Backpack Nation

By George Anderson

Most Americans are carrying the weight of their world, figuratively speaking, on their backs. According to the October 2002 Shopper Report from The Consumer Network, Inc. of Philadelphia, PA, the mobile lifestyle of modern Americans has meant that pocketbooks are out and backpacks are in.

Cell phones, water bottles and PDAs/Palm Pilots are the three items most likely to be found in the backpacks of consumers.

The items least likely to be found in your backpack, should you carry one,
are: cigarettes (lighters, matches, etc), a checkbook (who needs checks when
you have a debit card) and cash (that’s what ATMs are for).

Moderator’s Comment: What are the retail implications
of a backpack nation?

Coming soon, a massage therapist and/or chiropractor in
every retail location. [George
Anderson – Moderator]

• The Mighty Backpack, Shopper Report – October 2002 (ShopperReport@cs.com)