--The Index has ping-ponged the last few months, but is still above 80 points--

Charleston, SC July 1, 2003 – The Furniture Buying Index is down two points this month to a reading of 81. This downward slide is not severely detrimental to the Furniture Buying Index because the Index remains above 80 points.

Britt Beemer, Chairman of America’s Research Group, explains, “with school starting earlier this year, families are being driven to take vacations earlier this year making furniture buying less important right now.” Beemer continues, “however, with back-to-school starting in early August this year, and the index still over 80 points, this bodes well for a strong Labor Day weekend.”

Beemer added, “this year furniture retailers should expect a solid July 4th weekend even though the Furniture Buying Index has dropped two points.”

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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