Eight in Ten Americans Say Appearance is At Least Somewhat Important When Shopping for Fresh Produce

But six in ten adults say they would feel at least somewhat comfortable eating "ugly produce"

No matter how many times we've been told not to judge a book by its cover, waiting to pass judgement on something until after we get past its outside has never been an easy task for people to accomplish. Whether it's what we're reading or who we're meeting, people have a tendency to set expectations based on surface assessment. But does the same hold true for what we eat? According to a recent Harris Poll, about eight in ten Americans (81%) confirm that appearance (i.e., not blemished or misshapen in any way) is at least somewhat important to them when shopping for fresh produce (i.e., fruits and vegetables), with 43% saying it is very or extremely important. 

When listed alongside other fresh produce descriptors, appearance proved to be more important than provenance (i.e., locally grown or sourced), the retailer's food waste practices, and organic. However, the price and seasonality are more likely to be important to a purchaser than appearance.

"Whether 'ugly' or not, produce is on the rise, up 5% in U.S. dollar sales in the latest 52 weeks ending July 30, 2016," said Jen Campuzano, Director Fresh Perishables at Nielsen. "Choosing healthier and more natural products has become a priority for households across the country. For some, this means transparency in labeling, opting for foods with basic ingredient lists or embracing fruits and vegetables, blemishes and all."

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll® of 2,025 U.S. adults aged 18+ and surveyed online between August 10 and 12, 2016. Complete results of this study can be found here.

Ugly produce

Despite the weight Americans place on appearance, more than three in five adults (62%) say they would be at least somewhat comfortable eating "ugly produce," that is, fruit or vegetables that may be misshapen but otherwise taste the same. Moreover, three quarters of adults (76%) would expect to pay less for "ugly produce," while a fifth (20%) could see paying the same as usual.

Despite professed comfort with eating ugly produce, fewer than three in ten Americans (28%) recall buying "ugly produce" in the past year, compared to 51% who are sure they did not and 21% who are not sure either way. And of those who bought "ugly produce," six in ten (61%) did so for the price discount.

Food waste

While the primary reason Americans bought "ugly produce" was price, the runner up answer from more than a fifth (22%) of purchasers was that they wanted to reduce food waste. Americans estimate that, typically, 10% of the groceries they buy are wasted, that is, spoil or go bad before they can be eaten. Over eight in ten Americans (84%) are at least somewhat concerned about the issue of food waste, primarily because they would like to be less wasteful (62%).

So how do Americans believe we can reduce household food waste? Nearly half (46%) of adults believe better storage for fresh produce is the key to waste reduction, followed closely by more than 2 in 5 (42%) who advocate buying less food, more frequently. Another 38% believe the solution is better meal planning, while 35% say it would help if smaller package sizes were available in the grocery store.

Are you a Planner or a Moocher? BJ’s Wholesale Club Kicks off Football Season with Insights on America’s Tailgating Habits

Survey shows Buffalo wings rule, and a team’s loss can affect tailgaters for the whole week

Break out the face paint, a funny wig or team jersey, football season is here and that means it’s time to tailgate. New research from BJ’s Wholesale Club tackles the question of America’s tailgating habits, showing that for almost half of Americans

(45 percent) tailgating is more important than the game. And 60 percent of us are diehard tailgaters, showing up for the pre-game party rain, sleet, snow or shine.

According to an online survey conducted by BJ’s Wholesale Club of more than 1,000 tailgaters on the East Coast, when it comes to sandwiches, burgers (49 percent) are the clear winner among pre-game partiers, followed by pulled pork (24 percent) and hotdogs (21 percent). And according to the research, the most important item for a tailgate is the cooler and ice (71 percent), followed by the grill (57 percent). The most forgotten items are bug spray (15 percent), with sunscreen (11 percent) and trash bags (10 percent) a close second and third.

“Football fans might be even more passionate about their tailgates than their teams,” said Bari Harlam, executive vice president, marketing and membership at BJ’s Wholesale Club. “For our Members, tailgate parties are a family tradition. BJ’s Wholesale Club offers great value on everything fans need for the perfect tailgate party, whether you’re a Patriots fan craving wings or a Gators fan grilling a pre-game burger.”

Key survey findings reveal:But for some tailgating comes with a downside. About 40 percent of fans say a loss by a favorite team affects them all week -- but there’s always another tailgate to look forward to.

Planner or a moocher?

• Half of tailgaters (50 percent) say they are planners, while two in five (39 percent) prefer to wing it, putting things together at the last minute. Only one in ten (11 percent) consider themselves moochers, just waiting to enjoy what the planners bring.
• Almost half of tailgaters (45 percent) say they would have no problem tailgating and not attending a game.
• Three to four hours before is when over three in five (62 percent) tailgaters start.

Most popular foods

• Overall, appetizers and wings are the favorite foods.
• For over half of tailgaters (56 percent), it’s got to be Buffalo-style wings followed by barbeque at 44 percent.
• Beer is the beverage of choice for 73 percent of tailgaters and almost half say they also need soft drinks/soda (49 percent) and water (48 percent) on hand.

Tailgating Type

• Thirty-seven percent of tailgaters say they are diehard fans because when their team loses, they feel lost all week.
• Three in five (60 percent) tailgaters throw the football around while over half (53 percent) prefer to play cornhole.
• When it comes to the most enjoyable football games, it’s almost even across the board. One-third (34 percent) find professional football games more fun for tailgating, one-third (33 percent) say college games are more fun and one-third (34 percent) say both are equally as fun!

And finally, when it comes to showing spirit, most tailgaters go with a team jersey (82 percent), while 13 percent choose face paint and five percent pick body paint. Only two percent opt to wear a team wig.

Bringing 2016 Décor Trends into the Home: Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie is emerging as a trend prevalent on both the runway and in the home. Originating in Europe in the 17th century, the style focuses on elements of Asia and can include bamboo, pagodas, cherry blossoms and orchids in shades of black, blue, gold, pink, red and white.

A fit for both the traditional home or to add a delicate contrast in a more modern space, Chinoiserie can add a pop of color or a unique design to any area you're considering to redecorate. For savvy decorators looking to add the latest trend to their home, At Home®, the home décor superstore, has pillows, candle holders and cabinets and more to help – all while staying on-budget.

"Chinoiserie's elegant prints and colors can truly bring a room together," said Alissa Ahlman, Chief Merchandising Officer for At Home. "It's one of our favorite trends for 2016 as you can add it to your home in a big way via bright shades of pink or play it down with calming hues of blue."

To incorporate Chinoiserie into your home, consider these At Home products and tips:

1. Invite guests in your home without worrying about clutter by using this serene white cabinet that's perfect for storing items such as blankets or keeping your family's umbrellas hidden.
2. When it comes to throw pillows, we say more is more! Of At Home's more than 3,000 pillows in store, snag a fun tiger pillow or one adorned with a fuchsia pagoda to get guests talking. 
3. Decorating can be just as important as organizing, and we call pairing the two together a win-win. Keep precious items close at hand in this Isaac Mizrahi jewelry box available in black or navy.
4. Gold décor can add a bit of glam to any room. We love this gold pug figurine and our gold marion votives that can dress up shelves or even complement a centerpiece.

Valentine's Spending Comes Up Roses: 24 Stats and Facts

Americans shelled out nearly $19 billion in 2015. "TraditionalValentine's Day gifts are always the lead for widespread retail sales this time of year," stated Brent Shelton, FatWallet online shopping expert. "More recently though, we're seeing a big marketing push for smart tech as Valentine's gifts, especially wearables, which should increase spending in excess of $20 billion in 2016."

24 Fun Facts for Valentine's Day Spending (see full infographic):

1. Half of Americans will buy candy to the tune of $1.7 million
2. More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold
3. 48% of women expect to receive chocolates as a Valentine's gift
4. Valentine's Day ranks #1 for fresh flower purchases in the US
5. 20% of all flower transactions happen during Valentine's
6. 1 in 4 Valentine's shoppers will buy flowers, half are bought for spouses
7. 250 million roses get produced for Valentine's Day
8. 40% of Valentine's flower purchases are red roses
9. Half buy greeting cards to the tune of more than 180 million
10. Valentine's ranks a far second to Christmas card sales (1.5 billion)
11. 85% of Valentine's cards are purchased by women
12. About 1/3 will do a Valentine's dinner and/or a movie
13. About 1 in 5 buy jewelry as Valentine's gifts
14. Almost 9% of all diamond jewelry is sold as Valentine's gifts
15. 2 to 1, men outspend women for Valentine's
16. More than 1/4 will shop online for Valentine's gifts, 1/3 of those from tablets
17. Valentine's shoppers spend an average of 30% more online
18. About 1 in 5 will buy for their pets
19. Almost half of marriage proposals happen on Valentine's Day
20. Almost 1/3 of Valentine's shoppers procrastinate
21. 40% of procrastinators believe it's too late to find a deal after Feb. 13
22. 38% want smartphones as a Valentine's gift
23. 1/2 of women that don't receive a gift would end their relationship
24. Tucson, AZ spending increases 68% during Feb. Valentine's Day sales

Data was aggregated from published surveys and reports by FatWallet.com. Data resources include: statisticbrain.com, aboutflowers.com, AMEX, EdahnGolan, Greeting Cards Association, Hallmark, Cardlytics, momentology.com, Ebates, Inc., Georgetown Institute for Consumer Research and National Retail Federation.

Art Deco-Inspired Patterns, Wool Rugs and Encaustic Tiles Named Top Home Design Trends for 2016

Today, Zillow Digs® announced the top home design trends for 2016 and the three soon-to-be forgotten fads of 2015. Art deco-inspired patterns, wool rugs and encaustic tiles are among some of the biggest design trends for 2016, according to the latest Zillow Digs Home Trend Forecast, a one-of-a-kind report that combines data from a survey of interior design experts and an analysis of popular photos on Zillow Digs.

"Say goodbye to mason jars and chalkboard paint, as the overdone 'farmhouse chic' is finally headed out of style," says Kerrie Kelly, Zillow Digs home design expert. "2016 will bring a fresh modern vibe that beautifully mixes simplicity with bold accents reminiscent of the roaring 20s. Watch for an increase in natural colors and textures contrasted by retro art deco statement pieces."

Top Four Home Design Trends for 2016:

1. Art Deco-Inspired Patterns and ShapesArt deco will make a bold new comeback in 2016, but with a few modern improvements. Look for the style's trademark geometric patterns and honeycomb shapes to weave their way into anything from wallpaper to artwork, adding elegance and dimension to any space. Experts also predict gold statement lighting fixtures to rise in popularity, especially in kitchens and dining rooms.
2. Nubby Wool Rugs Nubby wool or other natural fibers will be the go-to texture for 2016, especially for area rugs. Its neutral hues create the perfect indoor/outdoor vibe while softening bolder colors or dramatic statement pieces.
3. Encaustic Tiles These intricate patterned tiles get their coloring from different types of clay or minerals rather than glaze, and can be used to create a beautiful, natural-looking focal point. Expect to see encaustic tiles pop up in a variety of rooms throughout the house in 2016, including kitchen backsplashes, bathroom shower tiles, accent walls and even fireplace mantles.
4. Artisan Accent Pieces Less is more, as minimalism and thoughtful decor choices will be a prominent theme in 2016. Flea market finds, travel souvenirs and unique artisan pieces will take center stage in home design. Look for a rise in partnerships between big box stores and global artisans to accommodate the increased demand for one-of-a-kind or handmade items. 

Conversely, Three 2015 Fads to Forget:

1. Mason Jars: The mason jar trend is exhausted, and will finally make its exit in 2016. After being used to invoke a rustic chic feeling everywhere from wedding decor to restaurants, experts and homeowners alike are finally ready to move on.
2. Chalkboard Paint: Chalkboards smudge easily, and unless decorated with perfect handwriting, are usually not the best way to label household items. This trend is not built to last in 2016.
3. Burlap Details: Burlap is too harsh for indoor use, and is far too overplayed for another year in the spotlight. Instead, homeowners will gravitate toward softer natural fibers that are more suitable for throw blankets, pillows and rugs.

Make a Great Escape with a Specialty Room for You

It has been said that distance makes the heart grow fonder. When the demands of life make it tough to get away, you can actually find your escape closer to home – right in your home, even – by carving out a corner to create a retreat just for you.

A room dedicated to you and all of your hobbies or personal interests can serve as a welcome escape from the real world if only for a little while. These tips make it simple to get started planning your big escape with ideas centered on some of the most common specialty rooms, as well as a solution for fitting the ideas into a smaller home.

Create a space for crafts. If you find your frazzled senses defraying with a little threading therapy, look to create a space that celebrates this pastime. With the rise in popularity of websites such as Pinterest, which feature a plethora of DIY ideas, you'll have ample opportunity to distract your mind and busy your hands.

A room designed to let you explore your crafty side can help prevent the kitchen or dining room table from becoming a creative center or wrapping station around the holidays, and allows those areas to remain dedicated to family, food and friendship. It doesn't have to be just for crafts, though. It can also be a place to settle down with a good book and just relax.

Keep your space clutter-free and ready to enjoy with a craft room such as those designed by Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., which can feature spacious storage and expansive countertops, providing ample space to create projects that help decorate both the interior and exterior of the home, or simply to unwind and relieve stress.

Don't dismiss cars, bars and sports. If a room free of frou-frou decor where you can just unwind is more your ticket, a man cave may be just the answer. Man caves come in all shapes and sizes, from rowdy dens for sports fanatics to workshops decked out with the tools of your trade.

Even if decorating isn't your thing, look for ways to make the place your own, whether you display trophies from your hunting excursions or decor emblazoned with the logos of your favorite sports teams. This is the room that allows you to relish in the hobbies you enjoy most.

If there isn't a spare room or basement available, the garage can serve as a good alternative. With specific spots for tools and lawn care products – or even that car or motorcycle collection – the garage can meet the same needs as a more traditional man cave.

When two rooms become one. Whether space limitations prohibit separate quarters, or you simply prefer to share your hobby time with a partner, you can create a specialty room that accommodates both your interests with a little creativity and planning. Working as a team, you can find the right accessories and storage to design a getaway for two. For example, a creative room from Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. offers more than 600 door styles, wood types and combinations. The result is a chance to combine two rooms, such as the man cave and craft room, for a sanctuary you can build and enjoy together.

Find more inspiration for personal spaces and tools to maximize your space and storage at wellborn.com.

Accessorize Your Personal SpaceIf creating a space all your own feels like a daunting project, these clever tips from the experts at Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. will help get you closer to a room you can get ready to enjoy:

• Charging Solutions: Install a charging station in a drawer for phones or other handheld devices. Power and docking stations can easily hide devices and ports yet keep them readily accessible.
• Accessory Racks and Holders: Hooks for tools or coats keep them off of other furniture, including countertops where they can pile up and detract from your workspace. Cubby inserts and baskets help keep your things organized on shelves.
• Sliding Shelves: Sliding shelves, drawers and baskets let you organize tools or crafting accessories while providing easy access to the items you've tucked away.

157 Million Americans Will Celebrate Halloween This Year

Ready to embrace cooler weather, fall traditions and spirited celebrations, more than 157 million Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s Halloween Consumer Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The average person celebrating will spend $74.34, compared with $77.52 last year. Total spending on Halloween is expected to reach $6.9 billion.*
"Consumers are ready to take advantage of promotions on candy, decorations and costumes, and retailers are ready to serve them.”
Matthew Shay

“After a long summer, consumers are eager to embrace fall and all of the celebrations that come with it,” NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. “We expect those celebrating Halloween this year will look for several different activities to do with their family and friends. Consumers are ready to take advantage of promotions on candy, decorations and costumes, and retailers are ready to serve them.”

Consumers celebrating Halloween plan to spend an average of $27.33 on co

stumes for the whole family, and a total of $2.5 billion on store-bought, homemade, large and small costumes. Those celebrating will spend the most on adult costumes ($1.2 billion), and will spend a total of $950 million on children’s costumes and $350 million on fashionable and fun costumes for their furry friends. It’s estimated that 68 million Americans will dress up this Halloween and another 20 million pet owners will dress up their pet.

Nine in 10 (93.7%) Halloween shoppers will buy candy, spending a total of $2.1 billion, and an additional 33.5 percent will buy greeting cards, spending a total of $330 million. Two in five celebrants (44.8%) plan to decorate their home or yard, meaning there’s no question consumers will see their fair share of pumpkins, hay bales and even life-size Minions and black cats strewn across their neighborhoods. The average person planning to buy decorations will spend $20.34 with total spending expected to reach $1.9 billion.

When it comes to how consumers plan to celebrate, most will hand out candy (67.8%), or dress in costume (43.5%), though there will be no shortage of jack-o-lanterns lighting up windows this year with 41 percent of people planning to carve pumpkins. Nearly one-third of consumers (31.5%) plan to throw or attend a party with friends and family.

More consumers have decided to head to stores or shop online early to pick out costumes and decorations. More than one-third of consumers (34.1%) will start their Halloween shopping before the first of October, up slightly from 32.1 percent last year, while 40.9 percent will get started in the first half of the month and one-quarter (25%) of celebrants will wait for the final weeks of October.

“People shouldn’t be too surprised when they see Halloween candy and decorations available in stores as early as September first,” Prosper Insights Principal Analyst Pam Goodfellow said. “Given that more than a third of Americans enjoy taking advantage of early-bird deals to kick off their fall celebrations, it seems there’s plenty of appetite among consumers to enjoy a perfectly ‘frightful’ Halloween.”

Similar to past years, the majority of consumers will find inspiration for their co

stumes online (31.4%) or will head to costume shops and retail stores (26.8%) before they make a final decision.. Pinterest continues to grow in popularity among those looking for costume inspiration (13.3%), as this year’s percentage is nearly double the amount who used the site for inspiration just three years ago (7.1%).

Millennials remain the drivers of Pinterest traffic around Halloween though with 24.9 percent of 18-24 year olds and 23.7 percent of 25-34 year olds using the site for costume inspiration.

About the survey
NRF’s 2015 Halloween Consumer Spending Survey was designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to Halloween spending. The survey was conducted for NRF by Prosper Insights & Analytics. The poll of 6,754 consumers was conducted September 1-8, 2015. The consumer poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.3 percentage points.

Labor Day deals kick-off summer clearance as stores prep for holiday

FatWallet.com, where millions of deal hunters go to stack coupons with cash back, presents a one-stop-shop to quickly compare the best Labor Day deals and coupons from hundreds of top retail stores. Early Labor Day sales bring the kick-off of summer clearance which coincides with Back to School clearance, as well as the clearing of other big ticket inventory, like major appliances, mattresses and furniture. Shoppers can reap savings to the tune of 20-80% on patio furniture, grills, tailgating gear, summer clothing and shoes, and a variety of items for the home as retailers look to make inventory room for holiday merchandise. FatWallet members will stack additional savings from increased cash back from dozens of top stores including Walmart, Home Depot, Sears and Overstock.

Lke President's Day and Memorial Day, retailers now lengthen Labor Day sales into a 10 day marathon resulting in some of the best prices of the year on a wide variety of items," states Brent Shelton, Online Shopping Expert from FatWallet. "September can be very fruitful to family budgets, if they know what to shop for."

Seven Labor Day and Seasonal Clearance Hacks:

1. Summer Clothing Clearance: The perfect opportunity to buy t-shirts, shorts, sandals, swimwear and sunglasses at the lowest seasonal prices from 50-75% off retail at both bigbox and branded stores like AERO, Levi's, Nike and PacSun.
2. Back to School Clothing and Tech Clearance: Hitting back to school clearance the last week of August during early Labor Dayevents can offer savings of up to 25% more than in August and July, including laptop deals and older cell phone deals in September (thanks to new iPhones).
3. Yard, Grills and Patio Furniture Clearance: Starting Labor Day and through September, home and garden items see huge discounting from 20% to 60% off, including savings on other accessories like seat cushions, grilling utensils and weed whackers. 
4. Appliances and Mattresses: To make room for new models, Labor Day sales offer 50% or more discounting on the big ticket home items, especially last year's appliances and mattresses (not refrigerators) - the lowest prices we'll see until Black Friday.
5. Fall Fashion: Waiting until mid to late September will pay dividends on buying fall fashion as sale pricing becomes more in focus on the items once summer inventory is cleared out, ramp up to 40% off by the end of the month on boots, jeans, jackets and sweatshirts.
6. Sports and Outdoors: Expect end of season clearance on baseball, golf, biking, camping and fishing and in season sale pricing for hunting apparel and gear from Cabela's, Walmart, Gander Mountain and Bass Pro Shops.
7. Holiday Travel Deals:  Best time to book in advance for Thanksgiving and Holiday travel (times, selection and price) as top travel sites offer up to 50% off on airfare, hotels and packages. TIP: Add cash back from more than 100 travel sites shopping through FatWallet and find insider tips for best rates, credit card hacks and stackable travel offers on FatWallet's Travel Discussion forum.

Back-to-School Shoppers Slowly Tackling Lists This Summer

As families artfully craft their back-to-school shopping plans around promotions and even their state’s sales tax holiday, it seems there is still quite a bit of shopping left to be done. According to NRF’s latest Back-to-School Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average family with children in grades K-12 has completed just half (50.4%) of their shopping, which is even with results from last year’s survey (49.9%).

“As expected, families are carefully measuring where, when and how they should spend on fall apparel items, school supplies, electronics and other necessities,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Late summer promotions and sales tax holidays around the country are likely contributing to the delay in back-to-school shopping this year, which means the next few weeks could be exceptionally busy for retailers large and small.”

“Retailers, hoping to strike a chord with both budget-conscious and value-focused parents, will roll out hard to pass up promotions designed to capture the attention of those last-minute shoppers,” said Shay.
"As expected, families are carefully measuring where, when and how they should spend on fall apparel items, school supplies, electronics and other necessities."
Matthew Shay

Though fewer people this year admit that they have not yet started their shopping (19.5%) compared to last year (23.6%), it’s clear that most of those who have started shopping still have quite a bit left on their lists. A number of families, however, stated they already have everything they need for the first day of school with 13.3 percent saying that they have finished their shopping.

Coupons and promotions continue to resonate with today’s shopper, and the survey this year found that mom and dad certainly have done their own homework when it comes to the new supplies, apparel and electronic items on their lists: those who have already started shopping indicate that about half of their purchases (51.3%) were influenced by coupons, sales and promotions, down from 58 percent last year.

When it comes to classroom needs, the survey found parents are on the hook to contribute several items. On average, parents say that 64.4 percent of their purchases of pencils, folders and other school supplies are influenced by classroom lists or school requirements. In addition, 45.9 percent of their electronics purchases for back to school are influenced by the lists and requirements of their family’s schools.

“Given the extra costs some parents take on these days when it comes to stocking their children’s classroom, many will certainly look to take advantage of retailer’s sales and promotions as well as their state’s sales tax holidays as they wrap up their lists,” said Prosper’s Principal Analyst Pam Goodfellow. “More retailers than ever are in the back-to-school spectrum, so it won’t be difficult for mom and dad to find what they need wherever they shop, be it their favorite website for free shipping offers or their local drug store for last-minute deals on supplies.”

When asked what payment method families shopping for back-to-school used most often, 44.6 percent have or will use their debit cards, while others have or will swipe their credit cards (27.7%) or pay with cash (25.5%).

As for where consumers will finish their shopping, discount stores will see the most traffic (53.4%), while 46.8 percent will shop at department stores, 36.6 percent at clothing stores and 12.8 percent will wrap up at electronics stores; 27.2 percent will check out retailers’ best online deals, up from 24.8 percent this time last year.

In-store ads, coupons and promotions continue to be the big influencers for families shopping back to school. Parents say traditional media has the most impact, saying that coupons (43.4%), in-store promotions (35.3%) and advertising inserts (31%) influence them the most to shop at a particular store. Word of mouth (21.5%) and television ads (19.4%) also make a difference.


Families Shopping for College Necessities Waiting for Late-Season Deals, NRF Survey Finds

College shoppers are delaying the inevitable and waiting until absolutely necessary to fill up the family car with their college needs. NRF’s Back-to-College Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics found college students and their families have completed about half (49.1%) of their shopping lists compared to 53.7 percent this time last year. Nearly one-quarter (24%) of those planning to shop for college necessities have been busy enjoying the summer days and have not yet begun their shopping, down slightly from last year (26.2%).

College shoppers are also turning to coupons, sales or promotions to get the best bang for their buck: the survey found nearly half (48.1%) of what parents have purchased has been influenced by early summer deals and promotions, which is the same as last year but higher than the 44.4 percent in 2013.

Many colleges and universities today require incoming and/or current students to come armed and ready with their own computer. The survey this year found 49 percent of the electronic items college students and their parents have already purchased were influenced by their class or school requirements, down from 56 percent last year.

While most back-to-college shoppers say that they have or will use debit cards to make purchases (41.8%), a number of shoppers have already or will use their credit cards (31.9%) or have chosen to pay with cash (22.1%) when buying supplies, apparel and electronic items for class.

Much like back-to-school shoppers, most of those shopping for college will cross off bedding, apparel and other items from their lists at discount stores (46.3%), department stores (38.8%), clothing (28.8%) and electronics stores (20.3%).

Traditional media also resonates well with back-to-college shoppers. The survey found four in 10 (42.3%) college shoppers agree coupons influence their purchases, and nearly three in 10 (27.6%) responding that in-store promotions and advertising inserts (26.2%) are also big influencers.

After Splurging in 2014, Families Trim Back-to-School Spending for 2015

Average Spending on Back to School Has Grown 42 Percent in Past 10 Years

After spending more on school supplies and electronics in 2014, parents this year will head into the back-to-school season evaluating what their children really need before spending on new items. According to NRF’s Back-to-School Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average family with children in grades K-12 plans to spend $630.36 on electronics, apparel and other school needs, down from $669.28 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $24.9 billion. Additionally, indicating the continued growth in the back-to-school arena, families on average have spent 42 percent more on school items over the past 10 years.

Regardless of the slight decrease, survey results point to a more confident consumer when it comes to spending and the impact of the economy. The survey found 76.4 percent of families with school-age children say they will change their spending because of the economy, the lowest in the seven years NRF has been tracking it, and down from 81.1 percent last year.

“As seen over the last 13 years, spending on ‘back to school’ has consistently fluctuated based on children’s needs each year, and it’s unlikely most families would need to restock and replenish apparel, electronics and supplies every year,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Parents this summer will inventory their children’s school supplies and decide what is needed and what can be reused, which just makes good budgeting sense for families with growing children."

“Heading into the second half of the year, we are optimistic that economic growth and consumer spending will improve after a shaky first half of the year,” said Shay.

As Economy Improves, Impact on Spending Lessen

Solid growth in job creation and consumer confidence have greatly contributed to the economic recovery, which could be positively impacting how families shop for school items this year. The survey found 40.6 percent of those who say the economy is impacting their spending plans will look for sales more often, down from the 46.2 percent last year and the lowest since NRF began tracking this in 2009. Additionally, 29.8 percent will buy more generic or store brand products, down from 34 percent last year and another survey low.

For those who have to restock what their children need for school, 92.7 percent will purchase new apparel, spending an average of $217.82, though most (94.1 percent) will head out for new school supplies, spending an average of $97.74; families will also spend $117.56 on new shoes.

In 2014, 58.3 percent of parents said they would buy electronics for their school-age children, and planned to spend an average of $212.35 — one of the highest amounts seen in the survey’s history. Having less of a need for electronics this year, however, families said they would decrease their spending on gadgets for their children and will spend an average of $197.24.



Source: 2015 NRF Back to School/College Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.
"Heading into the second half of the year, we are optimistic that economic growth and consumer spending will improve after a shaky first half of the year."
NRF President and CEO
Matthew Shay


Early Birds Change Course; Omnichannel Offerings Desired by Shoppers

More families with children in grades K-12 are opting to wait before rushing out to shop. According to the survey, 19.6 percent will shop at least two months before school, down from 22.5 percent last year. Starting a little later this year, two in five (42.8 percent) will shop at least three weeks to one month before school, down slightly from 44.5 percent last year. More families (30.3 percent) will shop one to two weeks before school, up from 25.4 percent last year.

When asked why they begin shopping for back to school at least two months out, 64.9 percent said they shop early to spread out their budgets, and half (51.1 percent) do so to avoid crowds associated with school shopping. Other popular reasons include not wanting to miss out on popular merchandise (21.5 percent) and prices and promotions being too good to pass up (45.3 percent).

Planning to shop around for their school merchandise, families will head to their local department (56.4 percent), discount (62.2 percent), clothing (53.5 percent), electronics (22.4 percent) and office supply stores (35.9 percent). And slightly more than one-third (35.6 percent) of those looking for school items will shop online.

For the first time, NRF asked about shoppers’ intentions to use retailers’ omnichannel offerings; of those planning to shop online, nearly half (48.4 percent) say they will take advantage of retailers’ buy online, pick up in store or ship to store options, and 17.3 percent will look for expedited shipping offers. Nine in 10 (92.1 percent) will take advantage of retailers’ free shipping offers.

“Savvy and budget-conscious parents today have plenty of experience when it comes to looking around for great deals and value-add promotions, and it seems mom and dad will use that to their advantage this summer to take advantage of retailers’ omnichannel services,” said Prosper’s Principal Analyst Pam Goodfellow. “To ease hectic schedules and long shopping lists, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see consumers try out and regularly use services like free shipping, reserve online and even same-day delivery — options busy parents have been waiting for.”

Broken out by age, Millennials are much more likely to use these channels: Two-thirds of 18-24- and 25-34-year-olds will use a buy online, pick up in store or ship to store option (65.7 percent and 65 percent respectively), and 15.4 percent of 25-34-year-olds will use a reserve online option, much higher than the 9.1 percent of average adults who plan to do so. Additionally, 23 percent of 18-24-year-olds will use same-day delivery, significantly more than the 10.2 percent of average adults.


Three-quarters Say Half of What they Buy for School is Influenced by Children

Fashion-forward teens and tweens know just how to get mom and dad’s attention when it comes to new school gear to make their friends stop and stare. According to the survey, 86.4 percent of school shoppers say their children will influence one-quarter or more of their back-to-school purchases. And for the smaller purchases, children plan to chip in some of their own money; teens will dole out $33.27, and pre-teens will spend an average $17.57.

- See more at: https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/after-splurging-2014-families-trim-back-school-spending-2015#sthash.l4mBg9yf.dpuf

Americans Ready for Barbecues, Travel for Independence Day

Summer is in full swing and Americans are ready to put on their red, white and blue to celebrate Independence Day with friends and family — and plenty of food. According to the National Retail Federation’s 2015 Independence Day Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, more than 156 million consumers—nearly two thirds of those celebrating (64.4 percent), are planning to take part in the patriotic holiday by attending a cookout, picnic or barbecue, spending an average of $71.23 per household, up from $68.16 last year. Total spending on food items for the holiday is estimated to reach $6.6 billion.*

“The busiest half of the year for retailers is about to begin, and with economic conditions swaying in consumers’ favor more so this year than last, many seem eager to take advantage of retailers’ promotions,” said NRF President and CEO Mathew Shay.

When it comes to shopping for new Independence Day merchandise, though many already have all the patriotic gear they need, more than 48 million consumers - 22.8 percent -will hit the stores looking for decorations, apparel and more to celebrate in style.

The survey found 42.6 percent, or 103 million celebrants, will attend a fireworks display or community celebration, and 11.5 percent – 27 million of those celebrating, will watch a parade. The holiday weekend is also a popular time for travel and vacations as more than 33 million Americans say they will head out of town.

When asked about the impact gas prices will have on their spending, nearly eight in 10 (78 percent) say that the price of gas will not impact their spending for the holiday weekend, up from 70.1 percent who said so last year.

“Consumers this summer and for the 4th of July will take advantage of lower gas prices to head to the beach or get together with family– something they’ve had to think long and hard about in recent years with higher energy costs and limited budgets,” said Prosper Insights Consumer Insights Director Pam Goodfellow.

About the Survey

- See more at: https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/americans-ready-barbecues-travel-independence-day#sthash.4vAzxGop.dpuf

Confidence in U.S. Housing Market On The Rise, Especially Among Renters

American renters are growing more confident in the housing market, and more than 5 million are planning to buy a home this year, according to the Zillow® Housing Confidence Index (ZHCI)i.

More than 12 percent of current renters nationwide – roughly 5.2 million – said they plan to buy in the next yearii, an almost 25 percent jump from the same time last year, when 4.2 million renters said they had plans to buy within 12 months. The ZHCI, sponsored by Zillow and developed by Pulsenomics LLC, polls homeowners and renters about housing market conditions, expectations for the future and their attitudes toward homeownership in generaliii, across 20 of the large metro areas in the United States.

Thanks to historically low mortgage interest rates and home values below peak levels, buyers can expect to spend about 15 percent of their monthly income on a mortgage payment, compared to 22 percent historically, according to Zillow researchiv. Typical renters should expect to pay 30 percent of their income to rent, compared to 25 percent a generation ago.

"As home affordability continues to look great and rental affordability looks abysmal, many current renters clearly seem to be re-thinking their attitudes toward homeownership, and are expressing more confidence in the overall housing market as a result," said Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Stan Humphries. "But while this confidence is heartening, it's important to inject a note of reality here: Not all renters who want to buy this year will be successful. Saving a down payment, qualifying for a mortgage and finding an affordable home to buy all remain formidable challenges for many."

Among all renters surveyed nationwide, 59.7 percent said they think buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make, compared to 56.9 percent at the same time last year. This improved long-term outlook was especially evident among younger renters. Among all 18- to 34-year-old renters, 66.2 percent said owning a home was the best long-term investment, compared to 61.4 percent last year.

The index is measured on a 100-point scale, with readings more than 50 indicating general confidence. Overall, housing market confidence is rising more quickly among renters than homeowners. Among only homeowners, headline confidence rose 3.7 points year-over-year, to 70.6 in January. Among renters only, overall confidence rose 4.4 points in the past year, to 62.4. Confidence among all owners and renters rose 3.6 points, to 67.4.

Although survey respondents in most markets said they expected home value appreciation to slow in 2015, in all areas they also said they expected home value growth to exceed the rate of inflation by an average of more than 2 percent. During the past year, consumer expectations for long-term home value growth have increased. Consumers now expect homes to appreciate over the next ten years by slightly more than what is expected by experts – and at a faster rate than before the housing bubble.

"This latest increase in The U.S. Housing Confidence Index confirms that prevailing sentiments and expectations among consumers concerning their local real estate market–important economic factors not reflected in widely-followed consumer confidence indexes–continue to improve and bode well for the U.S. economy," said Terry Loebs, Founder of Pulsenomics. "Renter aspirations for homeownership are on the rise in most cities. More homeowners are recognizing restoration and growth in the value of what for most of them is their largest asset by far–their home. In every market surveyed, both renters and homeowners expect the annual growth rate of local home values to handily beat the rate of inflation within the broader economy over the coming decade. These insights should remove any lingering doubt that the U.S. housing market's foundation is now solid enough to withstand The Fed's monetary policy liftoff."     

Metro	Jan. 2015 Overall Zillow Housing Confidence Index (Measured in points on a 0-100 scale)	Change in Renter Confidence Jan. 2014- 2015 (Measured in points on a 0-100 scale)	Change in Homeowner Confidence Jan. 2014- 2015 (Measured in points on a 0-100 scale)	Number of renters looking to buy in next year
United States	70.6	4.4	3.7	5,165,618
Atlanta	66.5	4.6	4.0	130,004
Boston	66.2	1.0	4.3	34,898
Chicago	64.8	5.4	1.1	149,744
Dallas	69.7	6.8	5.4	225,821
Denver	69.1	5.7	5.0	64,739
Detroit	64.4	4.9	5.6	57,720
Las Vegas	66.3	3.3	2.5	31,117
Los Angeles	69.2	7.8	2.6	199,146
Miami	70.6	5.3	2.4	161,052
Minneapolis	66.2	7.1	2.4	49,156
New York-Northern New Jersey	66.7	1.8	6.2	241,562
Philadelphia	64.8	8.1	2.7	59,201
Phoenix	68.4	2.7	1.6	140,249
St Louis	63.8	8.3	4.0	23,721
San Diego	69.2	2.7	2.3	52,025
San Francisco	70.5	5.4	3.6	92,860
San Jose	71.5	2.8	2.5	25,411
Seattle	67.9	2.0	5.4	40,128
Tampa	65.3	0.0	4.3	46,237
Washington DC	69.2	3.2	4.0	120,252

Zillow Research

Zillow, Inc. operates the largest home-related marketplaces on mobile and the Web, with a complementary portfolio of brands and products that help people find vital information about homes, and connect with the best local professionals. In addition, Zillow operates an industry-leading economics and analytics bureau led by Zillow's Chief Economist Dr. Stan Humphries. Dr. Humphries and his team of economists and data analysts produce extensive housing data and research covering more than 450 markets at Zillow Real Estate Research. Zillow also sponsors the quarterly Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey, which asks more than 100 leading economists, real estate experts and investment and market strategists to predict the path of the Zillow Home Value Index over the next five years. Zillow also sponsors the bi-annual Zillow Housing Confidence Index (ZHCI) which measures consumer confidence in local housing markets, both currently and over time. The Zillow, Inc. portfolio includes Zillow.com®, Zillow Mobile, Zillow Mortgages, Zillow Rentals, Zillow Digs®, Postlets®, Diverse Solutions®, Mortech®, HotPads®, StreetEasy® and Retsly™. The company is headquartered in Seattle.