permanent, say industry executives.

Industry leaders in London and New York, participating in the Reuters Global Consumer and Retail Summit, said under-pressure consumers have flocked to discount stores since the financial crisis of 2008.

Consumers have shifted from branded goods to private-label alternatives and shopped more often at convenience stores or online rather than spending on expensive fuel to drive to out-of-town hypermarkets.