MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- A new poll shows consumer confidence in the mid-state is leveling off after recent sharp increases.
The Office of Consumer Research at Middle Tennessee University released its twice yearly report gauging consumer confidence late last week. The study shows a modest six point increase over the April consumer snapshot.
MTSU’s Dr. Tim Graeff says the numbers indicate Tennesseans are still confident about the economy going forward, but more cautious than they were last winter and spring. He notes that a tight job market continues to weigh heavily on the minds of consumers.
Graeff says that the poll’s most interesting finding has to do with future spending plans.
“We found a nice increase in the percentage of consumers who expect to spend more. So that’s a good sign for local businesses and retailers, especially as we look forward toward the holiday and Christmas spending seasons.”
The MTSU Consumer Confidence Survey was conducted in early September and involved just over 300 randomly selected residents in Davidson, Rutherford and Williamson counties.