When asked if they had noticed proice changes in stores, 40% said they had, 41% said they had not and the remainder said they either weren't paying attention or simply weren't interested.

Retailers themselves said there had been a small impact as a result of the VAT rate changes.

Liene Dupate-Ugule, head of communications at supermarket chain Maxima said: "Analyzing the results of the first month of the reduced VAT rate, we are currently seeing a slight increase in demand i...