Top 10 Things that People Won’t Stop Buying in a Recession
photo credit: Darwin Bell
STORES Magazine has just published an interesting article based on research by BIGresearch that details just which product and services consumers can’t live without as they tighten their belts and which are expendable. Here are the top 10 things that the research indicates that people will continue to pay for even as they give up other luxuries:
- Internet service
- Cell phone service
- Cable or satellite TV
- Discount shopping for apparel
- Hair cuts and color
- Fast food restaurants
- Casual sit-down restaurants
- Charitable giving
- Vacations
- Fast-casual restaurants
Phil Rist, vice president of strategy for BIGresearch, said that the research also indicates that consumers are going to be shopping online more:
Amazon.com reported its best holiday [season] ever, in part because people were looking for deals, They didn’t want to spend money on gas or be tempted by promotions at the mall, so they sat at home, did their shopping, got some great deals and – in many instances – didn’t pay sales tax.
Curt on February 28th, 2009 8:05 am
I think that research is out dated. Many are already cutting back on many of these things.
Jaclyn on February 28th, 2009 9:49 am
That list is so very true. It is a little weird however at some of those thing’s on the list that people don’t stop buying during a recession such as cable tv or fast food and sit down restaurants. yes cable is nice but it isn’t needed where as food and clothing are. same thing with restaurants fast food or not…it is much cheaper to eat at home which also cuts down on time and gas money.
William on February 28th, 2009 11:13 am
Many people are canceling their cable service due to the recession. I have done this myself. I watched too much TV and now I can get what I need through the Internet and services like Hulu.
As for vacations, tourism is down and many families are having “staycations” where they either stay at home or close by.
Francine on February 28th, 2009 8:06 pm
Great article! There are certain things that people will NOT give up during a bad economy. For instance, most business owners will not give up spending their advertising dollars. Sites like http://www.orangepoint.net are doing well because they offer affordable communication solutions. People may cut back on spending but they will not stop purchasing all together.
tom on March 1st, 2009 7:32 am
Wow I am surprised to see vacation on the list. is it vacation like locally such as camping or road trips or international trips?
I think in general anything to do with computers will be up and running during this recession, especially security
Bastiaan J. Nagel on March 1st, 2009 7:34 am
And… people will still buy electricity, gas, water, food/basics !
The other side effect of a crisis is people stay more at home, more time for family, more time for cuddling and intimacy… I’ll let you imagine what business that means ;-)
Jonathan Kleiman on March 1st, 2009 1:24 pm
A list without cereal is a list without accuracy
cassy on March 1st, 2009 8:04 pm
great post its very true,for me i can stop buying all things the i used to buy before,but not my internet service coz this is really important to me,this is where i got my job and where i market my business product.
Kenny Yeoh on March 2nd, 2009 4:29 pm
I not agree with your articles, some of the services people will still cut off for others more valuable item. However, I agree with the internet access, because more people looking for business opportunity, and finding a way to make money online. But online for those online folks.
Hunt on March 18th, 2009 4:29 pm
Do you guys have a recommendation section, i’d like to suggest some stuff
Paul on June 20th, 2009 10:46 pm
1.Alcohol
2.Tobacco
3.Food
4.Fuel
5.Clothing
6.Shelter
7.Transportation
1&2 are subjective, but 3 thru 7 are NEEDS not wants.
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