But the verdict is still out on buying patterns in general and at the high end in particular, economists say.

In that environment, weak sales numbers would tell much about consumer attitudes and buying patterns, the analysts said.

Such data were not fine-grained enough to permit the measurement of buying patterns in specific ethnic neighborhoods or stores.

The "revised" 1987 index numbers reflect buying patterns in 1982-84.

They would buy patterns of the top couture, but they could not have similar styles for sale to American women until the next season.

She bought patterns until they no longer satisfied her, then began making sketches for her embroidery.

The new network lets agencies match buying patterns across formats.

Several Tandem salesmen said yesterday that they had not experienced any real change in buying patterns during the quarter.

The market has split wide open in the last several years, profoundly altering both prices and buying patterns.

Buying patterns, however, indicate that consumers want fresh food, whether for wholesomeness, convenience or taste.