----Five Factors Impact Furniture Shopping----

Charleston, SC-- November 1, 2000 - --- The Furniture Buying Index rises 1 point, to a reading of 79 this month. This indicates the first climb in the Index since August.

"Even with all the distraction from the presidential election, consumers maintain interest in making their home more beautiful,",said Britt Beemer, chairman of America's Research Group.

"Retailers should feel encouraged that the index, which has been dropping in recent months, is beginning to rebound."Britt said.

"The furniture industry should breathe a sigh of relief, because consumers interest in furniture is critical to the big New Year's Day sales,"concluded Mr. Beemer.

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 or P. Michael Kelly
800-723-3253

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