Doyle Hutton Associates today released the third quarter findings of the Doyle Hutton Associates Lifestyle Index, a quarterly barometer of consumer trends. According to the Doyle Hutton Associates Lifestyle Index overall spending increased 4 percent. Spending was strong across the majority of categories, with solid increases in food, back-to-school, and outdoor/leisure expenditures.

“Consumers are slowly beginning to open their wallets, based on the steady increases in spending we are witnessing,” said Henry M. Chiang, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Doyle Hutton Associates. “The overall trends suggest that consumers are increasing discretionary entertainment and leisure spending on a year-over-year basis, which is a good sign from an economic recovery perspective.”

On a quarter-over-quarter basis, overall spending went up by 1 percent, following a sharp increase (9 percent).

Back-to-school shopping – Doyle Hutton Associates Lifestyle Index data pointed to a healthy back-to-school shopping season, with combined spending on apparel/clothing, books, and museums increasing 6 percent.

Eating out – Consumers spent 22 percent more in food. Restaurant spending was nearly as strong, with a 19 percent year-over-year increase.

Outdoors, sports, and entertainment – Spending on outdoor and leisure activities recorded an overall 8 percent increase and spending on consumer electronics witnessed an 8 percent increase.

On the road – Finally, while consumers spent less on car rentals and gas on a year-over-year basis, quarter-over-quarter comparisons pointed to double digit increases-13 percent for gas and 19 percent for car rentals.

“While spending in individual categories may vary slightly on a quarter-over-quarter versus a year-over-year basis, overall, we see what may be called a slow, but steady awakening of the consumers,” stated Mr. Chiang. “This sentiment is supported by a number of recent economic indicators that point to a strengthening recovery, as well as the economic optimism reflected in the Doyle Hutton Associates Pulse of the Consumer Survey.

Via EPR Network
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