consumers remain unsettled about the economy
DESCRIPTION
StrategyOne, a Daniel J. Edelman company, conducts weekly surveying around holiday shopping and related consumer attitudes and expectations.TRANSCRIPT
1
Consumers Remain Unsettled
About the Economy
December 09, 2010
Contact Info:Bradley Honan
Senior Vice President, StrategyOne
212-704-8295
http://www.strategyone.net
2
Survey Methodology
• StrategyOne, a Daniel J. Edelman company, conducts
weekly surveying around holiday shopping and related
consumer attitudes and expectations
• StrategyOne surveyed 1,072 U.S. Consumers
between November 22 and 23, 2010.
• The overall margin of sampling error at the 95% level of
confidence is = +/- 3.14% overall and larger for subgroups
• Statistical weights were designed from the
United States Census Bureau statistics.
3
Key Insights & Conclusions
Despite recent positive economic news,
most Americans are deeply concerned
about the state of the economy:
• 79% think the U.S. remains in a recession
• Only 10% think the economy is excellent or good
• Just 8% think the economy will be better next year
4
Key Insights & Conclusions
This pessimism is influencing holiday shopping:
• 39% of consumers are concerned enough about
the economy that they are planning to spend less
during the holidays vs. last year
• 52% said they were uncertain about the future
and would spend about the same as last year
• 36% thought spending a lot of money on gifts was
in bad taste this year with so many out of work
• 43% are worried about how the Irish financial crisis
would affect the U.S.
5
Key Insights & Conclusions
These findings contrast with reports suggesting
economic improvement
• The Consumer Confidence Index rose to its
highest level since June
• Consumer spending is up for the fourth month
in a row
• New unemployment claims are at a 2-year low
• Consumers are saying “not so fast”
on calling a recovery
• Despite some good news, consumers are
still uncertain about the future
6
Consumer Worries About
the Economy
7
I believe the U.S. economy is …?
Consumers say recession continues
Question text: I believe the U.S. economy is …?
In a recession
No longer in a recession
8
Most Consumers Rate the Economy Poorly
Question text: The rating I give the economy today is … ?
The rating I give the economy today is …. ?
9
Only Slight Improvement Likely, Consumers Say
Question text: By this time next year, the U.S. economy will be … ?
By this time next year, the U.S. economy will be …. ?
10
Which of the following statements do you agree with more …?
Consumer Worries Influence Spending Decisions
Question text: Which of the following statements do you agree with more …?
I am uncertain about the
economy, so I will spend
about the same as last year
The recession is over, so
I will spend more this year
I am still very concerned about
the economy, so I will spend
less than last year
11
People who spend a lot of money this season on gifts are acting in bad
taste because so many people are out of work. Do you …?
Is Excessive Spending in Bad Taste?
Question text: People who spend a lot of money this season on gifts are acting in bad taste because
so many people are out of work. Do you …?
Agree
Disagree
12
Will Irish Crisis Influence U.S.?
Question text: How much of an impact do you expect that the burst of the Irish housing bubble
will have on the U.S. economy?
How much of an impact do you expect that the burst of the
Irish housing bubble will have on the U.S. economy?
13
Contact Info
If you have any questions, please contact:
Bradley Honan
Senior Vice President, StrategyOne
212-704-8295
