Many staple Christmas presents are also cheaper in the UK where shoppers can find books, toys, Blu-Ray DVDs and tablet computers cheaper in Britain than most other European countries.

Now in its 10th year, the International Price Comparison study from PriceRunner.co.uk, the impartial shopping comparison site, tracks the prices of basic foods such as milk and coffee, popular consumer gadgets and travel and entertainment goods like petrol, bus tickets and DVDs. Carried out in 33 countries worldwide, the report shows that India, Thailand and Poland are the cheapest countries, while Norway, Sweden and Brazil are the most expensive.

The art of seduction

The art of seduction can be expensive in some parts of the world. Taking into account the costs of getting ready for a date, a few drinks and a trip to the cinema, a date will set you back £71.48 in Oslo, £63.75 in Sydney, and £60.59 in Helsinki, making them the most expensive places around the world to court. The accolade of cheapest date goes to Bangkok (£35.85), closely followed by San Francisco (£36.52) and New York (£37.69).

What about taking your relationship further? Well, it’s good news if you live in India as Mumbai is the cheapest place in the world to practice safe sex where a packet of 10 condoms costs just £1.56, closely followed by Sao Paolo (£2.81) and Bangkok (£4.64). In Germany, condoms cost £12.56 for a packet of 10, making it the most expensive place in the world to have sex, whilst we Brits pay around £9.99.

The Only Way Is… Not Essex

Brits need to jet round the world to find the best prices on designer goods this Christmas. Label lovers are best to head to Dubai for the latest handbags, where a Louis Vuitton Monogram Artsy is only £963.07, £540 cheaper than if you purchased the same bag in Sao Paolo, and £186.93 cheaper than in the UK. Similarly a pair of Ray Ban Aviator Titanium sunglasses will set you back just £118.10 in Mumbai, compared to £150.96 in Warsaw and £188 in Britain. Finally a pair of classic Adidas Stan Smith trainers cost a mere £32.58 in Mumbai, more than half the price of a pair in Reykjavik, Iceland (£78.41) and £25.42 cheaper than in Britain (£58).

Going out versus staying in

Universally, the cost of going to the cinema, including the petrol to get there, is cheaper than the cost of buying a Blu-ray DVD. The cheapest places in the world for a cinema ticket and a litre of petrol are Bangkok (£3.70), Mumbai (£3.89) and Shanghai (£4.37), whilst the most expensive are Tokyo (£13.09), Helsinki (£12.20) and London (£12.12). A copy of Thor on Blu Ray will set you back a staggering £28.25 in Tokyo, £27.12 in Dubai and £26.98 in Lisbon versus £9.11 in Mumbai, £10.41 in Moscow and £16.00 in Bangkok.

Gadget lovers should head far, far away for the best prices

Though British and American consumers have embraced gadgets, often queuing for the latest Apple or Nintendo products to get the best prices, the PriceRunner survey suggests we should head to the Far East. The latest Apple MacBook Air will set you back £747.88 in Tokyo compared to £1,099 in the UK; and an iPad 2 costs just £344.71 in Bangkok compared to £479 in the UK. The latest Apple iPhone 4S is a mere £311.03 in Tokyo, whereas British consumers are forking out nearly £200 more (£508.65).

Alison Guise, MD for PriceRunner.co.uk commented: “Consumers shopping on the high street are still feeling the pinch especially in the build up to Christmas, so it is reassuring that for the first time Britain was not the most expensive for any product, and in fact many household essentials have gone down in price this year. While we still pay more than many countries globally, it’s good to see that prices in Britain are starting to fall on both essentials and luxuries, so much so that we can now compete with most of our European neighbours with an affordable cost of living. It’s particularly good news in the run up to Christmas when many consumers are looking around for gifts and bargains for their friends and family. Hopefully we can continue to be a more competitive shopping destination for visitors, especially throughout 2012 with many landmark events planned including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympic Games.”

2011 v 2010 vs. 2009: UK

‘Change 2010 v 2011’ shows 2011 cost increases compared to 2011.

- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

For more information on PriceRunner.co.uk, expert comment or case studies please contact the press office on 0844 8751493 or email us at pricerunnerpr@golinharris.com.

The PriceRunner press office can also provide you with information on top trending products, money saving per product, case studies and expert spokespeople.

About the study

Prices were collected during November 2011. Where possible, three prices were collected for each product and the mean average was used as the city’s price for the product. No less than two prices per product per city have been used, with the exception of those products where prices are standardised, for example, alcohol in Sweden or McDonald’s. In most cases prices were collected from multiple-outlet retailer stores to ensure they are as closely representative of each city’s typical prices as possible.

All prices are in GBP. Exchange rates were taken from Google Converter during November 2011.

About PriceRunner.co.uk

PriceRunner.co.uk, a division of ValueClick, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK), is the UK's most comprehensive and independent shopping comparison website. Online prices and discounts from over 1,000 retailers are updated on a daily basis by a specialist team using cutting edge technology to hunt down the cheapest prices available. PriceRunner is unique as it also has a dedicated team of Runners checking prices in high street stores. PriceRunner lists the cheapest price first and lists both paying and non-paying retailers to provide customers with the greatest choice of deals.

Men appear to be recreating the look with 96% more people searching for beard trimmers since the show started – according to PriceRunner.co.uk, the UK's leading impartial shopping comparison site.

Significantly behind Gary in the most admired facial fuzz poll, are Hollywood heart throbs Brad Pitt (16%), rumoured to be starring in Twelve Years a Slave and Ryan Gosling (9%) now on our screens with blockbusters Drive, Crazy Stupid Love and The Ides of March. And despite not hitting the charts since his greatest hits album Twenty Five in 2006, George Michael proves that his 5 o'clock shadow is still much-admired with a surprise entrance at number 4.

Brits' Favourite Celebrity Facial Hair:

1. Gary Barlow 62%
2. Brad Pitt 16%
3. Ryan Gosling 9%
4. George Michael 6%
5. Zach Galifianakis 4%

However, a beard doesn't suit all men as, regardless of their good looks and gallantry, Jude Law and Three Musketeers star Matthew MacFayden have been "voted off' – with only 1% admiring their facial hair.

Brits' Least Favourite Celebrity Facial Hair:

6. Matthew MacFayden 1%
7. Jude Law 1%

Alison Guise, MD of PriceRunner.co.uk, comments: "Without a doubt, cult TV shows that are watched every week, like X-Factor, have an impact on sales. Normally, we tend to see trends in typically female-related items but with the increase in searches for beard trimmers at PriceRunner, it seems the boys are holding their own. Gary Barlow is leading the way and with some great deals available, we're expecting beard trimmers to be under more trees than usual this Christmas.'

Best offers from PriceRunner.co.uk:

Remington PG520 Navigator Personal Groomer
Philips Philishave QT4050 TurboVac Beard Trimmer
Philips QG3250/32 Multigroom Grooming Kit


- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

For more information on PriceRunner.co.uk, expert comment or case studies please contact the press office on 0844 8751493 or email us at pricerunnerpr@golinharris.com.

About PriceRunner.co.uk

PriceRunner.co.uk, a division of ValueClick, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK), is the UK's most comprehensive and independent shopping comparison website. Online prices and discounts from over 1,000 retailers are updated on a daily basis by a specialist team using cutting edge technology to hunt down the cheapest prices available. PriceRunner is unique as it also has a dedicated team of Runners checking prices in high street stores. PriceRunner lists the cheapest price first and lists both paying and non-paying retailers to provide customers with the greatest choice of deals.

Further Information

* Source: Searches on PriceRunner.co.uk (October 2011)

A third of consumers were not influenced by the latest news surrounding the release of the iPhone 4S, with half (49%) saying they are still too expensive.

Alison Guise, MD of PriceRunner.co.uk, comments: "There's no doubt that recent issues with Blackberry servers have deterred potential buyers, we're now seeing a whole range of innovative and advanced phones in the market. Android boast over half a million apps and manufacturers such as HTC and Sony Ericsson are continually bringing out new models– such as the HTC Sensation and Xperia Ray. With so much choice, consumers are able to take their pick and get a phone that really suits them – rather than defaulting to an iPhone."

Best offers from PriceRunner.co.uk:

HTC Sensation
Motorola Atrix Dual Core
Sony Ericsson Xperia Ray


- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

For more information on PriceRunner.co.uk, expert comment or case studies please contact the press office on 0844 8751493 or email us at pricerunnerpr@golinharris.com.

About PriceRunner.co.uk

PriceRunner.co.uk, a division of ValueClick, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK), is the UK's most comprehensive and independent shopping comparison website. Online prices and discounts from over 1,000 retailers are updated on a daily basis by a specialist team using cutting edge technology to hunt down the cheapest prices available. PriceRunner is unique as it also has a dedicated team of Runners checking prices in high street stores. PriceRunner lists the cheapest price first and lists both paying and non-paying retailers to provide customers with the greatest choice of deals.

Further Information

* Source: PriceRunner.co.uk poll (October 2011)

The research, from PriceRunner.co.uk, the UK’s leading impartial shopping comparison site, also reveals the X-Factor effect is in full swing as more people would rather travel with new judge Tulisa [16%] over ex X Factor judge Cheryl Cole [12%].

Alternatively, Big Brother residents were those best left behind this weekend as only 9% found the hyperactive twins, Jedward, entertaining and only 2% could tolerate TOWIE star Amy Childs.

Brits’ Top Celebrity Car Journey Companions:

1. Pippa Middleton 27%
2. Chris Moyles 19%
3. Tulisa N-Dubz 16%
4. Johnny Vaughan 15%
5. Cheryl Cole 12%

Brits’ Least Favourite Celebrity Car Journey Companions:

6. Jedward 9%
7. Amy Childs 2%

In preparation for the last bank holiday of the year, many Brits have been turning to sat nav devices to reduce their journey times; PriceRunner has spotted a 63% increase in the number of people looking for sat navs since the start of the summer*.

Alison Guise, MD of PriceRunner.co.uk, comments: ‘With Brits packing up their cars for their bank holiday trip, worrying about traffic and increasing journey times, we’ve seen a staggering rise in searches for sat navs. With several excellent deals on the market at the moment, now is a great time to bin your out of date map and buy a sat nav.’

Best offers from PriceRunner.co.uk:

NavMan S100
Garmin Nüvi 265W
TomTom XL
TomTom Via Live


- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

For more information on PriceRunner.co.uk, expert comment or case studies please contact the press office on 0844 8751493 or email us at pricerunnerpr@golinharris.com.

About PriceRunner.co.uk

PriceRunner.co.uk, a division of ValueClick, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK), is the UK's most comprehensive and independent shopping comparison website. Online prices and discounts from over 1,000 retailers are updated on a daily basis by a specialist team using cutting edge technology to hunt down the cheapest prices available. PriceRunner is unique as it also has a dedicated team of Runners checking prices in high street stores. PriceRunner lists the cheapest price first and lists both paying and non-paying retailers to provide customers with the greatest choice of deals.

Further Information

* Source: Searches on PriceRunner.co.uk (May to July 2011)

The iconic club is a favourite of Darren Clarke, the newly-crowned British Open champion, and savvy shoppers are seeking out the best deal on the R11, perhaps in an effort to emulate his success. The driver, known for its striking white clubhead and unique flight control technology, was the number one driver used at The Masters and The Players championships earlier this year.

Alison Guise, MD of PriceRunner says: “We expect the R11 driver to become more popular than ever following Darren Clarke’s British Open win last week. In fact, we’ve already seen a considerable surge in the number of savvy golfers searching online to find the best deal.”

- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

For more information on PriceRunner.co.uk, expert comment or case studies please contact the press office on 0844 8751493 or email us at pricerunnerpr@golinharris.com.

About PriceRunner.co.uk

PriceRunner.co.uk, a division of ValueClick, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK), is the UK's most comprehensive and independent shopping comparison website. Online prices and discounts from over 1,000 retailers are updated on a daily basis by a specialist team using cutting edge technology to hunt down the cheapest prices available. PriceRunner is unique as it also has a dedicated team of Runners checking prices in high street stores. PriceRunner lists the cheapest price first and lists both paying and non-paying retailers to provide customers with the greatest choice of deals.

With this in mind, and with airlines getting stricter about weight allowance and excess charges, some Brits are turning to e-Readers, Kindles and iPads - lightweight electronic devices that can store thousands of books - to get their literature fix on the beach.

With 16% of the population already owning one of these gadgets and using them on holiday, PriceRunner.co.uk has spotted a 35% increase in the number of searches for e-Readers and Kindles and a 105% increase in the number of searches for iPads over the last three months***.

Alison Guise, MD of PriceRunner.co.uk, comments: ‘These gadgets are a much easier, lighter and more convenient way to read your favourite books on holiday. With several excellent deals on the market right now and with summer holidays already upon us, it has never been a better time to treat yourself and join the growing community of e-book fans.’

Best offers from PriceRunner.co.uk:

Kindle
Aluratek Libre eBook Reader Pro
iPad


- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

For more information on PriceRunner.co.uk, expert comment or case studies please contact the press office on 0844 8751493 or email us at pricerunnerpr@golinharris.com.

About PriceRunner.co.uk

PriceRunner.co.uk, a division of ValueClick, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK), is the UK's most comprehensive and independent shopping comparison website. Online prices and discounts from over 1,000 retailers are updated on a daily basis by a specialist team using cutting edge technology to hunt down the cheapest prices available. PriceRunner is unique as it also has a dedicated team of Runners checking prices in high street stores. PriceRunner lists the cheapest price first and lists both paying and non-paying retailers to provide customers with the greatest choice of deals.

Further Information

* 18.6 Million Kilos calculated using the average weight of books from: INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD WEATHERFORD, FOUNDER, AND MARTY MANLEY, PRESIDENT AND CEO, OF ALIBRIS, hosted by the Independent Online Booksellers Association, http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_does_1_book_weigh#ixzz1RnlmWMow Approx 1 in 7 (15%) of 62m (UK population) = approx 9.3 million people a year are taking away up to five books. 9.3 million X 2kg = 18.6 million kg

** 1,000 UK adults surveyed by PriceRunner.co.uk

*** Source: Searches on PriceRunner.co.uk (April to June 2011)

As part of the deal, the which.co.uk homepage will feature a special ‘Ready to buy?’ section, providing direct access to the PriceRunner-powered price comparison engine at whichcompare.co.uk – where users can find and compare the best products and the cheapest prices available in hundreds of stores, before going on to buy.

Renowned for the ‘no advertising, no bias, no hidden agenda’ message that underpins its consumer-focused reputation, Which? conducted a thorough review of all UK price comparison sites, before selecting PriceRunner as its preferred partner. In the end, it was PriceRunner’s extensive range of products and stores and its unique commitment to impartiality* that ensured it came out on top.

Steve Pitman, Head of Online at Which? said: "Offering a price comparison service was the next logical step for Which?. Our research is the most robust and reliable you’ll find and now consumers will have the ability to complete their shopping experience by buying the products reviewed, at the very best prices.

"After careful and detailed analysis of the leading price comparison services, PriceRunner proved the best fit with the Which? ethos. Independent and objective, it provides price comparison from a huge range of stores, whilst also going to great lengths to ensure that all the details are accurate and competitive - and always with the consumer in mind."

The service is now live on the site at www.whichcompare.co.uk

Peter Carlsson, General Manager for PriceRunner UK, commented: “Which? is a remarkable and truly prestigious brand to work alongside. Obviously, we are delighted they have recognised and endorsed our long-standing commitment to impartiality, and we look forward to providing their already savvy shoppers with the first-class price comparison service they expect and deserve.”

- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

For more information on PriceRunner.co.uk, expert comment or case studies please contact the press office** on 0844 8751493 or email us at pricerunnerpr@golinharris.com.

About PriceRunner.co.uk

PriceRunner.co.uk, a division of ValueClick, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK), is the UK's most comprehensive and independent shopping comparison website. Online prices and discounts from over 1,000 retailers are updated on a daily basis by a specialist team using cutting edge technology to hunt down the cheapest prices available. PriceRunner is unique as it also has a dedicated team of Runners checking prices in high street stores. PriceRunner lists the cheapest price first and lists both paying and non-paying retailers to provide customers with the greatest choice of deals.

About Which?

Which? is the leading independent consumer champion in the UK. It provides impartial, expert information on products and services in our magazines, books and online to help consumers make more informed choices, and campaigns on issues that matter to all consumers, from food to finances, health to estate agents. For more information on how Which? can help, visit www.which.co.uk or www.which.co.uk/campaigns.

Further Information

* PriceRunner.co.uk lists as many retailers as possible, regardless of whether a store pays for an enhanced listing or not. Products are listed with the cheapest real price, including delivery, first.

**This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risk that market demand for online advertising in general, and performance based online advertising in particular, will decline or will not grow as rapidly as predicted, and the risk that legislation and governmental regulation could negatively impact the Company’s performance. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted, and reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements are detailed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission made from time to time by ValueClick, including, but not limited to: its annual report on Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2009; recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; and other current reports on Form 8-K. ValueClick undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The survey, by shopping comparison site PriceRunner.co.uk, also found that 58% per cent will be slashing their Christmas budget for their brothers and sisters in a bid to save money, while 27 per cent admit to cutting down on mum and 25 per cent on dad.

Whilst Christmas is a time for children, it seems their Christmas stockings will also be a little lighter than usual with 23 per cent reducing the number of presents for their kids.

The only members of the family to be spared are grandparents with eight out of ten Brits refusing to cut down on gifts under the tree for grandma and grandpa.

Respondents in Scotland (73%) and Wales (67%) were found to be the most likely to scrimp on their partner’s gifts whilst those polled in Northern Ireland are more likely to cut back on children’s presents (33%).

Marc Thomas, manager of PriceRunner.co.uk said: “We have a tough year ahead and whilst Brits want to please all family members they are also keeping an eye on the total cost. We’ve definitely seen search increases on the more moderately priced products, such as clothes and video games, than in previous years.”

Top family members Brits will spend less on this Christmas:

1. Partners 58%%
2. Brothers and sisters 40%
3. Mums 27%
4. Dads 25%
5. Children 23%
6. Granddads 21%
7. Grandmas 20%

Top regions where Brits will cut down on their partner’s gift budget:

1. Scotland 73%
2. Wales 67%
3. North West 66%
4. Yorkshire & The Humber 62%
5. South East 60%
6. South West 59%
7. East Anglia 56%
8. West Midlands 54%
9. London 49%
10. East Midlands 48%
11. North East 41%
12. Northern Ireland 33%

- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

For more information on PriceRunner.co.uk, expert comment or case studies please contact the press office** on 0844 8751493 or email us at pricerunnerpr@golinharris.com.

About PriceRunner.co.uk

PriceRunner.co.uk, a division of ValueClick, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK), is the UK's most comprehensive and independent shopping comparison website. Online prices and discounts from over 1,000 retailers are updated on a daily basis by a specialist team using cutting edge technology to hunt down the cheapest prices available. PriceRunner is unique as it also has a dedicated team of Runners checking prices in high street stores. PriceRunner lists the cheapest price first and lists both paying and non-paying retailers to provide customers with the greatest choice of deals.

Further Information

* Research carried out by PriceRunner.co.uk in December 2010

Results are presented in real time meaning that PriceRunner Instant lowers the average search time and facilitates consumers’ searches even if they don’t know the full product name.

Marc Thomas, UK Country Manager from PriceRunner.co.uk, comments: “We are very proud of this new feature as we are the only shopping comparison website that currently features it. We are the second only to Google in launching this predictive service which demonstrates our innovativeness and willingness to constantly improve our offering.”

Other benefits of PriceRunner Instant include giving inspiration to consumers as they can see more product ideas related to their search. They also gain a better overview of all results, including matching products, buying advice, additional categories and retailers.

“PriceRunner Instant has great benefits for consumers but also for advertisers as their vouchers are displayed earlier and are more relevant for the search term” adds Marc Thomas.

PriceRunner Instant has been launched as optional Beta and will be implemented within a couple of weeks as default.

- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

For more information on PriceRunner.co.uk, expert comment or case studies please contact the press office** on 0844 8751493 or email us at pricerunnerpr@golinharris.com.

About PriceRunner.co.uk

PriceRunner.co.uk, a division of ValueClick, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK), is the UK's most comprehensive and independent shopping comparison website. Online prices and discounts from over 1,000 retailers are updated on a daily basis by a specialist team using cutting edge technology to hunt down the cheapest prices available. PriceRunner is unique as it also has a dedicated team of Runners checking prices in high street stores. PriceRunner lists the cheapest price first and lists both paying and non-paying retailers to provide customers with the greatest choice of deals.

The impartial shopping comparison website says retailers are levying an extortionate 'high street tax' just for the privilege of shopping in store and that in some instances shoppers are paying almost double the amount they could be.

The findings are the result of a mystery shopping exercise conducted by PriceRunner.co.uk in 11 cities across Great Britain. Each mystery shopper walked the length of at least one major high street per city and collected as many prices as possible for 10 items in a basket of popular consumer goods. In each case shoppers were asked to get prices for a precise make and model in order to make fair comparisons.

The national average cost of the basket of goods from the high street was £2,231.55, whereas the best online price for the same products was £1,785.11 – a difference of £446.44, including packaging and home delivery. The percentage ‘mark up’ from the cheapest online price to the average high street price varied from 7 per cent on iPods to 72 per cent for Nike trainers. Typically the average extra levy – or ‘high street tax’ – was 31.79 per cent.

PriceRunner.co.uk Rip Off Britain: Basket of Goods

Product	Average UK High Street Price	Best Online Price	High Street Mark-Up	High Street Tax %
Nike Air Zoom Trainers	£85.79	£49.98	£35.81	71.65%
DKNY Ladies Watch	£68.21	£42.99	£25.22	58.66%
Bosch Tassimo Coffee Maker	£107.60	£75.00	£32.60	43.47%
Hotpoint Aquarius Washing Machine	£407.23	£291.95	£115.28	39.49%
Wii Sports Package	£192.79	£149.98	£42.81	28.54%
Canon PowerShot Camera	£243.47	£199.00	£44.47	22.35%
Sony Bravia 40" TV	£767.51	£649.99	£117.52	18.08%
Yves Saint Laurent concealer	£23.27	£19.90	£3.37	16.93%
Dyson DC14 Origin	£186.81	£167.37	£19.44	11.61%
Apple 8GB iPod	£148.87	£138.95	£9.92	7.14%

[source: www.pricerunner.co.uk]
According to PriceRunner.co.uk, Manchester’s high streets have Britain’s biggest rip offs - the total price of its basket of goods was £562 more expensive than buying all the products online and having them delivered to your door. Sheffield was the cheapest high street compared to buying online and surprisingly London and Edinburgh came 5th and 9th most expensive respectively.

Marc Thomas, UK manager for PriceRunner.co.uk, said: “Consumers are paying the price for shopping on the high street. 95 per cent of all the prices we found could be beaten online and the average mark-up on the best online price was a massive 31.79 per cent. That’s high street robbery.

“There is obviously a cost associated with having a high street presence and some of that has to be passed on to the consumer. But with such variations in prices not only between cities but also between two ends of the same high street, consumers must not be fooled by in-store price points. The evidence is clear – it is cheaper to make your eventual purchase online and have the product delivered to your home.”

PriceRunner Rip Off Britain Results

City	Total Cost of Basket of Goods
Manchester	£2,346.97
Nottingham	£2,337.90
Norwich	£2,325.22
Birmingham	£2,310.79
London	£2,302.16
Glasgow	£2,256.78
Newcastle	£2,233.58
Liverpool	£2,228.26
Edinburgh	£2,188.26
Bristol	£2,182.85
Sheffield	£2,089.98
Online	£1,785.11

[source: www.pricerunner.co.uk]
The PriceRunner.co.uk mystery shopping exercise also uncovered huge variations in high street prices between cities. Shoppers in Bristol looking for a bargain television will be happy to know they have a deal on their doorstep, saving £224.49 on a 40 inch Sony Bravia compared to their counterparts in Birmingham. However photographers in Norwich will be disappointed to hear that shoppers in Sheffield, Birmingham or Manchester could spend on average £101 less on a Canon Powershot camera.

Marc Thomas added: “Consumers needn’t be ripped off and neither do they need to travel great distances to find the cheapest product. If our research proves anything it’s the importance of doing a quick online comparison before parting with your cash. You may be able to save money and get the product delivered to your door.”

The PriceRunner.co.uk basket of goods consisted of: Nike Air Zoom trainers; a Dyson vacuum cleaner; a Nintendo Wii Sports Resort package with Motion Plus Controller; a 40” Sony Bravia television; Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat 2.5ml concealer; a DKNY ladies’ Stainless Steel Bangle Watch with Black Dial; a Canon Powershot SX200 IS digital camera; an 8gb Apple iPod; a Hotpoint Aquarius washing machine; and a Bosch Tassimo TAS 4011 coffee maker.

In total 321 different prices were collected - an average of 29 prices per city, or around three prices per product. PriceRunner.co.uk analysis shows that 96 per cent of the prices could be beaten online with only 13 high street prices cheapest overall, typically due to aggressive sales promotions. The cheapest trainers were in Nottingham, the cheapest Wii sports package in Edinburgh and the cheapest YSL makeup in Birmingham. Meanwhile, Sheffield had the cheapest washing machine and Liverpool had both the cheapest coffee maker and the cheapest Dyson.

However, according to PriceRunner.co.uk online shopping is still more competitive than shopping around on the high street. The online basket of goods was £304 cheaper than the least expensive overall high street, Sheffield, and was even £163 cheaper than the least expensive average high street prices selected from locations around the UK.

Best offers from PriceRunner.co.uk:



Wii Sports Package
Sony Bravia 40" TV
Dyson DC14 Origin


- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

For more information on PriceRunner.co.uk, expert comment or case studies please contact the press office on 0844 8751493 or email us at pricerunnerpr@golinharris.com.

About PriceRunner.co.uk

PriceRunner.co.uk, a division of ValueClick, Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK), is the UK's most comprehensive and independent shopping comparison website. Online prices and discounts from over 1,000 retailers are updated on a daily basis by a specialist team using cutting edge technology to hunt down the cheapest prices available. PriceRunner is unique as it also has a dedicated team of Runners checking prices in high street stores. PriceRunner lists the cheapest price first and lists both paying and non-paying retailers to provide customers with the greatest choice of deals.

Further Information

* Mystery shopping exercise conducted in 11 cities using a different mystery shopper in each city. Shoppers were asked to walk the length of at least one major high street and instructed to enter every shop in order to collect as many prices as possible from a list of products. Precise makes and models were provided and shoppers were encouraged to ask in store if they were unsure about pricing or models. PriceRunner then collected all high street prices and used an average price per product and per city to determine the ‘high street price’ for comparison. PriceRunner compared all products online on 15.04.2010.