Conservation Influences Majap Purchases: Study

Conservation efforts and energy rebates are major influences on consumers' major appliance purchase decisions.

That's the word from Sears, based on a recent consumer survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the No. 1 majap merchant.

Conducted in nine major cities in May, the survey also found that consumers are interested in conserving water and energy, and that water quality and availability are major concerns for those living in the Eastern United States.

The following are some of the survey highlights:

• 64 percent of respondents said rebates were motivators for their purchase decisions when buying energy-efficient and water-saving appliances.
• 60 percent of respondents said they were very likely to buy an energy-efficient model the next time they shop for an appliance, and 23 percent said they would be fairly likely to do so.
• 53 percent of those surveyed said they think of Sears first when considering buying an energy-efficient appliance; 16 percent think of Best Buy; 6 percent, Home Depot; 5 percent, Lowe's; and 3 percent, Wal-Mart.
• Of the 28 percent of those surveyed who had purchased a newly constructed home, only 4 percent were offered Energy Star appliances by the builder.

"Sears is committed to educating the public on important topics, such as energy and water conservation," said Lyle Heidemann, executive VP/general manager of hardlines at Sears. "This survey was commissioned to help eliminate confusion around water- and energy-related issues."