However, as the rules have eased around the country the supermarket chains are now working hard to entice shoppers back in.
With the news confirmed that the country is in a deep recession and thousands of jobs lost, shoppers will be looking to save money more than ever.
Natalie Hitchins, Head of Home Products & Services at Which?, urged customers to head to a discounter when doing their next shop.
She said: “If your choice of supermarket is limited, you might still be able to save money by swapping your usual branded items for own-brand alternatives and being wary of offers that make you buy more than you need.”
source: express.co.uk