SurveyMonkey Powered Online Survey

1. How often do you buy something new?

How often do you buy something new? Everyday.

Once a week.

At least two/three times a week.

Once a month.

2. Why do you buy clothes?

Why do you buy clothes? Out of necessity - to replace those that are worn and torn.

To cheer yourself up / boost self esteem.

To keep up with the latest trends.

Boredom – what else is there to do at the weekend?

When you want to spoil yourself / feel treated.

3. How has the recession affected you?

How has the recession affected you? The truth is, you’re actually richer now (tracker mortgage + everything’s cheaper)

Either you or your partner has lost their jobs, so you naturally can’t afford what you could a year ago.

Your jobs safe for now, but you’re saving just in case (who knows what could happen tomorrow).

Possessions aren’t as important – it’s made you realise what really matters.

4. What type of shopper are you?

What type of shopper are you? A smasher and grabber – you buy the first thing you see, in the first store you go into and then get the first bus home.

A quantity over quality queen – opting for a wardrobe of one-wear wonder from Primark rather then one classic from Whistles.

Careful planner - you do, your fashion homework, visiting several stores before making a decision.

Window shopper – you spend hours walking the high street, but leave your bank cards at home so you can’t be tempted.

Inventive – you mix and match, choosing items that fit with your existing wardrobe.

Demanding –a store needs to earn your custom (e.g. discount vouchers, free samples, loyalty cards).

A mix of all the above.

5. Come on, be honest, what type of shopper were you a year or so ago?

Come on, be honest, what type of shopper were you a year or so ago? A smasher and grabber – you buy the first thing you see, in the first store you go into and then get the first bus home.

A quantity over quality queen – opting for a wardrobe of one-wear wonder from Primark rather then one classic from Whistles.

Careful planner - you do, your fashion homework, visiting several stores before making a decision.

Window shopper – you spend hours walking the high street, but leave your bank cards at home so you can’t be tempted.

Inventive – you mix and match, choosing items that fit with your existing wardrobe.

Demanding –a store needs to earn your custom (e.g. discount vouchers, free samples, loyalty cards).

A mix of all the above.

6. How have your shopping habits changed since this time last year?

How have your shopping habits changed since this time last year? You’re shopping more then ever – you’re actually better off now.

You’ve reigned in your spending in some areas, but are still buying clothes.

You’re shopping neither more or less – your budget hasn’t changed.

You do more research before opening your wallet.

7. The shop assistant in the changing room said you looked ‘amaaazing’ but now you’ve got that dress home, you’re not so sure... Do you:

The shop assistant in the changing room said you looked ‘amaaazing’ but now you’ve got that dress home, you’re not so sure... Do you: Keep it anyway (maybe it’ll grow on you).

Give it to your best friend – it’s far more her.

Swap it for a credit note.

Take it back and demand a refund.

8. When updating your wardrobe, do you go for:

When updating your wardrobe, do you go for: Quantity over quality (it’s only a fiver so who cares how it washes).

Several middle of the range Topshop-esque items that won’t break the bank.

One quality item that will last longer, rather then several cheaper ones.

One blow-out designer piece, you really desire.

A mixture.

9. You spy a gorgeous designer dress in Grazia – but its way out of your price range. Do you:

You spy a gorgeous designer dress in Grazia – but its way out of your price range. Do you: Turn the page quickly – it’s out of the question.

Do you fashion homework and find a cheaper, high street double.

Save sensibly until you can afford it.

Stick it on your credit card / overdraft.

Track the sale sites until it pops up.

10. Buying little treats like the latest colour lipstick or a pair of decorative tights:

Buying little treats like the latest colour lipstick or a pair of decorative tights: Is enough to make you feel better about the economic down-turn.

Gives you a fashion high – without the guilt of buying something you can’t afford.

Will do for now, until your finances improve.

Is totally unsatisfying, when you can’t afford a new dress to go with them.

Is worth it if it builds up loyalty points.

Forget the mini-fix – you’d rather save for something better.

11. No matter how black the recession, which ‘high fashion fix’ have you refused to give up?

No matter how black the recession, which ‘high fashion fix’ have you refused to give up? Designer shoes.

The perfect IT bag.

A signature piece of jewellery (not costume).

Expensive lingerie.

An experience – say a personal fitting / stylist / make-up session or spa treatment.

12. What attracts you to a shop?

What attracts you to a shop? The size of their sale rail.

A peaceful environment – you don’t want to elbow my way through hordes and sift through clothes flung on the floor.

Good service – the shop assistants went out of their way to help you.

A free makeover, personal stylists and ‘try out zone.’

Refund service – you’re not shopping anywhere that only does credit notes.

13. What other areas of your life would you cut back on to be able to buy clothes?

What other areas of your life would you cut back on to be able to buy clothes? Gym membership.

Social life and drinking alcohol.

Weekly food shop.

None – you accept you just can’t spend money on clothes right now.

14. When you return from a shopping trip how do you feel?

When you return from a shopping trip how do you feel? You’ve got peace of mind – you know you can afford the items you bought.

Slightly uneasy – but if you spend less next month, thing will balance themselves out.

Oh, so guilty – you know you shouldn’t have spent that much.

Relaxed and happy – you work hard and have a right to treat yourself once in a while.

15. How much do you expect to spend on your next shopping trip (approx)?

How much do you expect to spend on your next shopping trip (approx)? £nothing

£10 or less

£11-50

£51 - £100

£101 - £200

£200 - £300

£300 - £500

£500 +