Popularity of cashback sites grows as more people shop online

With the UK back into a double dip recession, many savvy families are looking for ways to boost their household incomes and Cashback sites are on the forefront of the online bargain hunt. They can possibly saving families anything up to £1000 a year. These sites pay members when they buy goods ranging from the supermarket shop to energy and even holidays, through their website.

Online shopping has been growing in popularity, this is shown by the fact that online spending in the first three months of 2012 grew by 13 per cent to £17billion[i]. One of the main reasons that online shopping grew so rapidly is because it can save consumers a vast amount of money. As well as vouchers and discounts codes which can be found online, consumers are frequently signing up to cashback sites. Cashback sites are becoming very attractive for online shoppers, with TopCashBack the most generous cashback site in the UK doubling the amount of members in the last 12 months alone. The site now receives approximately 4.5 million unique visitors per month.

Natasha-Rachel Smith, consumer affairs expert from TopCashBack, said, “The growth of cashback culture is a new phenomenon in the UK – it’s a great way for people to earn money from their spending. As online shopping is becoming an integral part of people’s shopping patterns, cashback sites are inevitably becoming the first port of call for people who want to save money.”

Natasha-Rachel concluded, “Cashback sites are a safe way to get more out of your spending. For people who frequently shop online it makes sense to shop through cashback sites as there are thousands of big name retailers and some niche shops, so there is always something for everyone. Sometimes people can get big cashback sums when switching their utilities or broadband through these sites so it’s recommended that people do their research.”

UK ‘is hovering on the brink of a double dip recession’.

The UK is hovering on the brink of a double dip recession Official Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures due out on Wednesday are expected to show the UK narrowly escaping a double dip recession; however many experts predict we’re still not safe. With mixed signals coming from different sectors and unemployment decreasing only marginally, albeit for the first time in a year, the UK seems to be teetering on the edge. The fragile economic conditions and high unemployment are putting many households under pressure to save money. This is fuelling the growth and popularity of cashback sites and discount culture; websites such as TopCashBack have nearly doubled the amount of its members in the past 12 months alone.

 

Natasha-Rachel Smith, Spokesperson for TopCashBack, said, “Households are under increasing pressure to save money and cut costs, especially since the UK fell into financial turmoil five years ago. With many households saddled with debt, consumers are reluctant to pay more than they deem is absolutely necessary for purchases, and are drawn by the savings and discounts offered through the innovative techniques of the internet, such as cashback sites.” Natasha-Rachel added, “The strong growth in demand for such online offerings is being fuelled by the recessionary environment, fragile consumer confidence and a strong desire for people to conserve their cash as steadfastly as possible.”

Portas review gets government approval

The Government has accepted recommendations from Mary Portas that are aimed at reviving the high street.

Under the recommendations, dedicated ‘town teams’ will manage high streets, a £10 million high street innovation fund will bring life back to empty shops and a National Markets Day will be created.

Natasha-Rachel Smith, spokesperson for TopCashBack, said, “It’s extremely important that the UK’s high streets are productive as a competitive environment in today’s retail sector. Although the most attractive deals and savings will almost always be found online, consumers will always need the requirement to access goods on their doorstep. This is particularly true for essential products and services in situations where the items aren’t available online as immediately as shoppers need them.

“Consumers will always be lured by online bargains but they will continue to need the high street to be the background canvass of their communities.”