Forget about designer brands and quirky gadgets: Low-priced fashions and green products scored big in Japan this year, an advertising agency survey found, as consumers pinch pennies and take advantage of government stimulus subsidies.
Hybrid vehicles topped the rankings in Dentsu Inc’s latest Hit Product Recognition Survey, while other low-emission vehicles eligible for government tax breaks and subsidies placed fourth.
Flu masks were very popular, inexpensive fashions ranked third, while cheaper store-brand products came in at No. 9 as companies targeted thrifty customers with affordable items, said Dentsu, Japan’s biggest advertising agency.
Consumers remain reluctant to open their wallets even as the economy has emerged from recession, but a few winners have bucked the trend.
Cost-conscious shoppers have been seeking bargains at budget retailers such as Fast Retailing’s Uniqlo casual-clothing chain, while hybrid cars have seen robust sales thanks in part to government stimulus measures.
Toyota Motor Corp’s gas-sipping Prius hybrid was Japan’s best-selling car for a fifth straight month in last month.
Among retail products in the survey, heat-trapping underwear came in at No. 12, jeans under ¥1,000 (US$11.60) took 14th, and Michael Jackson-related items placed 20th.
There were some bright signs for consumer spending beyond bargain-hunting for clothes: flat-panel TVs, low-priced notebook PCs and similar products made up more than half of the top 10 in a separate question on how people plan to spend their winter bonus.
Respondents said they plan to spend an average of 14 percent more on Christmas presents this year, boding well for the crucial year-end shopping season.
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