Consumers Worrying Less, Dining Out More, But Practical on Most Other Fronts The November Consumer Intentions Study by BIGresearch, finds that, after peaking for the year in the months
leading up to the election, worry about political and national security issues has lowered three points in November to 24.6%, and those who say they are very confident/confident in the chances for a
strong economy in the next 6 months rose slightly in November to 45.4%.
McDonald's still king of the fast food industry, with 21.4% saying they eat there most often. Wendy's had an 11.3% share
in November, Burger King 9.5%, Taco Bell 5.8%, and Subway 5.1%.
Women's 6 month purchase intentions are up for the jewelry/watch category, but practical consumers are anticipating a decrease in
spending over the next 90 days, as most categories are down in November, according to the BIGresearch Diffusion Index (those who say they'll spend less subtracted from those who'll spend more.)
Retail Merchandise Categories - 90 Day Outlook (November 04 compared to October 04 and November 03)
| Category | October 04 | November 03 |
| Children's | DOWN | DOWN |
| Toys and Games | DOWN | DOWN |
| Women's Dress | DOWN | FLAT |
| CDs/DVDs/Videos/Books | UP | DOWN |
| Women's Casual | DOWN | DOWN |
| Electronics | DOWN | DOWN |
| Men's Dress | DOWN | DOWN |
| Groceries | FLAT | DOWN |
| Men's Casual | DOWN | DOWN |
| Home Improvement | DOWN | DOWN |
| Shoes | DOWN | DOWN |
| Lawn & Garden | DOWN | DOWN |
| HBA | DOWN | DOWN |
| Home Furniture | DOWN | DOWN |
| Dining Out | UP | UP |
| Decorative Home Furnishings | UP | DOWN |
| Sporting Goods | UP | UP |
| Linens/Bedding/Draperies | DOWN | DOWN |
And, in the BIG "What's Hot and What's Not " categories for the month:
Among those 18-34,
- 59.4% say
handmade gifts are hot
- 48.3% say (Desperate HouseWives
- 46.4% say scrapbooking
The 35+ crowd says
- Wives... 52.5%
- Scrapbooking... 46.9%
- Cosmetic
surgery... 37.5%
Source: BIGresearch.com