Savvy surfers take the wind out of inflation http://www.kelkoo.co.uk/

As UK consumers tighten their purse strings in response to the onset of the credit crunch and rising prices Kelkoo, the UK's leading shopping comparison site (Hitwise UK), reveals a number of products are bucking this trend and are continuing to offer consumers good value for money.

Research from Kelkoo shows in the last year flat panel televisions have dropped on average by 38% and digital cameras by 37%. And whilst not as dramatic, the average listing price of a Hotpoint washing machine was £251.59 in 2007 compared to a current price of £237.06. Which represents a saving of 6% - thrashing the current inflation rate of 3.1% (despite the price of metal being at al all-time high).

Other inflation beating products include one of Bosch's most popular dishwashers , which was priced at £370 in May 2007, compared to £325 now. A top of the range Panasonic microwave , priced at £144 this time last year that can now be purchased at £130 and a Dyson DC07 which is currently £150 compared to £165 in May last year.

This, set against the backdrop of food prices increasing by 12% this year, petrol by 20% and insurance premiums rocketing due to last summer's storms and floods represents some welcome respite for those looking to replace their household goods. "We are increasingly seeing consumers look to secure the best prices for their essential purchases. Household appliances and electronics have a replacement cycle and despite household spending being squeezed we continue to see 18% growth in searches for these goods compared to last year," comments, Bruce Fair, Managing Director, Kelkoo UK. Kelkoo believes the current serge in online spending which saw online sales achieve record growth in the last quarter is a result of the savings that can be made. The average Kelkoo user can expect to save 15-20% on their important purchases compared to the high street and have access to 3000+ brands and 41 of the top 50 retailers in the UK (Hitwise UK, Dec 07). This selection ensures consumers have the widest choice at a time when finances are tight.