American consumers are less inclined to use credit, go out of their way to buy American merchandise or pay more for environmentally safe products than they were in 1998, according to new 'Buying Styles' data from Mediamark Research Inc (MRI).
The decline in the three areas may mean that consumers have returned to more basic considerations in the light of the economic downturn.
MRI asks consumers ages 18 and older whether they agree or disagree with the following three statements: 'Buying American products is important to me'; 'If I really want something, I will buy it on credit rather than wait'; and 'I am willing to pay more for a product that is environmentally safe.' Results for 1998 and 2003 are as follows (figures show percentages agreeing):
Buy American | Change | Buy on Credit | Change | Pay for Environment | Change | ||||
1998 | 2003 | 1998 | 2003 | 1998 | 2003 | ||||
Adults | |||||||||
All | 80.97 | 76.08 | -6.0% | 42.60 | 38.47 | -9.7% | 63.50 | 59.36 | -6.5% |
Men | 79.23 | 75.25 | -5.0% | 42.63 | 39.58 | -7.2% | 62.49 | 57.25 | -8.4% |
Women | 82.57 | 76.85 | -6.9% | 42.58 | 37.45 | -12.0% | 64.42 | 61.30 | -4.8% |
18-24 | 65.75 | 57.69 | -12.3% | 43.90 | 36.99 | -15.7% | 58.78 | 52.16 | -11.3% |
55+ | 88.84 | 83.86 | -5.6% | 39.88 | 36.29 | -9.0% | 68.90 | 65.94 | -4.3% |
Household Income | |||||||||
$100,000+ | 81.65 | 76.03 | -6.9% | 41.50 | 37.01 | -10.8% | 63.45 | 59.20 | -6.7% |
Less Than $100,000 | 74.61 | 76.33 | 2.3% | 52.81 | 45.45 | -13.9% | 63.92 | 60.12 | -5.9% |
All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.
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