According to his latest America's Research Group (ARG) survey, 5.5% of the population visited a Christian retail store during May. That is only slightly down on the 5.8% that did so in March, and compares favorably to the 5.6% that did so in May 2008.

The ARG May figures also found that Christian bookstore per capita spending was $1.96, compared to $2.14 for the 12 months previously, and $2.61 for March this year.

The author of two influential research reports for CBA, Beemer said his latest survey of more than 20 retail sectors found "no discretionary spending going on" in America. "This is the first time in 30 years of consumer surveys that we've seen this low interest in shopping."

The main reason for that, he added, was that almost half of consumers felt pressure from credit card bills.