10-09-2006, 10:35 AM
Quote: When house prices eased, some economists feared that shoppers would back off on their buying because they would have less home equity to tap. That does not appear to be the case, says the latest Future Spending Index from consultants Retail Forward Inc. Shoppers will increase their spending in October, Retail Forward predicts...
A number of factors converged to re-invigorate consumer buying,.."With gasoline prices dropping, the stock market hitting a new record and assessments of job prospects brightening, shoppers have become more enthusiastic about opening their wallets this month," Spiwak says. "This should provide some momentum heading into the crucial holiday shopping season."
Retail Forward cautions, however, that this years holiday shopping is likely to grow at a slower pave than last years. 64% of shoppers plan to spend the same on holiday gifts this year compared to last year...
full article: http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=20136
