June 16, 2009
Eco-point; will it be a savior for inspiring consumers to cash up?
| BCN, a private research firm, recently reported survey findings for May sales of 2,313 nation-wide appliance stores. The report disclosed a growth of 43% in sales of flat-screen TVs, when compared with to the same month of the previous year. The assumption is that retail sales increased due to the Eco-point program which is motivating consumers to spend. Eco-point is a stimulus package program that the Japanese government launched last month in order to stimulate the sluggish demand in retail sectors. The Eco-point purchase plan covers energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home appliances. It awards Eco-points for the purchase of these goods and allows consumers to exchange their points for products and services. It seems to be off to a good start, but some experts predict overall retail sales of digital goods in the upcoming summer bonus season to stay level at best. This is due to the massive summer bonus cuts that occurred last year due to the global economic downturn late 2008. |
