|
|
NEWS
RECALLS
COMPLAINT FORM
SCAM ALERTS
RESOURCES
Small Claims Guide Class Actions Lemon Laws FAQ Newsletters |
Share |
| Automotive Education Employment Electronics Family Finance Health Homeowners Insurance Pets Shopping Travel |
|
|
|
![]() |
Job Security Lacking This Holiday SeasonIncreased debt loads have many Americans feeling pressure |
|||||||||||||
|
By Mark Huffman November 24, 2008
The America's Research Group/UBS 2008 Christmas Survey finds that 22.8 percent of those questioned have already seen job cuts at their workplace and 31.8 percent expect them in the future leaving only 63.9 percent feeling truly secure in their jobs. At the same time, pressures from debts have skyrocketed with over half of American consumers feeling some pressure from debts and 21.8 percent feeling a lot of pressure. Of those feeling pressure from debt, 57.9 percent will spend less this Christmas due to their credit concerns. "Consumers have snapped shut their wallets this year and it's difficult to find a bright spot for the Christmas shopping season," said C. Britt Beemer, Chairman of ARG. Gift cards glittered brightly last year, but this year consumers are wary because they fear that stores could go into bankruptcy and not honor the cards. Of those consumers who normally give gift cards but won't this year, 64.4 percent will give money instead. Only 35.6 percent said they would give gifts instead, dashing retailers' expectations that fewer gift cards could boost gift sales. Of those consumers who will give fewer gift cards, over a third say that there is a chance they could give nothing at all. Big bargains may lure some consumers out to shop, however, according to Beemer. This year, almost 90 percent of consumers say they are either some or very much more driven by sales and discounts. When asked if they were more sales driven than they were three to five years ago, a whopping 84.0 percent said "yes." The top-rated sales promotions are: 50 percent off (41.9 percent of consumers) Take an additional 20 percent off (28.6 percent of consumers) Save 40 -- 60 percent (27.0 percent of consumers) Buy one, get one free (24.0 percent of consumers) Ladies specialty stores are at risk, according to Beemer. Of women, 36.3 percent do not shop at ladies apparel specialty stores at all. Of those who do, 26.2 percent will spend less this Christmas season at those stores. Report Your Experience
|
|||||||||||||
Back to the top | |
||||||||||||||
Advertisement
|
|
Custom Search
|
||||
|
AUTOMOTIVE Dealers Manufacturers Service Extended Warranties Lemon Laws Recalls Tires Transporters FAMILY Aging Children, Parenting Recalls Dating Education Entertainment Pets Weddings |
FINANCE Annuities Banks Credit Cards Debt Collection Debt Counseling Insurance Investing Loans Mortgages Payday Loans Student Loans Tax Prep HEALTH Doctors Drugs, Pharmacies Health Clubs Hearing Care Hospitals Nursing Homes Nutrition, Diets Vision Care Weight Loss |
HOUSE & HOME Appliances Cookware Furniture Home Improvements Lawn & Garden Movers Pools & Spas Realtors, Rental Agents Recalls Utilities ELECTRONICS Cable TV/DBS Cameras Cell Phones Computers Home Electronics Internet Access Local Phone Service Long Distance VoIP |
SHOPPING In-Home Online Retail Stores Sporting Goods Supermarkets Telemarketers TRAVEL Airlines Bus Lines Car Rental Cruises Hotels Travel Agents Trains RESOURCES Class Actions Complaint Form Small Claims Guide Lemon Laws |
CONSUMER NEWS Latest News Automotive Telecom Financial Health Homeowners Scams Seniors Travel More ... RECALLS Automotive Children's Products Drugs Food Household Products Sporting Goods ABOUT US FAQ Privacy Policy Advertise With Us Newsroom Syndication Terms of Use |
Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use
Copyright © 2003-2009 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. All Rights Reserved. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. |
|