Content about Recessions

January 28, 2013

LOS ANGELES — Consumers expect to spend slightly more on Valentine's Day merchandise this year than last year, according to a report by market research firm IBISWorld.

The report forecasts spending of $134.08 per person, compared with last year's $133.99. Total revenue for the holiday is expected to grow by 3.2%, to $20.8 billion, despite incomes and consumer sentiments remaining below what they were before the recession.

December 9, 2011

U.S. consumer confidence holds at recession levels

A report released Thursday said that consumer confidence in the U.S. was little changed for a second week, holding at a level typically reached during past recessions.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A report released Thursday said that consumer confidence in the U.S. was little changed for a second week, holding at a level typically reached during past recessions.

The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index was at minus 50.3 in the period ended Dec. 4, after a reading of minus 50.2 the prior week. The gauge has been at minus 50 or worse for 11 of the past 12 weeks.

November 4, 2011

See if the recession is over at 12:01 a.m., Dec.1

Economists may be feeling good after a government report that showed third-quarter GDP grew at 2.5%, but try telling millions of Americans who shop at Walmart stores at 12:01 a.m. on the first of the month that the nation is no longer in a recession.

March 22, 2011

Tiffany's 4Q comp shows why luxury still strong

Despite continued weakness in the overall economy, middle and upper-class consumers appear to remain little affected by the downturn, as evidenced by Tiffany & Co.'s U.S. same-store sales growth of 9% during its fiscal fourth quarter.

New York -- Despite continued weakness in the overall economy, middle and upper-class consumers appear to remain little affected by the downturn, as evidenced by Tiffany & Co.'s U.S. same-store sales growth of 9% during its fiscal fourth quarter. Worldwide sales were up 12% for the quarter.

February 4, 2011

comScore: Online spending strong in Q4

According to comScore's Q4 2010 U.S. retail e-commerce sales estimates, online retail spending reached a record $43.4 billion for the quarter, up 11% versus year ago.

RESTON, Va. -- According to comScore's Q4 2010 U.S. retail e-commerce sales estimates, online retail spending reached a record $43.4 billion for the quarter, up 11% versus year ago. This growth rate represented the fifth consecutive quarter of positive year-over-year growth and second quarter of double-digit growth rates in the past year.

January 25, 2011

Consumer confidence in January climbs to eight-month high

The Conference Board said Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index reached its highest level in eight months as Americans grew more optimistic about the job market.

WASHINGTON -- The Conference Board said Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index reached its highest level in eight months as Americans grew more optimistic about the job market.

The Index climbed to 60.6 this month, up from 53.3 in December. While that reading surpassed expectations, it still falls short of the 90 level that indicates a healthy consumer mindset.

The January figure was the highest since last May's 62.7, and hasn’t been above 90 since the recession began in December 2007.