--Furniture Buying Index Holds Steady--

Charleston, SC-- December 1, 2000 - --- The Furniture Buying Index held steady at a reading of 79 this month. This constant level represents neither a positive or negative for furniture retailers.

"With the fear of a constitutional breakdown created by the Presidential election, consumers still are holding firm in their spending plans" said Britt Beemer, chairman of America's Research Group. "

"Since all the talk about this election has created quite a stir in America, retailers should be satisfied with consumers' spending this holiday season,"Britt said.

"Keep in mind last year's December reading was at 84, showing there is room for improvement", 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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