Nesting, is a term used to describe consumer behavior during retractions. As consumers cut discretionary spending, they gravitate toward home, where they tend to entertain in. This trend was first noticed after 9/11 and called “Nesting”. Yes, even manly men nest in their man caves.

We also noticed a trend in restaurant food purchases and new menus. To keep people coming back, restaurants are cutting back on extravagance and curtailing menus. A poll of wholesale food distributors shows the purchase of Comfort Foods on the rise. Less expensive and easy to prepare, Comfort Food can be described as “Breakfast 24 hours a day” or “Mom's Cooking”. There is some fallout from all this. Waste lines will be expanding as these types of food stuffs tend to be fattening. We also see more family members home for dinner as reduction is expenses may include Jr's extra karate class.

Television is inevitable and with 7 million households unprepared for the digital cut-over in February, TV sales or converter box sales will rise unless the FCC decides to put a hold on the cut-over since so few traditional off-air consumers are prepared. If they don't, the cut-over will fill electronics retailer's stores with with consumers on the prowl for a converter box or new LCD. Should make the holiday shopping season look like a slow day in March.

My prediction for consumer behavior in Q1 2009 – Spending more time around the house entertaining or being entertained, gaining weight, and buying a small home gym or exercise equipment ,and a TC to watch while working off all those calories.

Now if I could only invent the device that powers the TV from the treadmill. Hmmm.

Tobias