• March 17, 2009

In its ongoing poll of consumers, NPD Group reports that attitudes toward the economy--and that means shopping--are at their lowest point since last October. The good news is that while consumers' confidence in the economy continues to fade, there are indications that concern about job security is leveling off.

"February's results show consumers feeling better on this front and could signal consumer stabilization--a point at which consumers catch their breath, reassess and prioritize their purchase needs in preparation to begin spending again," the Port Washington, N.Y.-based market researcher says. "Stabilization is a precursor to growth."--Sarah Mahoney