Britons to spend more warily after recession - poll

LONDON (Reuters) - More than half of Britons plan to be more careful about spending in future despite signs of economic recovery and anticipate doing more shopping online and locally as well as buying more ethical goods, a survey showed.

The Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), which polled 1,091 consumers in August, said on Tuesday 54 percent of those surveyed thought they would be more careful about spending money in 2012, while only 5 percent expected to be more frivolous.

The survey showed 29 percent of shoppers expect to spend more money at discount stores and that consumers also anticipate buying more retailer own-brand products, to the detriment of upmarket store groups and some branded goods.

But shoppers also plan to shop more locally and ethically.

Nearly two fifths expect to buy more local and regional food, while 34 percent plan to look for food that meets higher animal welfare standards.

Some 22 percent of shoppers also anticipate doing more shopping online.

(Reporting by Mark Potter)