Study: Charity Drives Purchases Following Sept. 11

Morristown, NJ–Not surprisingly, consumers are changing their short-term behavior in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S., according to a study by marketing and communications firm DVC Group and Harris Interactive, a market research and consulting firm. An online poll of nearly 2,000 adults aged 25-54, conducted Oct. 4-8, found that 50% of consumers (including 57% of women) are more likely to buy a product it proceeds will go to relief efforts or another charity.

The study also found that 42% of respondents expect to reevaluate their finances, and 26% are more likely to increase the amount of money they save. With that, consumers plan to rein in big expenses, with 30% of respondents saying they will defer shopping for a new car, and 19% saying they will use more coupons when shopping. And perhaps wanting to connect with others in a social environment, 18% of total respondents–and 21% of female respondents–say they will be less likely to shop on the Internet or through catalogs vs. visiting a store.