Consumer Behavior

Consumer Behavior Article: In Recession, Americans Doing More, Buying Less
Britney Case

With a recession at hand and a decreasing family income of almost half for some, many families are turning to family outdoor/indoor activities instead of shopping to keep themselves entertained. This has decreased the buying of clothing, electronics, and other random items, and increased the revenue for outdoor activities. Families have even turned to activities such as going to parks, riding bikes, and other such activities that cost little or no money. They younger crowd is experiencing an economic downturn as well, which some are experiencing for the first time. They are turning to saving instead of spending and really investigating the quality of the item they purchase, more conscious of how much they purchase or the way a store may organize their product to increase the chance that you will buy more. This has produced a recession of a different kind, increasing buying during the holiday season than in pasts, and decreasing year round as a total.

CLASSIC: The Chanel Suit

No matter how many times this suit is reinvented by Chanel the simplicity and line of the jacket and the silhouette of the suit remain a classic statement seen in closets young and old.

TREND: The Boyfriend Blazer

The boyfriend blazer can be purchased almost anywhere from Neiman Marcus to Forever 21 in every shape, size, fabric, and color. With the boyfriend blazer reappearing in runway shows for Spring '10 this trend doesn't look like it's going anywhere for at least another season.

FAD: Shutter Shades

The shutter shades.. worn by rappers, celebrities, and ravers. Served no purpose but to look...um...good?
Short-lived "fashion statement". Thank God.