By Jean Crumrine
October 27, 2009

These are heady times for the smart phone market, with consumer buying plans near record levels. Moreover, electronics spending in general shows signs of a pick up. But what impact are the new Apple iPhone 3GS and Palm Pre models having on the market?

A September 14-21 survey by ChangeWave Research provides an up-close look at the impact of the new Apple (APPL) and Palm (PALM) offerings – along with an update on Research In Motion (RIMM) and overall smart phone industry trends going forward.

The survey of 4,255 consumers shows strong growth continues in the smart phone market, with 39% of respondents now reporting they own a smart phone – up 2-pts since June and nearly double the level of two years ago.

By Jean Crumrine
October 23, 2009

Following two consecutive monthly improvements, ChangeWave’s latest survey of U.S. consumers shows the spending outlook holding steady in October.

One-in-four U.S. consumers (25%) now say they'll spend more over the next 90 days than they did a year ago – down 1-pt since the previous survey in September. But while two-in-five (40%) say they’ll spend less – that’s actually 1-pt improved from previously.



In short, overall spending among consumers continues to remain at the highest level in a ChangeWave survey since May 2008 – but has not improved since our previous survey in September.

By Mike Wrobel
October 13, 2009

After four months of little to no change, two recent ChangeWave consumer surveys show clear signs of improvement for the restaurant industry – with Olive Garden (DRI), Red Lobster (DRI), Chipotle (CMG), Maggiano’s (EAT) and Starbucks (SBUX) showing the most momentum.

To start, better than one-in-ten respondents (11%) now say they’ll spend more money at restaurants going forward – 1-pt improved over August.



Another 36% say they'll be spending less, also 1-pt better than previously.

By Paul Carton
October 6, 2009

ChangeWave’s latest corporate survey shows the U.S. economy continuing to recover, but compared to the major improvements seen last quarter the rate of recovery has slowed.

The August 24-September 2 survey of 3,006 corporate respondents shows a slight improvement in third quarter sales. Signs of progress have also occurred in sales pipeline projections and in capital spending going forward. Yet while the overall picture still points towards an end to the U.S. recession, the slowing rate of improvement is a key issue that needs to be watched closely.

Importantly, the current survey also shows no further easing of the U.S. credit crunch – even though we had picked up clear improvements in our previous survey. The best that can be said at present, is the credit crisis does not appear to be getting any worse.

U.S. Economic Growth

Two-in-five respondents (41%) now say that their company sales will come in Below Plan for third quarter 2009 – although that’s three points better than the previous survey. Another 15% say their company sales will come in Above Plan – which represents a two point uptick.

By Paul Carton
September 29, 2009

A new ChangeWave survey of 2,719 U.S. consumers shows spending is continuing to improve going forward, led by upticks in consumer electronics, durable goods for the home, restaurant spending and household repairs/improvements.

Tempering these findings, the September survey shows large numbers of consumers are still hunkered down attempting to repair their finances. Nonetheless, things are looking significantly more positive for consumers as we head towards the crucial holiday spending season.

Improved Spending for September

Better than one-in-four U.S. consumers (26%) now say they'll spend more over the next 90 days than they did a year ago – up 2-pts since the previous survey in August. While 41% still say they’ll spend less, that’s 3-pts improved from previously.