Bio Bidet by Bemis, a leading manufacturer and retailer of bidet toilet seats, attachments and smart home accessories, has announced the results of a new consumer survey focused on home remodeling and do-it-yourself (DIY) trends. The company surveyed more than 1,000 consumers in October 2022, and the key takeaway is that Americans are more concerned than ever about the economy, driving many homeowners to more strongly consider DIY bathroom improvements as we look towards 2023.

Real Economic Worries
When it comes to worries about the economy, 63% of consumers are "very concerned," and 32% are "somewhat concerned" about negative impacts. A majority (66%) think the economy will get worse heading into 2023, and 86% of respondents said they are trying to spend less and save more.

These figures reflect a shift over the last two years, as Americans have become more worried about finances than they were during the global coronavirus pandemic of 2020. When compared to previous Bio Bidet research data, the number of Americans who were "very concerned" about the economy rose 3% in 2022 (to 63% versus 60% in 2020). In addition, more Americans (61%) had to dip into their emergency savings in 2022 than during the height of the pandemic (57%), and greater numbers (86%) have also been trying to save money, versus 84% in 2020.

What's more, consumers are shutting off the spending taps in 2022, with 69% having no plans to make big purchases this year, as opposed to 44% in 2020. And when they do expect to make big-ticket purchases, shoppers will be frugal: 61% had plans to buy on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and 65% had plans to shop online in an effort to capture the best deals.

The Appeal of DIY and Bidets for Bathrooms
While consumer worries about an economic downturn loom large, many of those same consumers remain open to less-costly home upgrades, particularly DIY options. Some 60% of those surveyed said they plan to upgrade their bathrooms this year, over other rooms in the house. Of those consumers looking to upgrade, 34% say "ease of installation" is most important for DIY bathroom projects.

Most consumers said they do their own research online when it comes to new home product inspirations, and many have chosen bidet toilet attachments as a way to make their overall bathroom experience better. Of those who bought bidets, 27% said their purchase was to "better their wellness and hygiene."

A majority of bidet owners have embraced the bidet phenomenon, and they want to spread the love: 62% say that their bidet ownership has inspired them to gift a bidet to others. Many are so enthusiastic about the bidet experience that they are ready to upgrade; 20% cite "increased comfort" as a reason to upgrade their bidet attachment.

"What our survey data makes immediately clear is that consumers have real worries about the near-term economic future," said TJ Stiefvater, director of marketing for Bemis Manufacturing Company. "While the pandemic allowed people to stay home and conserve money, current sentiment suggests that the economy may be headed negative and that people are preparing for the worst. As a result, consumers are seeking alternatives when it comes to remodeling and upgrades. And when it comes to making one's nest more comfortable and hygienic, few things are as easy as DIY upgrades using products like bidet toilet seats, which deliver new comfort and cleanliness features at accessible prices."

As an industry leader, Bio Bidet offers a variety of bidet toilet seat attachments, seats, and smart toilets, to suit any DIYer looking to upgrade their bathroom this holiday season or during the new year. The company offers a wide variety of easy-to-install products, across multiple price ranges, which enable an effective and enjoyable home upgrade on any budget. With Bio Bidet, consumers can save money in tough times, while still enjoying a luxurious bathroom experience.