Los Angeles, Calif., Nov. 19, 2009 — LowerMyBills.com®, a part of Experian, today released the results of a survey of 2,542 online auto insurance shoppers who had just completed a rate-quote request form on LowerMyBills.com. This survey was conducted between Oct. 14 and Nov. 11, 2009. Survey data shows that while the recession has caused consumers to stay closer to home this year, the observance of this holiday is more significant to consumers than ever before.
The recession changes Thanksgiving plans but doesn’t negate them
This year, the recession is expected to have a significant impact on the holiday shopping season: 87 percent of consumers revealed that they have been cutting back on spending in the last three months because of the recession. Not surprisingly, consumers’ Thanksgiving plans and sentiments also have been impacted by the recession.
When asked how the recession has impacted their feelings about Thanksgiving, 31 percent of survey respondents said they feel that Thanksgiving is more important to them this year because of the recession. At the same time, however, they are less willing to take on the expense of travel now. Two-thirds of consumers indicated they plan to celebrate Thanksgiving closer to home this year because of the recession.
Still, consumers appear committed to celebrating the holiday with loved ones. When it comes to the number of Thanksgiving celebrations survey respondents plan to attend, 70 percent stated they plan to go to one and 19 percent of respondents plan to attend two.
Consumers won’t commute far for turkey this year
When asked the farthest distance they are planning to travel for a Thanksgiving celebration this year, 37 percent of consumers said they do not plan to travel for their Thanksgiving meal because they are hosting the celebration. This number is followed closely by 38 percent of consumers who anticipate commuting 1 to 25 miles at most for their Thanksgiving celebration. Of the respondents who plan to commute to a celebration, 29 percent expect to endure rain or snow when trying to reach to their destination.
Spending time with loved ones and turkey are most important
Ninety-one percent of survey respondents revealed that spending time with loved ones is most important to them when celebrating Thanksgiving. When asked which of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes respondents would include as most important to them in the Thanksgiving meal, 87 percent said turkey, 67 percent said stuffing, 67 percent said pie, 58 percent said mashed potatoes, and 55 percent said cranberry sauce.
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About Experian
Experian® is the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients in more than 65 countries. The company helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score and protect against identity theft.
Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2009, was $3.9 billion. Experian employs approximately 15,000 people in 40 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; Costa Mesa, California; and São Paulo, Brazil.
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