* The end of World War II brought an upsurge in economic activity.
* Returning soldiers found jobs in expanding manufacturing sector in industries like automobiles, steel, shipbuilding.
* Consumer spending increased, supported by increased wages
2. Expanding Suburbs:
* After the war, soldiers started families. Increased suburbanization in search for more available housing increased need for:
> - Home furniture and appliances such as television sets. and other electronics
> - Lawn mowers, outdoor equipment
> - Cars as commuting was farther
3. Consumer Credit/Availability:
- Increase use of credit-buying system and installment plans; easier consumer loans; facilitated consumer purchases;
4. Automobile Popularity:
- Improved roads, highways expanded auto travel and increased number of automobiles in households - need for auto repair shops , auto insurance, gas stations, restaurants & motels catering to travelers
5. Consumer Culture and Advertising:
* Advertising agencies utilized new mediums like print ,radio, and soon TV.
--> Consumers convinced on latest and newest innovations
* Planned obsolescence encouraged purchases.
6. Increased female Workforce participation:
-* More single females in workforce; women contributed to higher family purchasing power
7. Emergence of Credit Cards:
-* Diners Club in 1950's - use surged in mid '60s, and in later decades. allowed purchases to be "put on plastic" , fueling consumption further by making payment painless