Consumer Spending Survey Offers Optimism for U.S. Industries
One Goal: To Be the Best in Business

Consumer Spending Survey Offers Optimism for U.S. IndustriesWhatever worries we had about consumer spending being down in the United States, were quickly dispelled on Black Friday and the days immediately following Thanksgiving.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) report on Nov. 27, 226 million shoppers spent a record $52.4 billion in stores and websites over the weekend, up from $45 billion and 212 million shoppers last year.

On Thanksgiving Day alone, 28.7 million people shopped online and at stores, up from 22.2 million in 2010. On Black Friday, that figure rose to 86.3 million shoppers — one of which was me, though it was at the reasonable time of 7:30 a.m., not midnight Thursday or in the wee hours of Friday morning, as was done by 24.4 percent of shoppers this year.

Unlike the average shopper, however, I did not spend $398.62, as reported by NRF, an increase from the 2010 average of $365.34 and $343.31 in 2009. Slightly more than one-third of the amount, 37.8 percent, was from web sales. 

While electronics and clothing were among the most popular items, furniture retailers also had advertised their share of bargains. 

Are You Leading Your Company to Meet Increased Demand?

Coming soon, in the December issue of Wood & Wood Products, we look at eight industry leaders whose perseverance, dedication and commitment are helping not only their companies to grow — but the industry as a whole to thrive in the global market.

Nominated by a panel of readers, industry experts and staff, in alphabetical order our 2011 Woodworking Market Leaders are: Franco Bianchi, president & CEO of Haworth Inc.; Mark Clemens, vice president Product Development, idX Corp.; Roger Jones, vice president of Global Logistics at Century Furniture; Jeff Pray, president & CEO of PIN; Karen Strauss, president, Masco Cabinetry Group; Ron Wanek, chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries Inc., Chris Watson, COO of Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp.; and Eric Wolff, president and CEO of the Stow Co.

We offer them all our congratulations and invite you to read their profiles in order to learn more about these astute executives and their strategies for success.

Check Out Additional Strategies for Success

Live November 30, at 10:30 CST, and available on demand at WoodworkingNetwork.com, the free webcast “WOOD 100: Success Strategies,” features proven tips and techniques to grow your business. This special broadcast features presentations by Lary Skow, vice president of sales and marketing at Northern Contours Inc., John Wiley, president of Elipticon Wood Products Inc. and Leonard Morreale, CEO of A Perfect Closet and Cabinets.

Go to WoodworkingNetwork.com/Webcasts for ways to improve your bottom line. Get the tips you need to be a leader, and watch your business thrive.

WebcaST: Nov. 30 10:30 CST

WOOD100 Industry Leaders

Lary Skow
VP Sales & Marketing,
Northern Contours Inc.
John Wiley
President, Elipticon Wood Products Inc.
Leonard Morreale
CEO, A PerfectCloset & Cabinets Inc.

Register Now

 

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