As Retailers Dream of a Jolly Holiday Season, Consumers Tell NPD They Plan to be Thrifty

Our new survey of consumer holiday buying intentions reveals that the 2004 holiday shopping season could be challenging for retailers. Nearly nine out of ten consumers say they are planning to spend the same amount or less than last year.

From custom-fit jeans to custom-designed teddy bears, manufacturers and retailers have discovered that giving customers the opportunity to tailor traditionally mass-produced products to meet personal standards can make for an exciting shopping experience and a strong customer relationship. Here, NPD’s Industry Experts comment on how this concept is making itself known across many of the industries NPD monitors.

Even though it lacked its tape-based predecessor’s capability to record for many years, the DVD player has become one of the most popular consumer electronics devices for the average consumer. With components routinely selling at electronic specialty stores and mass merchants for less than $40, DVD players can cost less than a single DVD box set.

In December 2003, news from the U.S. shocked the Japanese foodservice market: The first Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE or “Mad Cow Disease”) was found in the U.S. The Japanese government immediately took action to stop importing American beef. As of early September, the ban was still in effect.

NPD Reports the Breakdown on The Bra

Did you know, seven in ten women say they have never been professionally fitted for a bra? The NPD Group’s latest bra report, “Market Insights: Women’s Bras 2004” provides insights into the purchase dynamics, attitudes and preferences of women bra shoppers.

Consumers Embrace Buying Tech Direct

The sale of computers and consumer electronics purchased directly from manufacturers and resellers is on the rise according to The NPD Group’s recent report, Who’s Buying Direct and Why: Consumers Tell All.