Recession makes consumers price-savvy

THE recession has created a more savvy brand of consumer, where price overrides convenience, household budgeting is more commonplace and where customers are more willing to complain.

This is the picture painted in the annual report of the National Consumer Agency (NCA) — of a recession come home to roost.

According to NCA chief executive Ann Fitzgerald, the recession has now “crossed the threshold”, impacting on consumers’ ability to pay bills and provide for their basic needs.