Survey finds consumer thriftiness to continue

New York City Nielsen Business Media released research late Thursday that revealed consumers’ recession-inspired thrifty spending is likely to last into the next year.

Almost one-third (30%) of consumers surveyed said they will use credit less even when conditions improve, with 19% saying that they intend to save more money.

The Nielsen research uncovered five consumer goods spending trends for 2010: Restraint will remain the “new normal,” found the survey; value is and will remain a top priority; store brand growth will continue; grocery consolidation will intensify; and assortment wars will escalate.