American Affluence Research Center

The American Affluence Research Center is somewhat unique in that it focuses on the affluent market rather than the more common concept of the luxury market. The wealthiest 10% of U.S. households, as defined by net worth in the Federal Reserve Board research, have the following profile: The affluent market has...an average annual income of $256,000...36% of the total income earned by all American households...account for almost half of all consumer spending...about a third of total GDP...an average net worth of $3.1 million...70% of the total net worth of all U.S. households...As a group, these 11.4 million households hold 89% of the value of all publicly traded stock and stock mutual funds in the U.S.The affluent market is composed primarily of people who are careful spenders and aggressive savers. They are not conspicuous or ostentatious consumers. This is clearly demonstrated in the research dating back to the 1970s by Thomas Stanley, author of “The Millionaire Next Door”, and in AARC’s research.

May 062012
 
Brands Named "Best" by Affluent Consumers in New Survey

Brand Perception Data includes Names/Ranking of Top 9 Retailers, 9 Autos, 10 Watch Makers, 12 Lady’s Apparel Designers, and 9 Men’s Suit Designers Plus Top 7 Companies Named for Best Overall Quality Product, 10 Named for Best Customer Loyalty Program; and 16 Top Financial Advisors/Planners Named Luxury and affluent consumers report increased spending plans, reflecting [...]

Jan 262012
 
Beware of Trend Predictions 7 Top Trend Caveats for the 2012 Luxury and Affluent Market

At this time of year, the media is inundated with trend forecasts and predictions from marketing and research agencies, consultants, and pundits of all types. These predictions are often based on anecdotal research, old data, and/or large changes in very small numbers (if they are quantified at all). It is important to keep these predictions [...]

Oct 172011
 
New Survey of Affluent Consumers Tells "A Christmas Story"

New Survey from The American Affluence Research Center Shows What Holiday Gifts the Affluent Want to Receive, What They Plan to Spend for Gifts, and Where They Will Buy the Gifts Despite the disappointing news about current economic conditions and the stock market volatility in recent months, there is a sizeable segment of the wealthiest [...]

Oct 162011
 
New Survey Shows Many of the Affluent Plan to Continue Spending

Despite the disappointing news about current economic conditions and the stock market volatility in recent months, there is a sizeable segment of the wealthiest 10% of U.S. households that plan to continue spending for certain products and services. In total, the wealthiest 10% represent about half of all consumer spending in the U.S. Since our [...]

Apr 052011
 

In contrast to the March general consumer confidence index of The Conference Board, which fell over 10% to levels last seen in Fall 2010, the affluent, who account for about half of all consumer spending, report a better outlook for the economy and their personal spending plans in our new spring survey. Spending plans for [...]

Oct 312010
 
Highlights of the Fall 2010 Affluent Market Tracking Study #18

As an inexpensive way to conduct research among the affluent, proprietary questions can be purchased in these tracking studies for your exclusive use. By Ron Kurtz President of the American Affluence Research Center Overview Generally continuing the improved outlook first evident in the Fall 2009 survey, the results of this new survey show few and [...]

Oct 042010
 
Retailers See Dim Prospects for Affluent Christmas Gift Spending

Retailers are likely to see Christmas and Hanukah gift spending by the affluent at or below the levels of 2009 expenditures according to a new survey of the wealthiest 10% of US households by the American Affluence Research Center. By Ron Kurtz President of the American Affluence Research Center In the Fall 2010 Affluent Market [...]

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