--FBI remains high at 90 points --

Charleston, SC May 1, 2004 – The Furniture Buying Index holds steady this month at a high reading of 90 points. This news is favorable for furniture retailers because this means the Index will hold steady through Memorial Day weekend.

Britt Beemer, Chairman of America’s Research Group, said, “This is exciting news considering Memorial Day is an all important weekend for furniture retailers.” Beemer continued, “Furniture Buying Index’s numbers are very strong and consumers have furniture buying on their minds for the upcoming summer season.”

Beemer added, “America’s Research Group’s consumer studies affirms that Memorial Day weekend should have the best sales figures furniture retailers have seen in a decade.”

The Furniture Buying Index is compiled each month by America's Research Group from interviews with 5,000-8,000 consumers across the country. In a typical month, 80 percent of the consumers interviewed can name a specific furniture item they intend to buy. The Index's mark signifies what percent of the benchmark 80% actually have a particular item in mind.

Britt Beemer is chairman of America's Research Group, a full-service consumer behavior research company based in Charleston, SC. ARG provides research and strategic planning services to leading manufacturers and retailers of consumer goods across North America.

For more information call:
C. Britt Beemer
800-723-3253 or REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

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