-- $3.00 gasoline prices cause FBI to drop --

Charleston, SC October 1, 2005 – The Furniture Buying Index drops another three points to a reading of 81. The Index is starting to reflect higher energy costs with gasoline at $3.00 a gallon, but still remains positive.

Britt Beemer, Chairman of America’s Research Group, said, “The jump in gas prices to $3.00 a gallon impacts consumers every time they fill up their gas tank, and has made them reconsider big-ticket purchases such as furniture.” He continued, “On the positive side, it could have been much worse, and Index remains over 80 points which means a strong fall selling season.”

Beemer added, “Retailers will need to be super promotional this fall to get shoppers into their stores.”

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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