Consumer Optimism Far From Sunny

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Despite souring views on the economy, consumers still intend to keep their plans to hit the road this summer. More than one in five (22%) consumers, including 40% of 18-34 year-olds, say they will drive more over the next 30 days, according the latest monthly NACS Consumer Fuels Survey that examines how gas prices affect consumer sentiment. 

The percentage of consumers who say that they will drive more over the coming 30 days is the highest measured since NACS initiated the survey in January 2013 and is a full 5 percentage points higher than in June 2013.

Overall, 39% of consumers say that they are optimistic about the economy, a drop from 44% just two months prior, and despite falling gas prices and better weather across much of the country, consumer optimism is at its lowest level in 2014. Consumers ages 35-49 were the most optimistic, bucking a trend in which younger consumers, ages 18-34, have been the most optimistic.

"Consumers aren't letting their concerns about the economy affect their summer travel plans," said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. "But while they will be travelling more this summer, it remains to be seen for businesses whether they will be spending more or if they will be more budget conscious."

Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) consumers say that gas prices affect their feelings about the economy, but gas prices have decreased nearly 2 cents per gallon over the past month.

In addition to declining gas prices, consumers also are reporting that their vehicles are more fuel efficient.  Consumers say their purchasing power at the pump is better. Self-reported miles per dollar, which examines both prices and efficiency, increased 4.9% in June to 6.63 miles per dollar.

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) conducts a monthly nationwide survey in partnership with Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates LLC to measure consumer perceptions about gas prices and how they relate to broader economic conditions; 1,110 gas consumers were surveyed online June 2-4. The OPIS weekly national average price for gas was $3.664 on June 2, the week in which the survey was fielded.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 151,000 stores across the country, posted $696 billion in total sales in 2013, of which $491 billion were motor fuels sales. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,600 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

SOURCE National Association of Convenience Stores