Furniture Buying Index Up to 74

May 1, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in economic news on May 2, 2012

The Furniture Buying Index rose another point this month to a reading of 74, according to America's Research Group.

This continues the positive movement the Index has experienced the past few months.

"The Furniture Buying Index is up slightly this month which is a positive sign," said Britt Beemer, chairman of America's Research Group. "Many consumers have lower debt levels currently, and this decrease in debt is keeping the Index stable."

Beemer said the upcoming Memorial Day weekend will be a key shopping time because many consumers have postponed purchases in anticipation of sales.

Charleston, S.C.-based America's Research Group compiles the Furniture Buying Index each  month from interviews with 5,000 to 8,000 consumers across the country. In a typical month, 80 percent of the consumers interviewed can name a specific furniture item they intend to buy. 

The Index's mark signifies what percent of the benchmark 80 percent actually have a particular item in mind.