-- FBI Moves Up Along With Improved Consumer Confidence --

Charleston, SC January 1, 2007 – The Furniture Buying Index increases three points this month to a reading of 81. The Furniture Buying Index has increased due to the effects of consumers’ shopping during this holiday season.

Britt Beemer, Chairman of America’s Research Group, said, “Consumers have a fresh outlook for the coming year which gives them a higher likelihood to make big ticket purchases.”

Beemer added, “Consumers were cautious during the Christmas season, leaving them more cash to buy furniture.” “Furniture retailers should see a very strong January,” Beemer concluded.

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.

For more information call:
C. Britt Beemer
800-723-3253 or REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

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