Consumer Attitudes & Behavior

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- An increasing majority of Americans (63%) report they have had a particularly unpleasant experience in a public restroom due to the condition of the facilities, according to a new survey by Bradley Corp., manufacturer of commercial restroom furnishings. That’s up from 51% one year ago, according to the company's fifth annual national Healthy Hand Washing Survey.

New York – The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index, which tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending, slightly dipped in August.

New York -- In the final hours of its 2013 regular session, the legislature in California voted to approve a bill that would raise the minimum wage from $8 an hour to $10 an hour within three years. Gov. Jerry Brown has indicated he would sign the bill into law, saying "The minimum wage has not kept pace with rising costs. This legislation is overdue and will help families that are struggling in this harsh economy."

Washington, D.C. -- Retail sales increased in the month of August but came in at a much slower pace than anticipated.

According to the National Retail Federation, August retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.1% seasonally adjusted from last month, and increased 3.9% unadjusted year-over-year.

Although retail sales in August increased, they came in at a much slower pace than anticipated, according to the National Retail Federation. Sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.1% seasonally adjusted from last month, and increased 3.9% unadjusted year-over-year.

Washington, D.C. - The American people overwhelmingly oppose new legislation that lets states force tax collection obligations on Internet purchases made from businesses outside their borders.

Toronto -- Shareholders of Canada’s Shoppers Drug Mart voted in favor of the drugstore chain’s proposed acquisition by Loblaw Cos.

The transaction was approved by approximately 99.89% of the votes cast by all of the Shoppers Drug Mart shareholders eligible to vote.

As previously reported, Loblaw Cos. and Shoppers Drug Mart announced on July 15 a definitive agreement under which Loblaw will acquire Shoppers Drug Mart for C$12.4 billion in cash and stock.

Walnut Creek, Calif. – The percentage of retailers who consider their marketing department to be an owner of customer data has more than doubled in the past year. According to a new RSR Research survey, “Retail Marketing 2013: Organizational Drift,” 61% of 122 retail respondents surveyed online between May and July of this year listed marketing as a customer data owner, compared to 33% in 2012.