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Research - 23.11.2010 - 00:00 

Christmas stimulates business

Consumer spending is still on the increase. Even so, every fourth Swiss household is planning to cut costs in 2011. This is the result of a survey conducted by the ISM-HSG among 2,000 Swiss consumers.

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23 November 2010. Consumer spending is still on the increase. Even so, every fourth Swiss household is planning to cut costs in 2011. This is the result of a survey conducted by the ISM-HSG among 2,000 Swiss consumers.

23 November 2010. Prof. Dr. Thomas Rudolph, Director of the Institute of Retail Management at the University ofSt.Gallen (IRM-HSG) thinks that the trend towards thrift is the result of continuing consumer uncertainty and the numerousspecial offers. The study also provides some indication about consumer trends and requirements, as well as the perception of established retailers in five Swiss industries (food, clothing, sports equipment, furniture and consumer electronics). The results will be published in early 2011.

Generous consumers in a minority
More than half of all consumers are convinced that the economic climate will further improve in the coming 12 months. This positive mood is also reflected in people’s assessment of their own households’ financial situation. Accordingly, 43.9 per cent of interviewees do not expect their personal financial situation to change. 41 per cent assume that their personal income situation will improve in the future. Only 15.2 per cent of Swiss consumers expect the financial situation to deteriorate.

Favourites on the Christmas lists
According to the HSG study, the greatest demand in the 2010 Christmas business is for clothing and shoes (25.7%), books (23.7%), travel (23.2%) and admission tickets (22.7%). All four categories come top with both men and women. Whereas men are additionally looking forwards to consumer electronics (22.4%) and sports equipment (20.7%), women would also like to be given jewellery (23.7%), perfume and cosmetics (21.0%).

Photo: St.Gallen Bodensee Tourism

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