resented in this section. Economic data are presented for the 1991 1993 period. Lingerie expenditure data presented in this section als reflect the 1991 1993 period; however, lingerie expenditure data for the 1986 1990 period are presented along with 1991 1993 data in the following section. In this section, data for each of the four countries are presented separately.
Gross domestic product in France declined 1.5 percent in 1993 from 1992 levels (Economic and financial, 1993, p. 119). This decline followed an anemic growth of 2.2 percent in 1992 over 1991 levels (Economic and financial, 1992, p. 131). Unemployment in France stands at 11.7 percent near the end of 1993, up from 10.2 percent near the end of 1992, and 10.3 percent near the end of 1991. Consumer prices in France in 1993 have risen 2.3 percent, following a 2.6 increase in 1992. Wage levels in 1993 are up 2.6 percent over 1992 levels, which, in turn, were 3.8 percent above 1991 levels. On balance, the status of the French economy is not one to inspire consumer confidence. The status of the economy, thus, is not conducive to non essential lingerie purchases. Lingerie purchases in France have approximated US$800 million annually over the past three years (Institut National de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques, 1993a, p. 141; Institut National de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques, 1993b, p. 40). Annual data for the 1991 1993 period are presented in Table 1, which may be found beginning on page 6, while annual data for the 1986 1990 period are presented in Table 2, which may be found beginning on page 8.
Gross domestic product in Germany declined 2.4 percent in 1993 from 1992 levels (Economic and financial, 1993, p. 119). This decline followed an anemic growth of 1.1 percent in 1992 over 1991 levels (Economic and financial, 1992, p. 131). Unemployment in Germany stands at 8.6 percent near the end of 1993, up from 6.8 percent near the end of 1992, an...