The Big Pound Shop Swap - Interview with Denise Van Outen

Denise Van Outen leads a bold consumer experiment, as proudly picky families swap their go-to supermarkets for a week of living exclusively off the bargain stores.

Each episode shines a spotlight on one high street discounter, as a new family trades in their usual premium products for cheaper alternatives - from food and drink to beauty, cleaning, and even garden furniture.  No area of the home is off limits.

With expert insights along the way, we uncover how these mega discounters are vying to become a one stop shop, and reveal insider tips to help us all shop smarter. Some products even face scientific testing to see if the savings stack up when it comes to quality.

There’ll be honest reactions, surprising results, and savings that might just change how we all fill our trolleys.

It’s time to find out: Can the nation live off the discount stores alone?

Stream or watch The Big Pound Shop Swap on Channel 4 from Tuesday, 12 August at 8pm.

Read Denise's interview below.

Tell us what The Big Pound Shop Swap is about!

The Big Pound Shop Swap is all about seeing whether families of proudly picky shoppers can give up their usual supermarket shop, and live off the bargains found in high street discount stores.

We’re uncovering loads of cheaper alternatives, and not just for the basics like mealtime must-haves, loo roll and cleaning products. We’re also looking at things like skincare, pet supplies, and even garden furniture. There are plenty of insights from experts throughout the series too, and it’s about showing people that you don’t always have to spend loads to get decent quality.

What I love is that we’re helping families rethink their shopping habits and how they could save a fortune - hopefully giving viewers at home a few ideas too!

You’ve been compared to money-saving expert Martin Lewis. How does that feel?

Obviously I’m flattered to be compared to Martin Lewis, I’m a massive fan. But, I don’t think there is a comparison because Martin is an expert, giving people advice whereas I’m the voice of the viewer at home who is sitting on the sofa. I’m asking the questions that the consumer at home would ask.

Do you shop at these money-saving stores?

I do shop in discount stores. In fact, I enjoy browsing around them. I often go into B&M, there’s one near me. I shop for a lot of things for my pets there – I’ve got two dogs. So I’ll buy their dog beds, toys, etc. I also bought some nice summer garden furniture there and just accessories for the summer. I also shop at The Range – that’s also really good for homeware.

Are there any everyday items you’ve swapped out for cost-effective options since filming the show?

I’ve made lots of changes at home! Particularly when it comes to skincare, after learning from the experts throughout the show. Quite a lot of the ingredients are the same in both luxury and cheaper alternatives. I’ve come to realise that sometimes I’m paying for fancy packaging rather than the actual product. My beauty shelf at home is looking very different these days and I’m proud of it. 

What were the three items, or type of items, that surprised you to be the most value for money?

The makeup and skincare items really impressed me – I’ve said it before but it’s worth repeating, some of the alternatives really held their own against premium brands, both in the lab and in everyday use. I was also surprised by the health and wellness products.  Our experts pointed out that a lot of supplements don’t need to cost the earth to be effective, and the savings you can make really add up. 

Finally, cleaning and pet products. Both offered brilliant value and in the long term it can make a big difference. I know that’s four, but once you start spotting the savings, it’s hard to stop!

People often turn their nose up at discount stores, but how will this series change their opinions? Does cheap always lack quality?

I think this series really challenges that old fashioned idea that cheaper means lower quality. We’ve all had to be a bit savvier, and our experts explain how loads more people are now proudly shopping in bargain stores.

What this series shows is that it’s not about cutting corners, it’s about being savvy. If you know what to look out for, there are some real gems to be found, and our experts give loads of great tips to help viewers spot them.

It was brilliant seeing how much the families’ views changed. They went in as discount store novices and came out with a completely different outlook. One of the mums only used makeup products from these bargain shops, and her friends couldn’t believe it. She looked amazing, and it just goes to show it doesn’t have to cost a lot to feel fab.

What are your top tips for making the change to budget-friendly alternatives? Which products should you start with?

I’ve picked up some great advice from the experts while being a part of this series, and the first thing they always say is, start small. Cleaning and laundry products are a brilliant first step, because so many of the discount stores stock well-known brands at much lower prices. Some even carry lesser-known brands that offer amazing value and perform just as well.

Once you’ve built a bit of confidence, it’s worth looking at snacks and cupboard staples – like rice, pasta and sauces – things that don’t always need a premium price tag to taste great.

And, if you’re feeling a bit braver, head to the health and beauty aisles! You’ll find loads of products that are inspired by big name brands, and some of them are honestly impressive. You might not want to swap everything straight away, but with a bit of trial and error, there’s real potential to save without sacrificing quality.

You’ve said before people often stop you mentioning how previous shows have helped them save money and pick out best buys. What would be the one thing you’d like viewers to take away from this series?

If there’s one message I hope people take away, is that it’s worth rethinking how we all do our weekly or monthly shop. I’m not saying we need to overhaul everything or abandon our favourite items completely - we’ve all got those go-to products we just can’t do without! But what this series shows is that by simply being open to trialling alternatives, and adding the bargain stores into the shopping routine, there are real savings to be had.

I loved seeing how each family were willing to embrace their own balance. They didn’t have to love every swap, but even holding onto just a few budget-friendly alternatives made a big difference. I hope viewers come away thinking ‘Actually, I could give that a try’.