There was a time when the great divide between “labels” defined those that shop by price, and those that don’t.

But somewhere along the lines, these divides have blurred with the bunt of the recession, and a new breed of shopper has evolved…the bargain hunter.

With Primark and TK Max leading the way, the pride of the hunt is not only in the purchasing of the garment but in the price paid.  Research from Paypal confirms 54% of consumers are now focussed on the hunt of the bargain above all else.  Heading for the shops with a game plan of what they’re be prepared to spend – those who successfully seek out the cheapest deals in town, come home wide eyed, savouring the taste of success.

And it doesn’t stop there, the brag factor now prolongs the joy of the shop, as friends compare bargains to see who really found the “best buy”.  Budget has now become a fashion statement and those considered clever shoppers, are the ones with the lowest price tag rather than the biggest shopping bag.

It’s good to see that people’s approach to spending has changed as a result of the recession and those who used to throw caution to the wind when out and about, now take with them a little more sense and sensibility rather than an extra piece of plastic. Reassuringly, Paypal’s research confirmed this theory as 17% of questioned, confirmed they prefer to pay with cash now, rather than card.

So as we start 2010 a little more thrift savvy, I’ve created a space where we can start to share a money saving tip, or two…or three…or more.  So log on now to http://www.facebook.com/cleardebt and make good use of the bargains displayed there, and share any you might have found too!