--Consumers are returning to furniture stores to buy something nice for themselves this Christmas--

Charleston, SC November 1, 2003 – The Furniture Buying Index is up two points this month to a reading of 88. This looks good for furniture retailers because consumers are buying something nice for themselves in furniture stores this Christmas.

Britt Beemer, Chairman of America’s Research Group, said, “Since there is no hot toy or apparel item, consumers will be going to furniture stores to buy themselves something nice this Christmas season, a first time comment for consumers at Christmas time.” Beemer continued, “this bodes well for furniture retailers who often see a drop in sales before Christmas.”

Beemer added, “This is the biggest Christmas gift consumers could give furniture retailers this year.”

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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