More Optimistic Consumers Loosen Purse Strings • Fewer consumers are switching brands to catch a sale and trading down to private label options, hinting at glimmers of optimism in a marketplace still marked by high levels of caution and frugality, according to findings of a new survey from SymphonyIRI. However, the number of consumers engaging in preplanning activities, such as coupon clipping and list making, remain virtually unchanged and are very much a part of consumers’ grocery shopping ...