Expensive goods we'll never give up

Expensive shampoo would still be on our shopping lists even if a recession hit hard, a survey has claimed.

A European-wide survey by trend analyst Datamonitor shows when times get tough, holidays and meals out are the first to be ditched.

But 62 per cent said they would continue to buy some items whatever the price, such as expensive shampoo or brand-name toothpaste. Andrew Russell, from Datamonitor, said firms whose products are well regarded should not cut prices as a first resort. "Consumers will find the money for products they value sufficiently highly."