Improved buying climate as consumers adjust

AN improved buying climate means consumers are taking advantage of price discounts as they adjust to a tougher economic conditions.

The improvement in the buying climate in May might hint that consumers feel that their adjustment to a harsher economic climate is already well advanced, said KBC Ireland economist Austin Hughes.

“This would allow them to take advantage of price discounts and possibly contemplate summer holidays. This conclusion remains tentative. We will need a sequence of positive buying climate readings to confirm whether a more encouraging trend is underway,” he said.