For most Domestic Goods, consumers increasingly demand ‘new’ products in order to replace the ‘old’, in response to aesthetics, fashion, convenience, and the increased technological appeal. The total consumption expenditure for industrialised countries (not including E. Europe and CIS) was US$ 8.3 trillion in 1970 and grew to US$ 16.5 trillion by 1995 (1995 prices). The growth in consumerism has therefore almost doubled in 25 years. In the UK, strong economic growth coupled with low unemployment has assisted in the continued high levels of expenditure in the domestic goods market.

Click here to read the recommendations on Domestic Goods from the ‘It’s your choice!’ report.