--Furniture retailers should celebrate a big new year--

Charleston, SC December 1, 2002 ---–The Furniture Buying Index went up three points this month to a high of 88. The index jumps up to make the Index the highest it has been since June of 2000.

Britt Beemer, Chairman of America’s Research Group, commented, “Increase in consumer interest in buying furniture is coming just at the right time with New Year’s Day being the biggest furniture buying day of the year.” Beemer continued with, “aggressive furniture retailers should see a 10%-15% increase over last year and some might experience a 20% increase over last year based upon strong consumer demand.”

Beemer included also, “the Christmas shopping season has started out with a bang over Thanksgiving, and furniture retailers should experience the same over the New Year’s shopping period.”

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

Return to Furniture Buying Index