Quidco’s High Street Happy

Quidco’s High Street Happy

I’m joining in with the Quidco’s High Street Happy campaign today. I’m clearly of an age where I remember clearly what life was like before the internet revolution, the days when shops weren’t open on Sundays or Bank Holidays.  There may have been less choice in those days, but I’ve always had happy memories of shopping on the high street.  Ok, maybe not the days when my brother and I were dragged around the supermarkets, but generally, I’ve always been high street happy.

Quidco’s High Street Happy

Daddy P comes from a line of shop keepers, from cobblers, greengrocers and the all important shop that sold everything.  He grew up in the bustling town centre, and can recall each shop and how it has changed over the last (almost) 50 years.  It makes me high street happy that my son is part of that heritage and that we have a unique insight into the world behind the shop window.

Quidco’s High Street Happy

When you have children, eating out can be a stressful affair but I’ve never found that the case with Pizza Express and I always look out for them on the high street wherever we are. We’ve celebrated birthdays there, and just generally had lovely, relaxed family time, whilst enjoying good food too.

Quidco’s High Street Happy

I always loved visiting our local toy and pet shops when I was a child.  Looking at the latest toys in the window display, and looking to see if there was another cute kitten or bunny we could bring home.  I have fond memories of many excursions to the high street.

Quidco’s High Street Happy

These days it’s my sons turn to create his own High Street Happy memories.  If I ask him what he loves about the high street, yes the toy shop is up there, but also the book shop and a collectible models shop.  He’ll spend ages wandering around all of them.  There’s nothing quite like seeing something for yourself is there.

Quidco’s High Street Happy

Quidco run a great scheme where you can earn cash back on your high street purchases. You link your credit/debit card up on their site and you can then earn cash back on your purchases with more than 5300 retailers nationwide, covering over 40 different brands.  Quidco tracks your purchases and pays you back a percentage of the price (once purchase has been confirmed by the retailer) straight into your account.  You’re bound to find something to make you high street happy, whether it be from shopping with Debenhams or Mothercare, maybe you fancy indulging with Hotel Chocolat, or your kids new a new bike from Halfords.  Everything is covered.

I’ve just joined up (it’s free to register) and very easy to do. I’ll be sharing my experience on a recent shopping spree with Argos through Quidco, next week. You can find out more about registering here with Quidco High Street.


 

What do you think of the high street?  Quidco asked some shoppers in Oxford for their thoughts recently.  Do you agree with them?

When asked about how they felt about their local high street, nearly 8 in 10 respondents in Oxford (79%) said they like their local high street with nearly 1 in 5 (18%) stating they love it. More than 1 in 5 respondents (21%) said they do not like their local high street.

When asked how often they go to their local high street, those in Oxford visit their local high street an average of twice a week. With 1 in 7 (14%) visiting their local high street 5 or more times a week.

When asked how often would you like to go to your local high street if there was nothing holding you back from doing so, those in Oxford would like to go to their local high street an average of 3 times a week. 1 in 5 (20%) said they would like to visit their local high street 5 or more times a week.

Why do people in Oxford go to the local high street? Half of respondents in Oxford (50%) go to their local high street to do other (non-food) shopping. 3 in 10 (30%) of respondents in Oxford go to their local high street to meet friends. 1 in 5 (20%) of respondents go to hit the sales. More than 1 in 5 (21%)  go for retail therapy.

When thinking about a favourite item of clothing, something that they love and makes them feel amazing. Where did they purchase this? 2 in 5 (40%) of respondents in Oxford said they purchased their favourite item of clothing on the high street.

If people in Oxford were planning a big night out, which do they do you do? More than 3 in 10 (31%) said they go shopping alone. 20% they go shopping with mates in the high street. Just under 13% do a mass online shop, try everything on at home and share the results with all their friends.

Would you agree with the people of Oxford and the experiences that make them happy?  More than half (56%) said they would be happy if they found a surprise bargain they didn’t know they wanted. Whilst 47% would be happy if they got free samples.  More than 44% said they would be happy if they bumped into a pal, changed their plans and spent some quality time chatting about nothing.

49% of those asked in Oxford, said they have experienced finding a surprise bargain you didn’t even know they wanted on the high street. Whilst 2 in 5  said they have experienced free samples on the high street.

Are you like the people of Oxford?  Where do you prefer shopping?  33% said they prefer to shop on the high street. Whilst just under 19% said they prefer to shop in shopping centres. 39% said they most often shop online. With 15% saying they most often shop in out-of-town retail parks.

30%  said their best shopping experience was on the local high street with 14% saying their best shopping experience was online.


So have you used Quidco before?  If not, it’s definitely worth looking into, every little penny helps after all.

disclosure:  I have been compensated for this post, but my thoughts still remain my own.

 

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