America Research Group Buying Index Edges Lower

Furniture World Magazine

The Furniture Buying Index falls slightly this month at a reading of 73. The Index barely declines this month, and fears of the economy and international affairs are keeping it down. Britt Beemer, Chairman of America’s Research Group, said, “Higher gas prices, higher grocery prices and uncertainty over international issues such as the Iraqi War continue to cause consumers concerns and fears.” He added, “This is not good news for retailers because Labor Day weekend is one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year.” Beemer added, “The Furniture Buying Index is barely above the 70-point level, and retailers should be super-promotional this fall to get shoppers in the front door.” 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. September 2004 index = 91 September 2005 index = 84 September 2006 index = 73 12 month low = 75 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.