GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer confidence among Floridians rose three points to 69 in December, reflecting a cautious optimism in the economy, according to a recent University of Florida survey. Though the latest figure is only one point below the level set in December 2010, it also marks the highest rank in the past nine months.
The index used by UF researchers in the survey is benchmarked to 1966, which means a value of 100 represents the same level of confidence for that year. The lowest index possible is a 2; the highest is 150.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The consumer confidence index among Floridians remained at 65 in November, a ranking that matches a revised mark set in October and is only two points higher than the record low of 59 set in June 2008.
The index used by University of Florida researchers is benchmarked to 1966, which means a value of 100 represents the same level of confidence for that year. The lowest index possible is a 2; the highest is 150.
The November survey reveals a mixture of positive and negative perceptions.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — After a modest gain in September, consumer confidence among Floridians fell a point in October to 63, four points above the record low of 59 set in June 2008, according to a new University of Florida study.
The index used by UF researchers is benchmarked to 1966, so a value of 100 represents the same level of confidence for that year. The lowest index possible is a 2; the highest is 150.
Summer is nearly over, school supply lists are out and Florida's sales tax holiday runs Friday through Sunday, giving all shoppers a break from the 6.5 percent added to store receipts.
That break is limited, but the limits have been raised this year: clothing that costs $75 or less, up from $50 last year; and school supplies up to $15, up from $10. Books, however, have been removed from tax-exempt status.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s consumer confidence this month remained unchanged from November’s mark of 71, but there was significant movement among the five components that comprised the index, according to a new University of Florida survey.
Winn-Dixie’s announcement this week that it is closing 30 of its underperforming stores — nine of which are in Palm Beach County — has local residents wondering what the closures could mean for their community.
While 30 closures represents less than 6 percent of Winn-Dixie’s total store count, the move is significant because it means that more than a third of the current Winn-Dixie stores in Palm Beach County will be gone by Sept. 22.
Many Americans are concerned about their budgets, but retailers are also keeping a close eye on their wallets as well. In a tight economy, retailers are becoming increasingly innovative when it comes to getting you in the door and saving your money. From $1.50 brewed coffee at Starbucks to cheaper options on restaurant menus, retailers are offering a variety of deals to motivate customers to shop with them. Bureau of Economic and Business Research Research Economist David Denslow says that retailers are having to compete with the world wide web.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Shoppers rushing to take advantage of home and appliance rebates caused Florida’s consumer confidence to spike in April by six points to 77 despite the state’s record unemployment, according to a new University of Florida survey.
The last time consumer confidence was at or above 77 in the Sunshine State was in October 2007 when it was 79, the same month the Dow Jones Industrial Average peaked at 14,168, said Chris McCarty, survey director of UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s consumer confidence unexpectedly rose in January by five points to 74, possibly a sign of post-holiday relief, according to a new University of Florida survey.
“The sharp rise was somewhat of a surprise,” said Chris McCarty, survey director of UF’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research. “In the past we have seen similar jumps in the January index, perhaps in response to the financial stress associated with the holidays and the economic turbulence of the past year.”
