Consumer Must Haves

Ann-Marie Vazzano

Prosper Insights & Analytics’ “Expendables vs. Untouchables” report, compiled for STORES, sheds light on what
consumers are willing to forgo in the name of a healthy budget versus what they can’t live without.

Here’s the rundown of the top 10 expendable items:

High-end jewelry
Club/social memberships
Luxury handbags
Gourmet foods
High-end cosmetics
Maid service
Costume jewelry
Specialty shopping for apparel
Facials
Satellite radio

And here’s a look at the top 10 untouchable items:

Internet service
Mobile/cell phone service (basic)
Cable/satellite TV (basic)
Mobile/cell phone service (text, picture, video)
Upgraded mobile device (smartphone, iPad or Android-based tablet, e-reader, iPod Touch, wireless laptop, etc.)
Haircut/color
Discount shopping for apparel
Charitable contribution
Vacation
Cable/satellite TV (premium) GP