Consumers fancy durables rebate move, survey shows

In these uncertain times, when deep discounts and clever advertisements have failed to sell merchandise, retailers on the mainland have to count on a more potent force - government subsidies.

And, they sure won't be disappointed.

The results of a recent survey by independent marketing researcher Ipsos have shown at least 25 percent of the respondents in six major cities had changed their minds about purchasing big-ticket electrical appliances to take advantage of the government subsidy program.