Shoppers are becoming more optimistic regarding the future, according to a new survey.

The IGD ShoppperVista, a survey of more than 1,000 shoppers, found that, in January, 47% believe they will be worse off in the year ahead – but that this was down from 61% a year ago.

Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive, IGD, said: “While some of these changes are slight, they do represent a shift in shopper sentiment that should be widely welcomed.”

The study also found that 40% now believe their personal economic situation will be “about the same” over the next 12 months, up from 29% a year ago. And, the lowest numbers of shoppers to date expect food prices to get much more expensive over the next 12 months – 21%, down from 33% a year ago.

Denney-Finch added: “A growing number of shoppers seem to believe that the worst is behind them. They have adapted to the new economic reality and are aware that UK inflation may have peaked. Rising food, fuel and utility prices are the main factors that shoppers fear will make them worse off in the future, so good news in this area is helping improve shopper confidence.

“The economic environment remains challenging and we expect 2012 to be a rollercoaster ride for many shoppers. However, with more people becoming used to the way things are, they are focusing again on values, with 34% saying that quality is extremely important when choosing where to shop for food and groceries – the highest level for more than a year.”

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