Twenga, the new-generation search engine, today reveals the results of its annual Christmas Spending Survey. More than 3,000 Internet users across six European countries, including the UK were interviewed. The study reveals that, as the recession continues, 43% of British online shoppers plan to spend less than they did last Christmas even though they had already considerably reduced their budgets last year. While only a small minority, 12% of British online users, say that they are ready to spend more this year.

Caution rules, but Brits still have bigger budgets

Overall, the British are more cautious than their European counterparts this Christmas with 43% saying they plan to spend less compared to 41% for Europeans in general. The Italians are the most pessimistic with 50% saying they plan to reduce their budget. The Dutch are the most optimistic with only 31% saying that they will be spending less.

However, with an average budget of £354 (€400), British online shoppers still spend significantly more that the £279 (€314) European average. Second in line are the Spanish with a budget of £322 (€364). The Dutch have the smallest budget at £161 (€182).

Attention to prices drives shoppers to online price comparison sites.

During this difficult period, the majority of online shoppers across all regions are expecting to be more price sensitive; 86% of Europeans (83% of British respondents) said they are planning to pay more attention to price. The biggest regard for price came from Italy where 96% said they would be looking more closely.

Comparing prices online before making a purchase either online or in the shops continues to be a growing practice, especially among the bargain hungry Brits. Some 80% of British online users said this is how they’ll be saving money this year. This compares to 74% of Europeans as a whole.

What is Twenga?

Twenga, the new-generation search engine, enables millions of shoppers throughout the world to find what they want, at the best price, from the online shop of their choice.

Thanks to its home-grown technology, Twenga automatically gathers offerings from online retailers and displays them in one searchable interface. As a result, Twenga has the most comprehensive listing of online shops. Its search results are objective and not biased by commercial relationships.

Founded in 2006 by Bastien Duclaux and Cedric Anes, Twenga runs 13 sites, including the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Brazil, Russia, the United States and Australia display nearly 160 million offerings from more than 70,000 online shops. In August 2009, Twenga sites received over 21 million visits.

To find out more, go to:


Website: www.twenga.co.uk

Blog: www.twengablog.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/twenga_uk