-- Consumer’s willingness to buy big-ticket items rises --

Charleston, SC December 1, 2005 – The Furniture Buying Index jumps up five points to a reading of 82. The Index has improved because consumers have become more willing to make big-ticket purchases.

Britt Beemer, Chairman of America’s Research Group, said, “As gas prices have come down to $2.00 a gallon, consumer’s willingness to buy big-ticket items has risen.” He continued, “This is why the FBI has improved this past month.”

Beemer added, “Many furniture retailers depend on the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day as their thirteenth month, and with the FBI over 80 points retailers should see very strong sales the week after Christmas.”

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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