FYI

business outlook

-- Casual Living, 8/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Briefly.....

In making the sale, don't forget to make a great impression on your customers. Three out of four consumers who have a great experience with a specific retailer are likely to return to that retailer the next time they need similar products according to a recent study conducted by the Verde Group, the Jay Baker Retailing Initiative at the Wharton School of Business and the Retail Council of Canada.

Casual Living and HGTV's 2009 Outdoor Spaces Survey (see page 48) reveals more than one-half of consumers are planning to make home improvements soon. So, as consumers are looking for just the right outdoor furniture or accessory in your store, remind yourself to “WOW” your customer. It'll likely lead to more sales.

Consumer credit outstanding
Percent change at annual rate
Seasonally adjusted

Covers most short- and intermediate-term credit extended to individuals, excluding loans secured by real estate.

Nonrevolving credit includes automobile loans and all other loans not included in revolving credit, such as loans for mobile homes, education, boats, trailers or vacations. These loans may be secured or unsecured.

Source: Federal Reserve

Housing
Unit numbers in thousands
Seasonally adjusted annual rate