My last post on Fashion's Night Out highlighted the true importance of the retail industry. Going to a store or online and buying just one item has such a positive effect on our economy and the survey below proves that many are still doing that.

Thanks to our friends at Lucky (my favorite magazine), for sharing the results of a new study in which they identified The Alpha Shopper, a dominant consumer who is still going out and buying things.

Compelling statistics from the national sample of 1,090 American women about the Alpha Shopper include:

• 87% of respondents purchase fashion/accessories monthly, up from 86% in 2008

• 95% feel that shopping is helping the economy

• 73% strongly feel they can enjoy shopping today without being excessive

• 57% are shopping for investment items while 43% are shopping for trend items

• 78% say their splurge purchases are on items that inspire them

• 91% of consumers say they look for stores that offer investment and trend pieces

Click here to visit Lucky online