10.01.08
As a struggling economy continues to drain consumers, 52% of U.S. adults report buying fewer organic products and 48% are spending less on health and wellness products overall, according to a new study.
Faith Popcorn’s BrainReserve, a cultural trend tracking firm, published its “Culture of the Recession” survey after comparing a survey of 1011 consumers online with various cultural trends.
According to the firm, results indicate Americans are tightening up on spending in many categories, including healthy foods and beverages. Interestingly, however, 43% report spending more on their homes, with consumer electronics on the top of the list.
But all in all, 90% report that they are considering opting for a simpler life, with both men and women saying they are “buying less stuff.”
About 70% of adults say they will reduce their purchases of soda, juice and bottled water if prices increase 20%. Another 58% say they’ll switch to private-label brands and 36% say they will eliminate the category completely. A 20% increase in the price of milk would force 44% to cut back, while a 22% hike would cause 25% to stop buying it altogether.
Other noteworthy findings from this study include the fact that 42% report having given up some of their favorite brands between last December and this May.
Half of respondents reported buying more private-label products during that six-month period, and 24% say they now buy private-label brands virtually every time they shop (compared to 19% in 2007 and 17% in 2006).
Faith Popcorn’s BrainReserve, a cultural trend tracking firm, published its “Culture of the Recession” survey after comparing a survey of 1011 consumers online with various cultural trends.
According to the firm, results indicate Americans are tightening up on spending in many categories, including healthy foods and beverages. Interestingly, however, 43% report spending more on their homes, with consumer electronics on the top of the list.
But all in all, 90% report that they are considering opting for a simpler life, with both men and women saying they are “buying less stuff.”
About 70% of adults say they will reduce their purchases of soda, juice and bottled water if prices increase 20%. Another 58% say they’ll switch to private-label brands and 36% say they will eliminate the category completely. A 20% increase in the price of milk would force 44% to cut back, while a 22% hike would cause 25% to stop buying it altogether.
Other noteworthy findings from this study include the fact that 42% report having given up some of their favorite brands between last December and this May.
Half of respondents reported buying more private-label products during that six-month period, and 24% say they now buy private-label brands virtually every time they shop (compared to 19% in 2007 and 17% in 2006).