-- Furniture Buying Index Impacted Because Of Cautious Consumers --

Charleston, SC November 1, 2005 – The Furniture Buying Index drops another four points to a reading of 77. The Index is being impacted because of cautious consumers when making big-ticket purchases.

Britt Beemer, Chairman of America’s Research Group, said, “Consumers have spent freely this year, but have been cautious when making big-ticket purchases, and they continue to be even more cautious this fall.” He continued, “Retailers should still have good sales, but consumers are looking for bigger and better deals not just long-term 0% interest promotions.”

Beemer added, “Consumers continue to be strong when buying brand name merchandise, so retailers advertising Broyhill and Sealy should continue to see strong retail store traffic.”

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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