Lingerie Consumption in 4 European Countries

The focus of the research is on consumption patterns that prevail in the lingerie industry in these four countries. In this context, consumption is classified as either (1) needbased or (2) fashionbased. For the purposes of this research, these two terms are defined as follows:

1. Needbased consumption involves the purchase of lingerie products that are considered to be essential to most people. These products include bras, panties, slips, and so forth.

2. Fashionbased consumption involves the purchase of products that are considered by most people to be lifestylerelated. These products include teddys, bodysuits, nightwear, and so forth.

The objective of this examination is to assess lingerie consumption in each of the four countries as either (1) needdriven or (2) fashiondriven. Consumption levels for needbased products and fashionbased products are stated in real (inflation adjusted) monetary terms. The basis for the determination of needdriven or fashiondriven for lingerie consumption within one of the countries is the monetary value of the two classes of lingerie consumption, with the greater value level being the determining variable.

The findings of the research performed are presented in three discussions. The first discussion briefly covers the economic status of each of the countries,

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cent, following a 3.8 increase in 1992. Wage levels in 1993 are up 5.8 percent over 1992 levels, which, in turn, were 5.4 percent above 1991 levels. On balance, the status of the German 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 Germany have approximated US$950 million annually over the past three years (Statisches bundesamt, 1993, p. 67; Statisches bundesamt, 1992, p. 66; Statisches bundesamt, 1991, p. 66). Italy Gross domestic product in Italy declined 0.6 percent in 1993 from 1992 levels (Economic and financial, 1993, p. 119). This decline followed an anemic growth of 1.5 percent in 1992 over 1991 levels (Economic and financial, 1992, p. 131). Unemployment in Italy stands at 11.2 percent near the end of 1993, up from 10.3 percent near the end of 1992, and 10.3 percent near the end of 1991. Consumer prices in Italy in 1993 have risen 4.2 percent, following a 5.0 increase in 1992. Wage levels in 1993 are up 5.2 percent over 1992 levels, which, in turn, were 3.5 percent above 1991 levels. On balance, the status of the Italian economy is not one to inspire consumer confidence. The status of the economy, t
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Approximate Word count = 1398
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)