Furniture Buying Index Up 2 Points To 78

Furniture World Magazine

The Furniture Buying Index increases two points this month to a reading of 78. The Index is being impacted by the upcoming holidays as consumers prepare for their seasonal parties. Britt Beemer, Chairman of America’s Research Group, said, “With New Year’s weekend one of the best furniture buying holidays, this month’s Furniture Buying Index yields encouraging news for furniture retailers who need a big year-end event.” Beemer added, “With 28% more shoppers entertaining in their home this season, obviously consumers would like their homes to look nicer during the winter months.” With this being a major time for furniture buying, retailers should see strong sales this month, especially the week after Christmas. The Furniture Buying Index is compiled each month by America=s Research Group from interviews with 5,000-8,000 consumers across the country. In a typical month, 80 percent of the consumers interviewed can name a specific furniture item they intend to buy. The Index's mark signifies what percent of the benchmark 80% actually have a particular item in mind. Britt Beemer is chairman of America's Research Group, a full-service consumer behavior research company based in Charleston, SC. ARG provides research and strategic planning services to leading manufacturers and retailers of consumer goods across North America. December 2004 index = 88 December 2005 index = 82 December 2006 index = 78 12 month low = 73 12 month high = 84 Britt Beemer is chairman of America's Research Group, a full-service consumer behavior research company based in Charleston, SC. ARG provides research and strategic planning services to leading manufacturers and retailers of consumer goods across North America.