Big Ticket Items Being Put On Hold Says Britt Beemer, America’s Research Group

Furniture World Magazine

Over 40% of shoppers (44.9%) say that they “don’t want to spend the money” when asked why they are putting purchases of $500 or more on hold, according to a survey conducted by America’s Research Group (ARG). Only 36.4% last year gave this reason for their cautious spending on big-ticket items. Another 18% said that these items are “more than they want to spend,” up from 13% last year. “Retailers should take note of these highly frugal shoppers who remains cautious about spending their hard-earned money,” said C. Britt Beemer, founder and CEO of ARG. He called this consumer attitude a “negative sign” for first quarter retail sales. Consumers questioned in early January continue to look for items on sale, according to ARG, with only 26.5% of them saying they would buy at full retail price. More consumers than ever before (19.4%) reported “putting on hold” purchases of $500 or more in the December shopping period, compared to 16.2% in December 2005 and 12.5% in December 2004. The study consisted of 1,000 telephone interviews conducted Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 4 to 6, 2007. The error factor is plus or minus 3.8%. America's Research Group is the consumer behavior marketing firm that provides clients the insight, strategy and tactics to increase market share. America's Research Group's expertise in consumer behavior has made it a key resource and advisor to leading brands and top retailers in the nation for 27 years.