Shop bills crunched by 9 in 10

HARD-UP families are transforming the way they shop as the credit crunch starts to bite, exclusive new research for the News of the World shows.

A staggering 90 PER CENT of cash-strapped families have reined back spending as their budgets are squeezed dry—threatening to put high streets into meltdown.

The survey shows that 27 per cent have ditched their HOLIDAY plans, 60 per cent have cut back on SHOPPING, 34 per cent are DRIVING less, and 49 per cent have slashed the number of times they EAT OUT.

George, the fashion arm of supermarket giant ASDA—who this week launch a “real women” campaign to replace £3million-deal Coleen Rooney— quizzed 10,000 people.

George managing director Anthony Thompson said: “The results show that family budgets are being stretched, and more and more customers will shun wasteful throwaway fashion.

“Income growth is sluggish so household budgets are being squeezed badly and consumer spending will get worse in 2009.”

The study also shows a whopping 92 per cent of MUMS are spending less on themselves and 60 per cent of Brits have slashed their spending on non-essential items, such as clothes.

More than 40 per cent of shoppers now check prices online before they buy and 18 per cent have switched energy companies to get a better deal.

Economist Jonathan Loynes said: “It’s gloomy on the high street as people tighten their belts.”