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McKinsey survey: European consumer sentiment survey: How current events are shaping UK consumer behavior
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McKinsey Survey: European consumer sentiment during the coronavirus crisis
Pessimism about recovery is at an all-time high in the United Kingdom. Rising prices are the top concern, with consumers significantly trading down in stores and products. UK consumers are feeling great economic uncertainty. With energy and transport costs eating away at consumer savings and non-food spend, the top reasons given by survey participants for economic anxiety are the gas supply, supply-chain shortages, and energy issues. Consumers report the highest perceived price increases in groceries and household supplies, with two-thirds becoming more conscious about energy usage. Half of consumers changed their grocery brands in the last four to six weeks, with trading down a clear trend: price and value were the strongest drivers here.
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1. McKinsey & Company 1 The invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has had deep human, as well as social and economic, impact across countries and sectors. The implications of the invasion of Ukraine are also rapidly evolving and inherently uncertain. As a result, this document, and data and analysis it sets out, should be treated as a best-efforts perspective at a specific point of time, which seeks to help inform discussion and decisions taken by leaders of relevant organizations. The document does not set out economic or geopolitical forecasts and should not be treated as doing so. It also does not provide legal analysis, including but not limited to legal advice on sanctions or export control issues. The document should be treated as confidential and should not be shared without written approval from McKinsey & Company.
2. McKinsey & Company 2 Four emerging consumer themes in April 2022 The top concern in the UK is rising prices, cited by 60% of respondents, followed by the invasion of Ukraine (15%) and COVID-19 (7%). Only 2% identify Brexit as their top concern, but 15% say Brexit is a top three concern Confidence in the current state of the economy is very negative, with 61% of UK consumers, including even larger shares of millennials and Gen X, adopting a negative view Pessimism about a recovery has risen to 35%, the highest level since we first asked in 2020 Costs of energy/utilities and transport are eating away at consumer savings and nonfood spend Two-thirds of consumers say they responded to price increases by adapted their shopping behavior Consumers significantly trade down in stores and products; they switch from grocery/convenience stores to discounters (28%) and from branded to low-priced and private-label products (34%) Nine out of ten consumers noticed price changes in the last few weeks, particularly in groceries and household essentials In response to price increases, consumers are cutting spend on all but food and gasoline and reducing energy use; 61% say they also are much more conscious of their home energy use 1 3 4 2 Current events and sources of concern Confidence in economy and household finances Price increases reining in purchase intent Emerging demand shifts
3. McKinsey & Company 3 Despite the pandemic's continuing grip on societies in Europe, rising prices and invasion of Ukraine have now by far overtaken COVID-19 as top concerns for consumers Germany UK Italy France2 Spain 1. Q: Which of the following is your top concern today? Bars may not sum to 100%, due to rounding. 2. For France, political insecurity (9%) and immigration (8%) are concerns mentioned by more than 5% of consumers. Source: McKinsey & Company Europe Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 5,075 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK), sampled to match European general population 18+ years 12 5 7 8 24 44 Europe 5 9 21 11 9 8 7 8 6 11 14 8 6 7 11 7 34 18 15 32 21 40 44 60 32 47 2 4 3 4 3 Rising prices Invasion of Ukraine COVID-19 pandemic Unemployment/job security Extreme weather events Other Top source of concern1 % of respondents
4. McKinsey & Company 4 The dominant concern of UK consumers is price increases, followed by the invasion of Ukraine and COVID-19 86 57 41 22 22 22 18 16 15 1 Cost/accessibility of healthcare Invasion of Ukraine Rising prices COVID-19 pandemic Extreme weather events/climate change Unemployment/job security Immigration Brexit Political uncertainty Other 60 15 7 3 3 4 3 2 2 1 Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years Among top 3 sources of concern1 Top source of concern2 Top sources of concern today % of respondents 1. Q: What are the greatest source(s) of concern for you right now? Please select the top 3. 2. Q: Which of the following is your top concern today?
5. McKinsey & Company 5 Prices are particularly worrying for millennials and Ukraine Invasion for baby boomers 11 3 4 7 15 60 Overall 11 11 11 5 4 2 4 3 4 5 7 7 13 18 13 62 57 62 Low income High income Middle income 8 10 7 16 8 4 2 3 5 5 4 2 8 3 8 7 11 9 14 23 59 69 65 50 Gen X Millennials Gen Z Baby boomers Rising prices Invasion of Ukraine COVID-19 pandemic Unemployment/job security Extreme weather events Other2 Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years Top source of concern1 % of respondents Split by generation Split by income 1. Q: Which of the following is your top concern today? 2. Other includes "immigration," "cost and accessibility of healthcare," "Brexit," and "Political uncertainty."
6. McKinsey & Company 6 For top three concerns, rising prices disproportionately concern low-income consumers and baby boomers; baby boomers also have the highest concerns about Ukraine Invasion 86 57 41 22 22 22 18 16 15 1 Unemployment/job security Rising prices Immigration Invasion of Ukraine Other COVID-19 pandemic Cost/accessibility of healthcare Extreme weather events/climate change Brexit Political uncertainty 90 52 42 22 25 24 20 12 13 1 85 60 42 19 19 22 18 19 15 2 82 59 39 28 22 18 13 19 20 0 82 48 28 29 33 37 8 16 20 0 86 51 37 26 25 31 12 19 14 0 86 58 47 16 18 25 18 16 14 2 88 63 44 22 19 7 25 15 16 1 Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years Top 3 sources of concern1 % of respondents Middle income High income Low income Millennials Gen X Gen Z Baby boomer Split by generation Split by income 1. Q: What are the greatest source(s) of concern for you right now? Please select the top 3.
8. McKinsey & Company 8 Almost two out of three consumers are negative about their own country's current state of the economy 55 58 61 63 67 32 29 24 26 22 13 13 15 11 11 Source: McKinsey & Company Europe Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 5,075 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK), sampled to match European general population 18+ years 61 27 13 Positive Neutral Negative Net confidence2 −42 −56 −52 −45 −46 −48 1. Q: How are you feeling about [COUNTRY]'s economy today? Rated from 1 "very positive" to 5 "very negative." For visualization, we merged the categories "very positive" and "positive" as well as "very negative" and "negative." Figures may not sum to 100%, because of rounding. 2. Calculated by subtracting all "negative" answers from all "positive" answers. Confidence in own country's current state of the economy1 % of respondents Germany UK Italy France Spain Europe 5
9. McKinsey & Company 9 Consumers' negative perception of the economy is fairly consistent across income groups and highest among Gen X and millennials 61 24 15 Negative Overall Positive Neutral Confidence in UK's current state of the economy1 % of respondents 63 57 65 26 26 18 17 16 11 Low (<£25K) Middle (£25K–50K) High (>£50K) 49 62 71 58 31 24 17 28 20 15 14 Baby boomers2 Gen Z Millennials 12 Gen X By income By generation Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years 1. Q: How are you feeling about the UK's economy today? Rated from 1 "very positive" to 5 "very negative." For visualization, we merged the categories "very positive" and "positive" as well as "very negative" and "negative." Figures may not sum to 100%, because of rounding. 2. Baby boomers includes silent generation.
10. McKinsey & Company 10 Consumers whose top concern is rising prices are more likely than others to have a negative view of the UK economy 69 54 52 20 28 28 11 18 20 Invasion of Ukraine Rising prices COVID-19 pandemic Confidence in UK's current state of the economy1 % of respondents Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years 61 24 15 Neutral Overall Positive Negative Net confidence2 −32 −36 −58 −46 1. Q: How are you feeling about UK's economy today? Rated from 1 "very positive" to 5 "very negative." For visualization, we merged the categories "very positive" and "positive" as well as "very negative" and "negative." Figures may not sum to 100%, because of rounding. 2. Calculated by subtracting all "negative/very negative" answers from all "positive/very positive" answers.
11. McKinsey & Company 11 For consumers with a negative outlook on the current economy, the greatest uncertainties are supply related UK France Italy Germany Spain Top 3 reasons for negative view on economy1 % of respondents who perceived the current status of economy and/or the economy's outlook as negative Source: McKinsey & Company Europe Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 5,075 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK), sampled to match European general population 18+ years 47 42 39 31 27 26 24 16 12 9 3 0 Rising interest rates Food shortages Interruption of petrol supply Supply chain shortages Unemployment rates/job security Risk of further escalation of the war Energy shortages Impact of influx of refugees Risk of nuclear disaster Uncertainty on the stock market Restrictions on international travel Other 53 40 43 30 19 31 33 12 11 7 3 0 41 50 53 33 19 22 14 23 14 8 2 1 45 44 36 29 22 33 20 17 12 10 3 1 49 32 41 29 37 20 23 15 13 11 3 0 46 44 24 34 39 24 28 11 12 10 2 0 Europe 5 1. Q: You mentioned that you are feeling negatively about [COUNTRY]'s economy in light of the Ukraine invasion. Which of the following topics are you most uncertain about? Please select up to 3.
12. McKinsey & Company 12 UK consumers' pessimism about the economy is at its highest since March 2020 30 30 32 30 31 31 24 17 25 35 52 55 53 55 54 53 55 49 51 49 18 15 15 15 14 16 21 34 24 16 Mar 2020 Apr 20223 Mar 2022 Sept 2020 May 2020 Oct 2021 Apr 2020 Nov 2020 June 2020 Feb 2021 Optimistic: The economy will rebound within 2–3 months and grow just as strong as or stronger than before the current crisis Neutral: The economy will be impacted for 6–12 months or longer and will stagnate or show slow growth thereafter Pessimistic: The current crisis will have lasting impact on the economy and show regression or fall into lengthy regression 20202 2021 2022 1. Q: What is your overall confidence level surrounding economic conditions after the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis subsides (ie, once there is herd immunity)? Rated from 1 "very optimistic" to 6 "very pessimistic." Top, middle, and bottom 2 boxes of scale aggregated to "Optimistic," "Neutral", and "Pessimistic." Figures may not sum to 100%, because of rounding. 2. Average of biweekly pulse surveys shown for Mar–May 2020. 3. Question in Apr 2022 was not framed for coronavirus: What is your overall confidence level surrounding the potential economic impact related to the invasion of Ukraine that began in Feb 2022? Confidence in own country's economic recovery after crisis1 % of respondents Source: McKinsey & Company Europe Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 5,075 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK); 03/22–03/29/2022, n = 5,028 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK); 10/15–10/22/2021, n = 5,081 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK); 2/23–2/27/2021, n = 5,139 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK); 11/9–11/16/2020, n = 5,232; 9/24–9/27/2020, n = 5,338 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK); 6/18–6/21/2020, n = 5,645; 5/21–5/24/2020, n = 5,641; 4/30–5/03/2020, n = 5,631; 4/16– 4/19/2020, n = 5,623; 4/2–4/5/2020, n = 5,645, 3/26–3/29/2020, n = 5,614; 3/20–3/23/2020, n = 5,035 (Italy, France, Germany, Spain, UK, Portugal), sampled to match European general population 18+ years
13. McKinsey & Company 13 33 35 35 38 42 52 51 49 50 44 14 14 16 12 14 Pessimism about economic recovery is high across countries and more than doubled since October 2021 18 −17 25 −23 24 −19 19 −23 13 −19 Source: McKinsey & Company Europe Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 5,075 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK), sampled to match European general population 18+ years 1. Q: What is your overall confidence level surrounding the potential economic impact related to the invasion of Ukraine that began in Feb 2022? Rated from 1 "very optimistic" to 6 "very pessimistic." Top, middle, and bottom 2 boxes of scale aggregated to "Optimistic," "Neutral," and "Pessimistic." Figures may not sum to 100%, because of rounding. Confidence in own country's economic recovery after current crisis1 % of respondents Germany Apr 12–18, 2022 Change in % pessimistic vs Oct 2021 survey, percentage points Change in % optimistic vs Oct 2021 survey, percentage points Optimistic: The economy will rebound within 2–3 months and grow just as strong as or stronger than before the current crisis Neutral: The economy will be impacted for 6–12 months or longer and will stagnate or show slow growth thereafter Pessimistic: The current crisis will have lasting impact on the economy and show regression or fall into lengthy recession Italy Apr 12–18 UK Apr 12–18 France Apr 12–18 Spain Apr 12–18, 2022
14. McKinsey & Company 14 The most categories of consumers pessimistic about a recovery are those in the low-income group and Gen X 35 49 16 Overall Optimistic Neutral Pessimistic Confidence in UK's expected economic recovery after current crisis1 % of respondents 39 33 33 48 50 48 13 17 19 Low (<£25K) Middle (£25K–50K) High (>£50K) 22 35 43 34 53 49 45 51 25 16 13 15 Gen X Gen Z Millennials Baby boomers3 By income2 By generation Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years 1. Q: What is your overall confidence level surrounding the potential economic impact related to the invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022? Rated from 1 "very optimistic" to 6 "very pessimistic"; Top, middle and bottom two boxes of scale aggregated to "Optimistic", "Neutral", and "Pessimistic"; Figures may not sum to 100%, because of rounding. 2. Baby boomers includes silent generation.
15. McKinsey & Company 15 Four emerging consumer themes in April 2022 The top concern in the UK is rising prices, cited by 60% of respondents, followed by the invasion of Ukraine (15%) and COVID-19 (7%). Only 2% identify Brexit as their top concern, but 15% say Brexit is a top three concern Confidence in the current state of the economy is very negative, with 61% of UK consumers, including even larger shares of millennials and Gen X, adopting a negative view Pessimism about a recovery has risen to 35%, the highest level since we first asked in 2020 Costs of energy/utilities and transport are eating away at consumer savings and nonfood spend Two-thirds of consumers say they responded to price increases by adapted their shopping behavior Consumers significantly trade down in stores and products; they switch from grocery/convenience stores to discounters (28%) and from branded to low-priced and private-label products (34%) Nine out of ten consumers noticed price changes in the last few weeks, particularly in groceries and household essentials In response to price increases, consumers are cutting spend on all but food and gasoline and reducing energy use; 61% say they also are much more conscious of their home energy use 1 3 4 2 Current events and sources of concern Confidence in economy and household finances Price increases reining in purchase intent Emerging demand shifts
16. McKinsey & Company 16 Across the five countries surveyed, the vast majority of respondents observed price changes 1. Q: In the last 4–6 weeks, have you seen a general change in the prices of any goods you commonly buy? Inflation, year-over-year, Mar 2022, % 7.6 5.1 7.0 6.8 9.8 7 93 11 89 12 88 10 90 6 94 Source: OECD (inflation data); McKinsey & Company Europe Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 5,075 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK) sampled to match European general population 18+ years 9 91 Yes No Germany UK Italy France Spain Price changes perceived in last 4–6 weeks1 % of respondents Europe 5
17. McKinsey & Company 17 Consumers report the highest perceived price increases in groceries, followed by household supplies and pet food 4 3 3 5 3 3 3 5 19 22 25 24 27 30 22 27 23 36 29 25 28 30 35 49 55 47 50 38 39 36 35 33 36 30 26 32 28 25 21 43 19 21 15 15 14 14 14 12 9 15 15 10 12 12 12 1 5 7 8 21 17 18 25 26 29 13 28 30 30 30 30 Home decoration and furniture Accessories 2 2 2 Footwear Groceries/food for home 2 Household supplies Skin care and makeup Pet food and supplies 2 Personal-care products 1 Home improvement and gardening supplies Jewelry 2 2 Vitamins, supplements, and OTC medicine Kitchen and dining products Sports and outdoors equipment, supplies Apparel Fitness and wellness services Consumer electronics 2 Decreased Not sure Stayed the same Increased significantly Increased Price changes perceived, last 4–6 weeks General price change perceived1 % of respondents Price change perceived by category2 % of respondents who shopped category 12 88 Yes No Net change3 90 73 67 63 51 49 48 46 43 42 41 40 39 38 34 29 Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years 1. Q: In the last 4–6 weeks, have you seen a general increase in the prices of any goods you commonly buy? 2. Q: In the last 4–6 weeks, how have you observed prices changing across the following categories? Rated from 1 "Prices decreased significantly" to 5 "Prices increased significantly." 3. Calculated by subtracting all "decreased" answers from all "increased/significantly increased" answers.
18. McKinsey & Company 18 Consumers' outlook on future prices is negative, with Gen X and millennials seeing most impact on lifestyle 71 65 50 43 15 I am planning to buy fewer products/ services in the future if prices continue to rise I believe prices will continue to rise throughout the next 12 months I am concerned that the prices of everyday purchases have been increasing I have had to scale back my lifestyle due to an increase in prices I intend to use more "buy now, pay later" services in the coming months Agreement with price-related statements % of respondents rating agreement 5 or 6 on 6-point scale Between −3 and +3 < −3 > +3 Difference from all consumers,2 percentage points 75 71 57 56 38 50 30 11 7 Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years 1. Q: Please read the following statements and indicate your level of agreement with each. Rated from 1 "Strongly disagree" to 6 "Strongly agree." 2. Calculated by subtracting the answers of all consumers from those in a subgroup—here generational cut. Statements 71 62 52 24 Millennials Gen X Generational cut All consumers 66 58 23 Gen Z Baby boomers2 69 72 48 43
19. McKinsey & Company 19 Consumers whose top concern is rising prices are likelier than others to plan to reduce spend and scale back their lifestyle 71 65 50 43 15 I believe prices will continue to rise throughout the next 12 months I am concerned that the prices of everyday purchases have been increasing I intend to use more "buy now, pay later" services in the coming months I am planning to buy fewer products/ services in the future if prices continue to rise I have had to scale back my lifestyle due to an increase in prices Agreement to price-related statements1 % of respondents rating agreement 5 or 6 on 6-point scale Between −3 and +3 < −3 > +3 Difference from all consumers2, percentage points Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years Statements 65 63 57 40 25 COVID-19 pandemic Top source of concern All consumers 54 38 28 10 Invasion of Ukraine 67 76 71 14 Rising prices 56 48 1. Q: Please read the following statements and indicate your level of agreement with each. Rated from 1 "Strongly disagree" to 6 "Strongly agree." 2. Calculated by subtracting the answers of all consumers from those in a subgroup—here top source of concern.
20. McKinsey & Company 20 As spend on essential products rises, consumers save less and spend less on nonfood discretionary items—and expect further cuts Change of spend and expected change in spend in general categories % of respondents 6 9 14 14 28 54 66 17 23 21 43 37 28 74 62 65 29 9 Rent/ mortgage Energy/ utilities Transport and gasoline Food and essentials Nonfood discretionary Put money into savings Net change3 22 1 51 65 48 −44 15 −20 38 60 34 −43 Source: McKinsey & Company Europe Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 5,075 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK), sampled to match European general population 18+ years Higher About the same Lower 8 11 18 17 42 53 69 18 29 29 37 36 23 71 53 55 21 10 Rent/ mortgage Energy/ utilities Transport and gasoline Food and essentials Nonfood discretionary Put money into savings Change in spend in the last 4–6 weeks1 Expected change in spend in the next 4–6 weeks2 1. Q: How have your household finances been affected over the past 4–6 weeks? Rated from 1 "Reduced a lot" to 5 "Increased a lot." For visualization, we merged "increased a lot" and "increased" as well as "reduced a lot" and "reduced." "Last 4–6 weeks" refers to the change in behavior vs before the invasion of Ukraine. 2. Q: How do you expect your spend on the following categories to change in the next 4–6 weeks? Rated from 1 "Will spend significantly less" to 5 "Will spend significantly more." For visualization, we merged "significantly more" and "more" as well as "significantly less" and "less." "Next 4–6 weeks" refers to the plan consumers make today, so this change is incremental to past change. 3. Calculated by subtracting all "lower" answers from all "higher" answer in each column/time frame.
21. McKinsey & Company 21 Majorities of consumers report spend increases and expect further increases in energy, transport and gasoline, and food 1. Q: How have your household finances been affected over the past 4–6 weeks? Rated from 1 "Reduced a lot" to 5 "Increased a lot." For visualization, we merged "increased a lot" and "increased," as well as "reduced a lot" and "reduced." "Last 4–6 weeks" refers to the change in behavior vs before the invasion of Ukraine. 2. Q: How do you expect your spend on the following categories to change in the next 4–6 weeks? Rated from 1 "Will spend significantly less" to 5 "Will spend significantly more." For visualization, we merged "significantly more" and "more," as well as "significantly less" and "less." "Next 4–6 weeks" refers to the plan consumers make today, so this change is incremental to past change. 3. Calculated by adding the blue highlighted cells, ie, increased past spend or expect to increase future spend, excluding consumers that have decreased or expect to decrease their spend. Change of spend in general categories in last 4–6 weeks1 and expected in next 4–6 weeks,2 % of respondents Calculation example Observed/expected price increase,³ % 23 Source: McKinsey & Company Europe Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 5,075 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK), sampled to match European general population 18+ years Decrease No change Increase Decrease 4 3 1 No change 4 63 6 Increase 2 7 10 Change of spend in next 4–6 weeks, % Change in spend in last 4–6 weeks, % Germany UK Italy France Spain 25 66 62 69 34 19 21 55 55 53 25 9 31 76 60 62 26 9 15 62 50 41 23 10 21 53 50 52 25 10 Energy/utilities Transport and gasoline Food and essentials Nonfood discretionary Put money into savings Rent/mortgage Europe 5 23 62 55 55 27 12 Between −3 and +3 < −3 > +3 Difference from all consumers,2 percentage points Observed/expected price increase,³ %
22. McKinsey & Company 22 Consumers expect to spend less than usual across most categories except groceries and gasoline for car travel Decreased Stayed the same Increased 13 26 20 40 44 48 29 38 38 15 26 52 24 35 41 41 50 41 20 12 12 11 16 14 11 65 26 13 40 25 17 18 15 17 Consumer electronics Travel by car Out-of-home entertainment Pet food and supplies 5 Entertainment at home Books/magazines/newspapers Vitamins and OTC medicine 10 Pet-care services Fitness and wellness Personal-care services Gasoline Domestic flights Vehicles Short-term home rentals Cruises Adventures and tours International flights Hotel/resort stays Net change,3 next 4–6 weeks Net change,3 last 4–6 weeks Change, last 4–6 weeks Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years Net change > +15 Net change −15 to +15 Net change3 < −15 xx xx xx Change1 and expected change2 of spend by product categories % of respondents who shopped category 1. Q: In the past 4–6 weeks, how has the amount you have spent on these categories changed? "Spent less on this category," "spent the same amount," "spent more on this category." 2. Q: Over the next 4–6 weeks, do you expect that you will spend more, about the same, or less money on these categories than usual? "Will spend less on this category," "will spend about the same," "will spend more on this category." 3. Net change is calculated by subtracting the % of respondents stating they decreased spend from the % of respondents stating they increased spend in the respective category. −22 −36 −46 −38 −17 −21 −29 38 −8 −37 −25 −34 −40 −20 −35 −34 −37 −23 −28 50 −39 16 −24 −23 −35 1 −24 29 −17 −33 −28 −39 −35 −42 −41 −48 −25 −6 −9 −32 −41 −44 −26 −41 9 Net change,3 next 4–6 weeks Net change,3 last 4–6 weeks −43 37 −13 4 −37 −7 −28 −27 −32 −28 −38 −37 −52 −5 −31 −35 −22 −33 Change, last 4–6 weeks 1 −15 12 −6 -9 −13 −10 −13 6 13 26 44 39 44 44 45 46 54 59 30 15 18 41 49 45 39 42 50 19 16 12 12 16 8 9 7 17 19 12 9 12 17 9 Home improvement, garden Restaurant Food take out and delivery Accessories Groceries Tobacco products Home and furniture Apparel Alcohol Quick service restaurant Footwear 11 Jewelry Toys and baby Skincare and makeup Household supplies Personal-care products 10 Sports and outdoors Kitchen and dining
23. McKinsey & Company 23 Two-thirds of consumers became more conscious about energy usage; Gen Z and millennials limit travel, and Gen X stock up 61 22 18 18 14 12 10 6 6 5 4 4 3 19 I have delayed/canceled a pending trip/vacation I have stocked up on products (eg, grocery or household items) that I use often in the event that there are supply chain shortages I have become more conscious about my home energy usage I have changed my mode of transport to use less gasoline/to save money I have reduced/stopped purchasing products from Russian companies I have delayed/canceled a planned purchase of a car/other vehicle I have sped up my plan to purchase a new home I have purchased supplies to donate to the Ukraine humanitarian effort and/or have donated money or time to volunteer I have reduced/stopped purchasing products from companies that have not taken a stance on the invasion of Ukraine I have started/increased my purchase of products from companies that have taken a stance on the invasion of Ukraine I have delayed/canceled a planned purchase of a new home I have sold/plan to sell my car or other vehicle I have offered to shelter/sponsor Ukrainian refugees None of these Change in purchase behavior in last 4–6 weeks1 % of respondents Generational cut 51 24 28 25 12 12 11 12 12 7 8 13 10 11 Millennials 61 18 24 25 13 12 12 7 7 10 6 5 4 14 Gen X 65 27 14 13 13 9 9 4 5 5 3 2 3 18 Gen Z Baby boomers2 60 20 13 13 16 13 8 5 3 1 2 0 1 26 All consumers Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years 1. Q: In which other areas of your life, if any, have you changed your shopping behavior in the last 4–6 weeks? 2. Calculated by subtracting the answers of all consumers from those in a subgroup—here generational cut. Between −3 and +3 < −3 > +3 Difference from all consumers2, percentage points
25. McKinsey & Company 25 Faced with rising prices, many consumers switch to different brands and private labels, as well as change their preferred retailers v 64 34 32 28 15 10 10 8 7 Try a private label/store brand Try a new digital shopping method (eg, order groceries via app) Any new shopping behavior3 Switch to a different brand than normal New shopping method Shop from a different website than normal Shop from a different retailer/store than normal Use a new shopping method (eg, pickup and food delivery subscription) Switch from online to a brick-and-mortar store Activities done in last 4–6 weeks1 % of respondents Plan to do activities in next 4–6 weeks2 % of respondents who did not do activity in the last 4–6 weeks Activities when shopping for groceries/essentials 38 21 14 10 9 6 7 9 14 Activities Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years 1. Q: In the last 4–6 weeks, which of the following have you done when purchasing groceries and other essentials (eg, toiletries, cleaning products)? 2. Q: How likely are you to change your shopping behavior in the next 4–6 weeks when purchasing groceries and other essentials (eg, toiletries, cleaning products)? Rated from 1 "Not likely at all" to 6 "Extremely likely". "Extremely likely" and "Likely" answers counted for planning this activity 3. Any new shopping behavior applies if a respondent has chosen at least 1 of the other categories mentioned.
26. McKinsey & Company 26 Gen Z and millennials are more likely than other generations to switch to new brands and retailers 64 34 32 28 15 10 10 8 7 Use a new shopping method (eg, pickup and food delivery subscription) Shop from a different website than normal Switch to a different brand than normal Total: Any new shopping behavior3 Try a private label/store brand Shop from a different retailer/store than normal Try a new digital shopping method (eg, order groceries via app) Switched from brick-and-mortar store to online Switch from online to a brick-and-mortar store Generational cut All consumers Activities when shopping for groceries/essentials in the last 4–6 weeks1 % of respondents Gen Z 82 40 38 43 33 25 24 11 16 Millennials 63 35 38 39 23 14 15 12 11 Gen X 43 25 37 28 12 8 7 5 7 Baby boomers 82 40 21 14 6 2 2 5 2 Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years 1. Q: In the last 4–6 weeks, which of the following have you done when purchasing groceries and other essentials (eg, toiletries, cleaning products)? 2. Calculated by subtracting the answers of all consumers from those in a subgroup—here generational cut. 3. Any new shopping behavior applies if a respondent has chosen at least 1 of the other categories mentioned. Between −3 and +3 < −3 > +3 Difference from all consumers,2 percentage points
27. McKinsey & Company 27 Consumers have been switching away from grocery and convenience stores and toward discounters Use of retail formats in past 4–6 weeks1 % of respondents who shopped from a different retailer/store than normal in last 4–6 weeks Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years 1. Q: You mentioned that in the last 4–6 weeks you started shopping from a different retailer or store than you normally would when purchasing groceries and other essentials. How has your shopping at the following types of retailers/stores changed? 2. Calculated by subtracting all "shopped less" answers from all "shopped more" answers. Retail format 20 5 43 20 21 14 27 27 37 40 30 51 24 30 31 36 18 7 13 8 Specialty grocery store Discounter Supermarket Hypermarket Convenience store Did not shop there Shopped less Shopped same amount Shopped more Net change2 22 −9 −20 −25 −32 33% of consumers changed their retailer/store in the last 4–6 weeks
28. McKinsey & Company 28 Price and value are the strongest drivers of switching retailers, with millennials also concerned about stock and accessibility 56 55 17 15 14 14 12 12 9 9 8 8 7 6 5 5 4 4 Better quality I can get all the items I need from 1 place More easily accessible from my home Products are in stock Better prices/promotions Better value Family/friend recommendations Cleaner/has better hygiene measures Less crowded/has shorter lines Save cost of gasoline Shares my values Wanted variety/a change from my normal routine Wanted to treat myself Supporting local businesses The company treats its employees well Offers natural/organic offerings I support their response to the invasion of Ukraine Has more sustainable/environmentally friendly options All consumers Top reasons for choice of new retailer/store for groceries/essentials1 % of respondents who shopped from a different retailer/store than normal in last 4–6 weeks 65 44 50 68 44 44 17 16 18 16 19 11 16 22 8 10 13 17 26 14 6 14 9 13 10 11 7 12 8 9 14 8 5 8 8 8 10 8 6 16 4 2 2 6 4 4 2 4 8 5 6 8 7 2 Gen Z Millennials Gen X and baby boomers3 Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years Between −2 and +2 < −2 > +2 Difference from all consumers,2 percentage points 1. Q: You mentioned you shopped from a different retailer/store in the past 4–6 weeks when purchasing groceries and other essentials (e.g., toiletries, cleaning products, etc.). What were the main reasons you decided to try this new retailer/store? Respondents could choose up to 3 reasons. 2. Calculated by subtracting the answers of all consumers from those in a sub-group—here generational cut. 3. Aggregated due to low sample size of subgroups. Baby boomers includes silent generation. 33% of consumers changed their retailer/store in the last 4–6 weeks
29. McKinsey & Company 29 A large proportion of consumers shopping for groceries and other essentials are trading down 22 25 27 35 34 34 40 41 42 42 52 4 5 3 3 5 6 4 3 4 4 4 74 70 70 62 61 60 56 56 54 54 44 Dairy and eggs Snacks and confectionary Household products Frozen foods Non-alcoholic beverages Bread and bakery Healthcare, beauty, and baby Fresh fruit and vegetables Fresh meat, fish, poultry Hot drinks Alcohol No change Switched to higher-priced brand Switched to private label/lower-priced brand Brand-switching behavior of consumers1 % of respondents who switched to a different brand for groceries or essentials in last 4–6 weeks Net trade down2 48 40 40 24 22 19 12 12 8 8 −12 Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years 49% of consumers changed a groceries/essentials brand in the last 4–6 weeks 1. Q: You mentioned that in the last 4–6 weeks you tried a different brand than you normally would when purchasing groceries and other essentials. Which of the following best describes how/where you switched brands? 2. Calculated by subtracting the answers for "switched to higher-priced brand" and "no change" from those for "switched to lower-priced brand/private label."
30. McKinsey & Company 30 The main reasons consumers give for switching brands are to get better value and lower prices All consumers 69 50 14 13 9 9 8 8 7 6 6 6 5 4 4 3 3 3 Better price Better value for money Products are in stock Large package sizes Available where I'm shopping Better quality Supporting local businesses Wanted to try a new brand I found Wanted to treat myself Their response to invasion of Ukraine More sustainable/better for environment Better shipping, delivery cost Wanted to try a type of product that I've never tried before Cleaner, safer The company treats its employees well Wanted variety, change from normal routine Natural/organic Shares my values 48 17 8 4 8 11 6 1 1 6 5 4 4 5 1 4 Gen X 81 1 48 10 13 12 8 8 12 14 8 8 7 8 8 4 7 5 Gen Z and millennials3 54 3 83 55 19 19 9 11 6 4 3 8 3 5 3 - 1 5 1 - Baby boomers Top reasons for choice of new retailer/store for groceries/essentials,1 % of respondents who shopped from a different retailer/store than normal in last 4–6 weeks Between −2 and +2 < −2 > +2 Difference for all consumers,2 percentage points 49% of consumers changed a groceries/essentials brand in the last 4–6 weeks 1. Q: You mentioned you tried a new/different brand than what you normally buy in the last 4–6 weeks when purchasing groceries and other essentials (eg, toiletries, cleaning products).What were the main reasons that drove this decision? Respondents could choose up to 3 reasons. 2. Calculated by subtracting the answers of all consumers from those in a subgroup—here generational cut. 3. Aggregated due to low sample size of subgroups. Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years
31. McKinsey & Company 31 The majority of consumers perceiving price increases change their behavior—for example, postponing a purchase or switching brands 1. Q: In the last 4–6 weeks, how have you observed prices changing across the following categories? Rated from 1 "Prices decreased significantly" to 5 "Prices increased significantly." 2. Q: In the last 4–6 weeks, have you done any of the following when purchasing [product]? Includes respondents who answered they switched to a different or lower-cost brand, delayed their purchase, switched to a different store or website, purchased a smaller quantity. 69 53 53 50 49 46 45 45 42 41 40 37 32 Home decoration and furniture Fitness and wellness services Pet food and supplies Vitamins, supplements, and OTC medicine Home improvement and gardening supplies Kitchen and dining products Skin care and makeup Apparel Consumer electronics Accessories Sports and outdoors equipment, supplies Footwear Jewelry Consumer-observed price increases1 % of respondents rating price change as 4 or 5 on 5-point scale Behavior change when price increase is perceived2 % of respondents reacting to perceived price increase 40 38 36 34 40 49 42 49 52 30 38 38 20 6 19 14 13 11 16 20 29 27 28 19 24 23 11 11 11 16 6 8 8 7 10 17 14 19 11 1 4 3 6 4 2 7 4 5 6 7 10 1 22 18 30 29 31 25 24 11 15 28 15 29 21 16 9 13 10 8 8 8 4 9 8 15 18 15 9 24 15 16 23 14 17 11 12 20 8 14 36 17 10 9 11 3 3 1 1 4 11 8 4 0 Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years Perception of price increase and actions consumers take by product category No action Delayed a purchase Switched to a different brand Switched to a higher-cost brand Switched to a lower-cost brand Switched to a different store/website Purchased a larger size/quantity Purchased a smaller size/quantity
32. McKinsey & Company 32 Lower price and availability are key drivers of brand choice, with trust and fair treatment of workers also important Source: McKinsey & Company UK Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 1,013, sampled to match UK general population 18+ years 1. Q: In the last 4–6 weeks, when choosing a product/brand to purchase, how important to your purchase decision were the following factors that may be attributed to the product or brand? Rated from 1 "Not important at all" to 6 "Extremely important." 2. Calculated by subtracting the unimportant (ratings of 1 or 2) value from the important (ratings of 5 or 6) value. Reason for choosing a product/brand in the past 4–6 weeks1 % of respondents rating reason as 1 or 2 (unimportant) and 5 or 6 (important) on 6-point scale 55 33 23 28 24 26 67 20 48 40 19 33 30 Rational Beliefs Sustainability 19 22 23 25 25 4 7 23 8 12 22 21 30 Unimportant Important Net importance2 14 6 2 −2 −6 63 47 1 27 11 9 −10 40 Lower price Available in the store closest to me Locally sourced/locally owned Brand is actively supporting the humanitarian effort in Ukraine Brand has made public statements in support of Ukraine Brand that treats employees well Brand has stopped doing business in Russia Recyclable products, packaging, or initiatives No artificial ingredients/natural/GMO free Small or neutral carbon footprint Sustainably sourced materials Fair trade practices Brand that I know and trust
33. McKinsey & Company 33 Reason for trying a new brand in the past 4–6 weeks1 Net importance rating2 1. Q: In the last 4–6 weeks, when choosing a product or brand to purchase, how important to your purchase decision were the following factors that may be attributed to the product or brand? Rated from 1 "Not important at all" to 6 "Extremely important." 2. Calculated by subtracting the unimportant (rating of 1 or 2) value from the important (rating of 5 or 6) value. "Rational" Beliefs Sustain- ability Sustainability is more important for Germany, Italy, and Spain, with Spain additionally valuing a clear position regarding Ukraine Europe 5 27 21 11 9 1 54 45 24 43 32 5 1 -8 Available in the store closest to me Recyclable products, packaging, or initiatives Fair trade practices No artificial ingredients/natural/GMO free Small or neutral carbon footprint Sustainably sourced materials Lower price Locally sourced/locally owned Brand that I know and trust Brand that treats employees well Brand actively supports humanitarian effort in Ukraine Brand has stopped doing business in Russia Brand has made public statements in support of Ukraine France Spain UK Italy Germany 34 22 14 12 9 54 49 21 40 29 -5 -13 0 29 16 7 2 -7 40 36 27 33 26 -13 -16 -22 6 14 2 -2 -6 63 47 1 40 27 9 11 -10 32 21 8 12 -4 44 36 31 40 32 5 -2 -3 35 33 22 22 12 66 57 40 60 48 23 17 11 Source: McKinsey & Company Europe Consumer Pulse Survey, 4/12–4/18/2022, n = 5,075 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK), sampled to match European general population 18+ years
Notes de l'éditeur
Custom Cut – Savanta / Chris


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Trail navigation: Trail Info | Next Close
The efforts of African American students at Robert Russa Moton High School in Prince Edward County to achieve equal educational opportunities led to the end of legal segregation in the public schools of America. Built to house 180 students, the R.R. Moton High School held 450, with some classes conducted in "tar-paper shacks." On April 23, 1951, a group of students led by Barbara Johns (niece of minister and prominent Civil Rights leader Vernon Johns) walked out to protest unequal and inadequate facilities, course offerings, and buses. They proceeded to the County Courthouse, planning to meet with the School Superintendent. Within weeks the students sought legal redress of their grievances.
The Reverend L. Francis Griffin, chairman of Moton's Parent Teacher Association (PTA), asked National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) attorneys and Richmond natives Oliver Hill and Spottswood W. Robinson III to visit Prince Edward County. Hill and Robinson told the students that they would assist them if their parents sued for the abolition of segregation instead of just for equal facilities.
The subsequent case, Davis et al. v. County School Board of Prince Edward, was decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1954 in its landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas decision, which stated that "in the field of public education the doctrine of 'separate but equal' has no place." A second Brown decision in 1955 mandated that integration be achieved "with all deliberate speed." Rather than integrate its public schools, Prince Edward County withheld funds for all public education. As a result, all of the County's public schools were closed from 1959 until 1964, when the Supreme Court ruled in Griffin v. County School Board of Prince Edward County that localities must fund and operate public schools. Today Prince Edward's fully integrated public schools bear the legacy of a fight for civil rights in education that began on this site with a courageous, non-violent act by a group of high school students which resulted in three historic United States Supreme Court rulings.
Robert Russa Moton (1867 - 1940) was an African American educator and author who served as an administrator at the Hampton Institute and was the principal of the Tuskegee Institute from 1915 to 1935.
The former Robert Russa Moton High School was purchased from Prince Edward County in 1999 by the Robert Russa Moton Museum board of directors for $100,000 and converted to a museum.
A new permanent exhibition, "The Moton School Story: Children of Courage" , opened on April 29th, 2013. Designed by Petersburg-based StudioAmmons, the exhibition begins with the April 1951 strike against separate, but unequal conditions at Farmville's R.R. Moton High School, leading to the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas. Virginia's "Massive Resistance" to school desegregation follows, leading to Prince Edward County's closure of all public schools from 1959 until 1964. In the final gallery, visitors encounter the 1963-64 Kennedy Administration-supported Free School system, and finally the Supreme Court's 1964 Griffin decision reopening county schools, ensuring free desegregated education for all.
900 Griffin Boulevard
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Virginia Humanities, "Robert Russa Moton Museum," AfroVirginia, accessed January 20, 2020, http://afrovirginia.org/items/show/425.
desegregation
Moton Museum Encyclopedia Virginia: Moton School Strike and Prince Edward County School Closings National Register of Historic Places Library of Virginia: The Prince Edward Case and the Brown Decision PBS: Jim Crow Stories
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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The Sims 4 Review
November 15th, 2017 / Niraj Shah / Reviews
The Sims 4 has finally arrived on consoles – it's been available on PC for a few years. Having played the previous PS2 and PS3 titles, I was eager to get my hands on the latest version – and the first Sims title on the PS4. This one-player game lets you control "sims" in a virtual world, where you can build your own home, seduce neighbours and generally play with life.
The gameplay is pretty much the same as any other Sims game out there. You point and click on people or objects and select the action you want to carry out. In Live Mode, you can interact with objects, talk to neighbours (and form relationships), get a job and more; and all while making sure your Sim is happy, fully fed, clean and entertained. This is the core mode in the game, and you can pause the game or fast-forward through the boring bits (like your job or sleeping), or play as the normal speed.
You can play with your Sim from birth to death (and they may even stick around as a ghost). Depending on how you want to play, you can increase or decrease the speed in which your Sims age. There are various stages in your Sims' life including baby, toddler, teen, young adult, adult and elder. When it comes to careers, there are plenty of paths to choose from – from astronaut to secret agent and even a criminal.
Bella Goth and the baby
The Build Mode is where you can create your own home and buy objects and furniture for your home. There is a new room-based build mode that groups all the comment objects for a specific room (e.g. Kitchen has all the usual cooking-related appliances). This makes it easy to build out your rooms one-by-one.
New to the game is emotions, which affect your Sim's mood and motivation. For example, if you're "focused", you can learn new skills quicker, while being "flirty" lets to pull off those pick-up lines with that girl next door. There are a range of emotions your Sim can go through, and there's even a trophy to unlock if you can go through all the basic emotions in 24 "Sim" hours.
Emotions and Trophies
Unfortunately, the game is single-player only – it would have been good if it supported couch co-op like the PS2 title years ago. The game is also offline only – there is no multiplayer or online component, which means you can't interact with your friend's Sims or play with your PSN friends. The lack of the latter really limits the potential of the game.
The game does suffer from frame rate issues, even when there is one Sim in your household. This is especially noticable when fast-forwarding the speed of the game, or when NPC Sims are in the vicinity. The slow down in the animations makes the game difficult to control at times, meaning you may mis-select the option or objected you intended to select.
Notifications make it easy to keep track of events and important information.
The biggest disappointment about the game are the controls. While it's easy to point and click on objects and Sims (using the left-analogue stick to move the cursor and X to select), getting the cursor up if fiddly. If you are on a particular menu item, you can press the touch-pad to bring up the cursor, but as soon as you select a menu item, the cursor disappears and you're back to only being able to select the menu items.
Even selecting basic things like a meal to eat (from the fridge) is tricky: you can select a meal quite easily, but selecting a single portion or group portion requires fiddling with the direction until one of the sub-options are selected – simply moving down (for some reason) skips to the next meal, rather than the portion list. The below video demonstrates this issue:
Another instance where the controls fail is when you want to see your Sim's Needs or Aspirations (or one of the other "bubbles" along the bottom-right of the screen). You can select any one of the bubbles using the cursor, but as soon as you select a bubble using X, the cursor disappears and you need to use the analogue stick to navigate between the items. If the cursor was still usable, selection would be much easier.
Like previous games, the Sims speak "Simlish", which is mostly gibberish, although some do sound like words. Sound affects are used to in various places, including emphasising important events like promotions or births. And you'll find the usual sound effects like your mobile ringing, the TV or stereo, and the fire alarm going off – nothing special there. You've also got background music playing throughout the game – it's all pretty standard so I won't bore you with the details.
DLC and Micro-transactions
There is plenty of Day One DLC available for the game in the form of expansion packs. At time of writing, the following bundles were available:
The Sims 4 Vintage Glamour Stuff (£7.99)
The Sims 4 City Living (£32.99)
The Sims 4 Vampires (£15.99)
All three of the above packs can be purchased for a combined price of £39.99 if you purchase The Sims 4 Bundle, instead of the individual items, saving yourself just under £17.
There is plenty of content in the base game itself, so all of these add-ons are completely optional. The biggest and most feature-full expansion is the City Living pack, which adds a new World to the game, along with new elements like Apartments, festivals and more. However, it is a pricy expansion considering the game itself costs only a tenner more (depending on where you purchase the game from).
The game doesn't have any micro-transactions, so you must earn the in-game money (Simoleons §) by getting a job. Going to work on time and meeting the skill requirements for your job will help you get promotions, which will give you bonuses and increase your earnings.
There is plenty of fun to be had in The Sims. You can spend hours designing and building the perfect home (providing you have the time and in-game money available), and raising your sims from birth to death. There are also 51 trophies to unlock in the game, including a Platinum one. Some of the trophies can take tens of hours to unlock, like playing for 26 generations or giving birth to triplets.
The game supports Remote Play using the PS Vita or PS Vita TV. Despite the smaller screen on the PS Vita, the game is still playable. The front touch screen can be used for the touch pad and the L2, L3, R2 and R3 buttons, while the rare touch pad is not used at all in the game.
Overall Impressions
It's a shame the game doesn't include a multiplayer or online mode, but even without this there is plenty of things to do in the game. Improved controls would make the game easier to play, and they can really be frustrating at times. Lets hope Maxis improve the controls over time and make it more intuitive. The frame rate needs to be improved, which often causes the game to skip or freeze momentarily.
Here is an example of another bug we found in the game: the Skills meter doesn't increase as you learn skills, which makes it difficult to know how far away you are from levelling up. In the case of the video below, the Skills meter still shows even when you're not learning a skill. Another issue for Maxis to address.
The game has crashed a couple of times too, which Maxis need to address. Luckily, it hasn't been too frequently, and the game does auto-save periodically, so you won't lose much progress if it does crash on you. There was a small day-one patch to the game, but these issues still exist for the moment.
Overall Score: 7 out of 10
DLC, PS4, Review, The Sims 4


AgroAtlas - Relatives - Distribution area of desert wheat grass (Agropyron desertorum) .
Distribution area of desert wheat grass (Agropyron desertorum) .
Created using maps to the scale of 1:12,000,000-1:40,000,000.
Vector map. The area of species is indicated by polygons and points.
Species distribution was based on site coordinates from accessions and herbarium specimens at the Vavilov Institute and on the published maps of Shelyak-Sosonko (1977), Grossgeim (1939), Malyshev & Peshkova (1990), Malyshev & Peshkova (1979) and Buhteeva et al (1990).
Buhteeva A.V., Malyshev L.L., Konarev A.V. 1990. Wild-growing populations of wheat grass from Eastern europian steppe province. Bull. VIR. Leningrad: N.198: 54-59.
Grossgeim, A.A. 1939. Flora of Caucasus. Polypodiaceae-Gramineae. Baku: Publishing house AzFaN. V.2: 587.
Malyshev L.L. & G.A. Peshkova, eds. 1979. Flora of the Central Siberia. Onocleaceae-Saxifragaceae. Novosibirsk: Nauka. V.1: 431.
Malyshev L.L. & G.A. Peshkova, eds. 1990. Flora of Siberia. Poaceae (Gramineae). Novosibirsk: Nauka. V.2: 361.


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The Art of Creating Glass
At Panda Windows and Doors we know and love glass. Most of our products showcase a generous amount of it.
This week we're deep diving into the topic of industrial sheet glass production. We hope you'll agree, the process behind making it is as amazing as the final product.
The History of Glass Production
Up until the 19th century, flat glass panes (such as those used in windows) were typically made using a "cylinder method"; 6 – 8ft cylinders of glass were blown, cut open, and flattened out to create large sheets from which the glass would be cut. These cylinders would generally be 10 – 14" in diameter, meaning that the width of the panes that could be produced were severely limited. Many early windows had transoms and mullions in their designs to accommodate these small panel sizes. Other production methods included casting a large puddle of glass onto an iron surface and polishing both sides, or drawing a thin sheet of glass upwards from a puddle of glass and holding it with rollers until it cooled. Both of these methods were expensive and did not create perfectly smooth glass, but they continued to be used into the 20th century until other forms of sheet glass making were perfected.
In 1848, Henry Bessemer patented a process for producing a continuous ribbon of glass by pressing the ribbon between rollers. Unfortunately, this method was overly expensive at the time. If the glass could be set on a perfectly flat surface (like a motionless pan of liquid), the costs would have been reduced. This was attempted with a bath of molten tin, a substance denser than glass that was calm at extremely high temperatures, but this method was still too under-developed at the time to produce mass quantities of glass. This marked the beginning of the development of the float-glass method which would be used more successfully by the UK's Pilkington Brothers in 1953. They perfected this method and licensed it worldwide in the 1960s, replacing previous methods of production. It is still used in large-scale flat glass manufacturing today.
The Modern Process of Glass Production
The modern process is fairly simple. Raw materials used for making glass (sand, soda ash, dolomite, limestone, sodium sulfate, etc) are mixed together in a batch process along with recycled waste glass and fed into a massive furnace. Here the 1200 tons of glass is heated to 1500 °C, and then stabilized to 1200 °C; it is still molten in this state, but it has a more homogeneous relative density which helps create a uniform sheet when poured.
The molten glass is then fed over a ceramic lip into a tin bath that is 10-14ft wide and around 150ft long. The amount of glass being poured is controlled by a gate called a tweel. Tin is one of the few substances suitable for the float glass method because of its molecular properties. It has a higher relative density than glass, allowing the material to float on top, and is immiscible with molten glass. Unfortunately, tin readily oxidizes in normal atmosphere so to prevent this, the tin bath is covered in a positive pressure protective atmosphere of nitrogen and hydrogen.
Once it's been rolled onto the tin bath, the glass gradually decreased in temperature until it reaches approximately 600°C. It can now be removed from the tin, placed on rollers and moved into a kiln where it continues to cool and anneal so it won't crack from the temperature changes. Once it exits the kiln, it can be cut by machines to whatever size is required.
At Panda Windows and Doors we are incredibly thankful for the developments in glass making over the years – our massive systems simply wouldn't be possible without them.
If you would like to learn more about adding our beautiful folding or sliding doors and windows to your home or business, we invite you to reach out today.
Tearing Down Walls… and Replacing them with Glass Doors
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Written by Jonathan Wojcik
September 4:
Bogleech's Favorite Courage Villains!
I felt like doing something a little new this year, so while I did a lot of video game posts for Halloween 2011, I'm devoting a chunk of this year's festivities to children's cartoons! All season long, we're going to be talking about some of my favorite monsters and villains from animated television series, and what could possibly be better to start off with than John R. Dilworth's Courage: The Cowardly Dog?
By far one of the strangest original programs to air on Cartoon Network, Courage regularly subjected a small dog and his elderly owners - the kindly Muriel and her emotionally abusive husband, Eustace Bagge - to a seemingly endless parade of monsters, maniacs and abnormalities who often defied categorization. Opting for a sense of dread decidedly more often than a sense of humor, this may have been one of the western cartoon world's truest and greatest examples of horror writing in the traditional sense of the term.
Narrowing down a "greatest" or "best of" list would be damn near impossible for this show, but I definitely have my own favorites, and maybe some of them were yours, assuming you ever watched it. If not, consider this a crash course in how hard you spent all that time sucking.
EPISODE: "Courage in the Big Stinkin' City"
As one of the Blattodea's biggest fans, I appreciate animated cockroaches by default, and this crunchy bug looks great as one of Dilworth's pop-eyed fiends, even fastidiously cleaning his antennae like the real thing! That's adorable. While more huggable than frightening in my book, Shwick's outward appearance is really more symbolic than anything else, part of his role as the archetypical sleazy, conniving back-alley crook, a poster-bug for the dangerous underbelly of city life.
We never learn a lot about Shwick, except that his full name is Bushwick (but never call him Bushwick, call him Shwick, just Shwick) from the New York borough of the same name (you can call that Bushwick, but not him, just Shwick) and that he's on the run from the law for ambiguous crimes that probably involve murder and extortion. I'm just guessing, because he uses threats of murder for extortion.
Posing as a stagehand for Radio City Music Hall, Shwick lures Muriel and Eustace into his run-down hideout and holds them as unwitting hostages, demanding that Courage run some shady errand for him lest he feed the couple to the unseen, flesh-eating thing he keeps behind a curiously tiny door.
I appreciate the detail of what's probably a poop bucket, there.
Shwick only asks that Courage retrieve a package for him, but the endeavor proves far more dangerous than it sounds. An alert even goes out about the "evil package" on the loose in New York, and the box is smashed on the run from a cop. It turns out to have contained nothing but a squeegee, now useless to wipe away the incriminating "HELP" scrawled on Shwick's filthy window.
It's funny, because as anticlimactic as the squeegee is, it does have a completely illegal purpose. It's the most evil thing that a squeegee can be used for, short of violating and maiming someone. This is exactly why TV-G horror is the best horror. A chase ensues, ending when the insect is finally apprehended by the law, Muriel gets to play her sitar on stage and Eustace is reduced to a still living skeleton by the still-unseen door creature...neither the first nor the last time an episode ends with his mutilation or implied death.
There was also some point at which Shwick and Eustace compared undergarments, because this was the best thing on Cartoon Network ever.
Conway the Contaminationist
EPISODE: "Conway the Contaminationist"
On paper, Conway the Contaminationist is a brilliantly warped character; a man who's lived centuries beyond a normal lifespan through constant exposure to filth, pollution and disease, looking only about as human as you can reasonably expect. It's a concept that would feel right at home in the works of Hideshi Hino or Junji Ito, though his friendly mannerisms and fragile, snail-eyed design are easily the most precious thing I have ever seen in this series.
HE'S HAPPY!
You might need a full-body condom for it, but tell me you wouldn't hug the shit out of this pestilent geezer. He's like the adorable lovechild of Salad Fingers and Montgomery Burns, a visual you're welcome to remember always. How is this guy even a villain?
Having learned such unorthodox secrets to "true" health and longevity, Conway travels the world in his adorable biplane, extoling the virtues of contaminationism wherever he goes. When he crash lands on the Bagge's farm, he refuses to leave without indoctrinating the family into his way of life, which, while awesome, takes a little too much getting used to. Courage is finally driven to employ a gigantic vacuum cleaner, trapping Conway in a bag of refuse where he fortunately finds himself happier than ever. Everyone wins!
Jeeves Weevil, the Butler Bug
EPISODE: "Evil Weevil"
Our only other insect antagonist is every bit as memorable as good old Shwick, even if the two are almost polar opposites. When this eloquent arthropod flies into Eustace's windshield, Muriel insists that they bring him into their home, where the classy Coleopteran makes a speedy recovery and all too eagerly offers his services.
According to Jeeves, a Butler Bug is a creature that lives only to serve, and his willingness to help around the house has even Eustace warming up to him. He does, after all, work for free, if body fluids don't count. Eustace is soon reduced to a pile of (still grouchy) dust, and Muriel is already rapidly thinning.
After Courage fails a rancid broccoli-eating contest (I guess it's a giant weevil thing) he only defeats the posh parasite by plugging him into his own life-sucking proboscis, preposterously shrinking the monster down to more conventional insect size. At least Courage has the decency to let him leave, presumably to go on killing one family after another.
The Alien Brains
EPISODE: "Car Broke, Phone Yes"
Up there with some of my all-time favorite animated characters, the brain aliens feature in the episode Car Broke, Phone, Yes, titled after the smaller alien's charmingly broken English. Very crudely disguised as a human, the little guy enters people's homes, pretending to need help, and evaluating the overall kindness of the residents. It sounds like noble work, but when he actually finds kindness in Muriel, he whips out a tentacle and drains it from her head, depositing it into a test tube. This "kindness" looks exactly how I always thought it would. Exactly like green snot.
Leaving Muriel even more abusive, hateful and self-absorbed than Eustace, the bug-eyed visitor returns to his starship and delivers the sample of "kindness" to his huge, immobile master.
The overbrain (as I'm going to call him, because that's what you call these kinds of things) boasts that he now knows the secret to ruling all the universe, because "with kindness, I know what NOT to be!." How cute is that? You didn't need to go through all that, overbrain! It's just called being a dick, and you can find that within all of us, if you just care to look!
Freeing the liquid love from the throbbing organ (I'm not sorry for any of that) Courage not only manages to restore Muriel, but gives a splash to the little brain and turns him to the side of good...shortly before handing him a lit bomb, which the naive extraterrestrial graciously accepts. Damn, Courage, that's cold. Fortunately, he gets better. A lot better.
Freaky Fred
EPISODE: "Freaky Fred"
A fan favorite, Muriel's young nephew Fred isn't even a space monster, an android or a reanimated corpse, but easily one of the creepiest things Courage ever faces. Escaping from his padded cell, he drops in on the Bagges for a visit and spends most of the episode narrating his thoughts to us - in rhyme - as he reflects on his long history of being, as he puts it, "nnnaaaaauuuuughtyyyy."
Fred is a barber, a freaky barber, with an inability to resist shaving people and animals entirely hairless. For the purposes of the cartoon, it's a stand-in for serial murder, but when you get right down to it, significantly more distressing. Fred is really, really into shaving others without their consent, which you may or may not know is a real sexual fetish. He is physically unable to restrain himself for long in the presence of anyone else's hair. It made a mess of his childhood, his only known relationship and his career, and he doesn't regret any of it.
Particularly terrifying - and hysterical - is the moment when Fred shaves off the pancakes he forced into the dog's mouth. Be honest, here, how utterly violated and wrong would you feel if this were you? I'm not counting those of you who just realized you have a new kink. The kind of guy who does this to someone's dog is the kind of guy you trust even less than a convicted killer.
The best part is, Fred essentially "wins," since he succeeds in completely removing virtually all hair from Courage, except for his tail (which, in Fred's own words, would just be "weird") before he's returned to the psychiatric ward, which doesn't seem to bother him in the least.
Did we mention his theme music? It's too bad there isn't a full, clear version of the track I could link you too, but you get the idea. There were a lot of memorable, cool and clever bad guys in Courage, and sometimes equally cool good guys - like the heartbreaking space squids, or the Hunchback - but my dumb favorites list should do for now.
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CDC's 50th anniversary -- July 1, 1996
MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report	; v. 45, no. 25
Public Health/History/United States
History of CDC -- Notifiable disease surveillance and notifiable disease statistics--United States, June 1946 and June 1996 -- Addition of prevalence of cigarette smoking as a nationally notifiable condition-- June 1996 -- Smallpox--Stockholm, Sweden, 1963 -- Pentachlorophenol poisoning in newborn infants--St. Louis, Missouri, 1967 -- Outbreaks of Cyclospora cayetanensis Infection--United States, 1996 -- Resources about CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention--CDC--traces its roots to an organization established in the southeastern United States during World War II to prevent malaria among personnel training on U.S. military bases. On July 1, 1996, CDC formally celebrates its 50th anniversary as a federal agency dedicated to ensuring the public's health through close cooperation with state and local health departments and with other organizations committed to improving health in the United States and throughout the world. To commemorate this anniversary, this issue of MMWR presents reports that offer special perspectives: a historical overview of CDC; national morbidity data from June 8, 1946, and June 22, 1996; reprints of articles published in CDC's earlier years--reports about an outbreak of smallpox and an outbreak of pentachlorophenol poisoning in newborn infants; and information resources about CDC. In addition, this issue reports the recent historic decision by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to designate the prevalence of cigarette smoking as a notifiable condition for national public health surveillance. A "latebreaking" report summarizes the investigation of a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora (an emerging pathogen) infection and underscores the continuing need to address new public health threats. Subsequent issues of MMWR this year may include reprints of selected reports of historical interest.
urn:sha256:ad4e25731cb3a5d0d9bda572e9114702192110ef99d0c4873fc9b6f0f8e2e933
Dateline: CDC ; special 50th anniversary issue, November 1996
Dateline: CDC
Cover title: Nation's prevention agency : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Physical activity and health; a report of the Surgeon General : executive summary
United States, Public Health Service., Office of the Surgeon General.. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (U.S.). President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (U.S.).
This first Surgeon General's report on physical activity is being released on the eve of the Centennial Olympic Games-the premiere event showcasing the world's greatest athletes. It is fitting that the games are being held in Atlanta, Georgia, home o...
MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, Vol. 45, no. 25, June 28, 1996
National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS); 50th anniversary symposium, June 2000
United States, National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics.. National Center for Health Statistics (U.S.).
DHHS publication ; no. (PHS) 01-1205-1
"This volume marks a significant moment in the history of the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics. The Committee, which advises the Department of Health and Human Services, has helped shape the Nation's health statistics and information...
Epidemiologic notes and reports. Angiosarcoma of the liver among polyvinyl chloride workers--Kentucky. 1974
Landrigan, Philip J.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.). Office of the Associate Director for Science.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Epidemiologic notes and reports. Angiosarcoma of the liver among polyvinyl chloride workers--Kentucky. 1974. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1997 Feb 7;46(5):97-101. PMID: 9045039
MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report ; v. 46, no. 5, p. [97]-101
Originally published February 9, 1974, reprinted February 7, 1997 with editorial note by Philip J. Landrigan. : As part of its commemoration of CDC's 50th anniversary, MMWR is reprinting selected MMWR articles of historical interest to public healt...


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Watching Exhilarating Samurais On Horseback – Soma Nomaoi
Destination Spotlight
The Soma Nomaoi is a 3-day festival takes place during the last weekend of July every year, and is centered around 3 main shrines in the cities of Minamisoma and Soma.
It is thought that the festival has its roots in a local tradition from the 10th century, when horses were chased and tamed as part of military exercises secretly held by the city's samurai warriors. How amazing is it to go to a festival which has been happening in one form or another for 1000 years?!
Those who take part in the festival are people from samurai or noble families, many of whom have received armour passed down from their ancestors.
On the first day, A ceremonial opening act called a 'Departure Ceremony' is held at the 3 main shrines involved in the festivals. There are also pre-event horse races, to get everyone excited for the excitement to come during the next day.
There are quite a lot of websites with the details of the festival, but I'll briefly about the festival's schedule during this post! I actually headed to Minamisoma on the second day of the festival, and have written about the day's events below.
PROCESSIONS (GYORETSU)
Those who will take part in the day's events take part in a stunning 3 km procession through Haranomachi, to the town's race course – bringing portable shrines and all!
Going to see the gyoretsu means you'll get a chance to see cute kids wearing samurai armour – not to be missed!
KACCHU KEIBA HORSE RACING
10 horse races are held at midday. All of the riders wear 'kacchu' – a type of samurai armour, which I got to try on during a previous visit to Minamisoma!
Having had experience wearing real kacchu, I know how hot and heavy the armour is. I could only wear it for about 10 minutes before getting a bit tired, so I don't know how everyone managed to wear them for the whole day, despite the hot midday sun!
The races were really exciting to watch. As the riders zoomed past, mud was thrown up in the air, covering a lot of them – and some members of the crowd!
A number of people tumbled off their horses, many of the races were incredibly close, so I couldn't take my eyes off of the race course.
SHINKI SODATSUSEN
This is the part of the day that I could not pronounce no matter how many times I tried to say it!
Hundreds of riders gather in the central field. Flags are shot into the sky using fireworks, and the riders must chase after them, and catch them before the others.
There were 2 things that surprised me about this event
There were boys and girls who looked like they must be middle school kids taking part
It reminded me so much of Quidditch – with flags as the Snitch, and horses instead of brooms!
I spent a lot of the second festival day trying – and failing – to take good photographs, so I am jealous of the attendees who sat in the audience seats and got to watch the whole thing. I enjoyed the day a surprising amount for someone with a phobia of horses, and I would definitely like to go again! We left before evening, but if we had stayed, we would have seen a fireworks display, held in Odaka town for the first time in 7 years.
The third day also includes important traditional events, such as Nomagake – where two brown and one white 'wild' horses are caught barehanded, and then taken to Odaka Shrine to be blessed. This is the part of the festival which gives it its name – which translate as 'Soma's Wild Horse Chase'.
It's so exciting that Odaka has once again become able to hold an event which has been practised and celebrated among local people for a millennium. It certainly is a clear demonstration of Odaka's revitalization progress.
I'm hoping to interview somebody who participated in the festival at some point – I'm looking forward to finding out what they think about this tradition!
TIPS FOR VISITING THE FESTIVAL:
Bring water! And sun cream!
Bring a camera with a long zoom!
If you come on the second day and want a good seat for the horse race, you have to leave the street processions early. The road to the race course is just a straight line from where the processions are, so it is easy to find!
Shuttle buses run from JR Haranomachi Station during festival time.
There are also buses that leave Sendai Station.
A Complete Guide to Visiting Fukushima During Winter
The coldest months of the year bring beautiful scenery to Fukushima prefecture. Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba Viewpoint From snow-capped mountains and thatched-roof houses in the Aizu area to the refreshing view of the sunrise over the iconic Bentenjima Shrine in the Hattachi coast, there is a wide variety of attractions and activities to enjoy during winter in Fukushima. We've compiled some useful information to make your winter getaway to Fukushima prefecture smoother and more enjoyable! Yanaizu Town Transportation Checking the Status of the Roads Before Departure Especially in the Aizu and Central areas of Fukushima, a snow storm could occasionally block some roads or affect visibility (a phenomenon known as a whiteout). Checking the status of the roads makes your trip safer and can help you foresee potential delays. This webpage shows camera footage of the status of the roads (available only in Japanese). Click or tap on the camera button in the area you're planning on visiting. Select the road you'd like to see on the new pop-up window. In most rent-a-car facilities, you'll be asked where you're going and be given a vehicle equipped with what you need (winter tires, chains, etc.). Preparing for Longer Travel Times Because road conditions change unexpectedly, it's best to expect longer travel times, particularly if you're traveling by bus or car. As an example, check the following estimates: Aizu-Wakamatsu City to Ouchi-juku: normally takes around 45 min. (90 min on snow-covered roads) Ouchi-juku to Tadami: normally takes around 90 min. (150 min. on snow-covered roads) Tadami to Kaneyama Town: normally takes around 40 min. (90 min. on snow-covered roads) Kaneyama Town to Mishima Town: normally takes around 30 min. (90 min. on snow-covered roads) Mishima Town to Aizu-Wakamatsu City: normally takes around 50 min. (120 min. on snow-covered roads). Finding the Public Transportation Winter Schedule Some buses or trains, like the Saruyuugou loop bus in Ouchi-juku, have different schedules in the winter. The service can either become reduced or extended for special events. If you'll be relying on public transportation, take a close look at the time schedule for any notations of changes during the winter. If it's only in Japanese and you can't read it, inquire at the closest station or local tourist information office (or send us a message and we'll do our best to assist you). Some hotels and ski resorts offer shuttle bus services to and from the closest station, such as the Minowa Ski Resort free shuttle bus service from Fukushima station. Be sure to make a reservation in advance. Activities Extreme Onsen Experience We've been getting many inquiries about the Extreme Onsen Experience recently. For safety reasons, it's not possible to climb Mount Adatara when it's covered by snow, so the tour becomes temporarily unavailable until the snow melts in the spring (write us a message if you'd like to be notified once the tour becomes available again!). Alternatively... Soaking in the hot springs while contemplating a snowy landscape is a truly magical experience that you can enjoy in many other onsen towns in Fukushima, like the nostalgic Tsuchiyu Onsen Town. Tsuchiyu Onsen Town Goshiki-numa Ponds If you'd like to visit the Goshiki-numa ponds during winter, we recommend booking a snowshoe tour and going with an experienced guide, as travelers are discouraged from visiting independently. Goshikinuma Ponds Snowshoe Experience If you're interested in the experience, recommend contacting Aizu Dream Development, which organizes winter tours to Goshikinuma, and has English support. Other Places That Are or May Become Closed for the Winter Here are some sightseeing spots, experiences and tours that are only (or mostly) available from spring to fall (usually April to November) and could thus become unavailable during the winter: Unavailable In the Winter Still available, but... The Bandai-Azuma Skyline Ebisu Circuit could become closed in case of heavy snowfall (check the live camera and contact Ebisu Circuit directly for more information) Crossing Mugenkyo Ravine by Ferry (Mugenkyo no Watashi) Goshiki-numa and Oze National Park are closed to individual travelers and some of their facilities become unavailable. For safety reasons, it is advised for travelers to only visit as part of a guided tour organized by a reputable company or with an appropriate permit. Extreme Onsen Experience, Soma City Bamboo Fishing Tour, SUP Experience at Menuma Pond and the Ouchi-juku Time Slip & Soba Making Experience. Experiences that are still available during the winter months: The Ouchi-juku kimono experience, Kitakata Ramen-Making Experience, Kitakata Organic Vegetable Harvesting Experience & Lodging, Minamiaizu Private Taxi Program and the Minamisoma Coast Trekking. Finding Winter Destinations While some places and experiences enter an hibernation of sorts, others take center stage. Ski slopes, with powder snow and lots of activities for the entire family, become one of the main attractions in Fukushima (check out our 2-day skiing itinerary here). Winter festivals, illuminations and other events enliven several spots around Fukushima (check our calendar for winter events in Fukushima in 2023). If You're Planning The Ultimate Winter Road Trip... Bring snacks and drinks with you! Japanese convenience stores and vending machines are spread out in remote rural areas. It's always safer to bring snacks and drinks with you, particularly if you are traveling with children. If you would like to know where to go for pit stops, roadside stations, known in Japanese as "michi no eki" (道の駅) usually have local specialty foods and souvenirs. Prepare for the Unexpected—and the Beautiful We recently visited the famous No. 1 Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint with my coworker. In the morning, we were told that the JR Tadami Line, which famously runs over the scenic bridge, had canceled operations for the day due to heavy snowfall, but we decided to go anyway. When we arrived at the viewpoint, it was snowing heavily and there was zero visibility—the iconic view was nothing but an indistinguishable mass of white and gray. We decided to drive to another scenic point (Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba Viewpoint) hoping the sky would clear up. It finally did and we were lucky to get beautiful shots of both places. You never know when you can enjoy a snow-covered landscape with clear skies. Winter is a delightful season to travel around Fukushima and take in the views of its many scenic towns, winter festivals, and glistening lakes nested in the mountains. Miyakoji Area in Tamura City The coastal area is also worth a visit during this time; its famous sunshine and tropical feel make it a perfect getaway from the harsher cold inland. If you're thinking of visiting the sunny city of Iwaki, check out our recent post, 5 Things to Do in Iwaki City This Winter. If you have any questions about traveling in Fukushima, please send it to us using the contact form you can find on our website. We hope you enjoy your stay in Fukushima!
2023 Winter Festivals in Fukushima: Dates and Times
During the first months of the year, Fukushima prefecture becomes enlivened with colorful festivals and traditional events. Craft displays in Iwaki, snow festivals in Tadami and Ouchi-juku, and one of Japan's most famous daruma markets in Shirakawa, to name a few, are excellent ways to experience the true folk of Fukushima! Here are the dates and times for some of the winter festivals taking place in Fukushima prefecture in 2023: Tadami Snow Festival (只見雪まつり) The Tadami Snow Festival is scheduled this year after a three-year hiatus. Place: In front of Tadami Station, Tadami Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Pref. 968-0421 Date: Festival eve celebration: February 10 (Friday) February 11 (Saturday) and 12 (Sunday), 2023 Time: All day during the weekend, evening on Friday More information here. Ouchi-juku Snow Festival (大内宿雪まつり) Ouchi-juku's Snow Festival features traditional Japanese performances, an incredible firework show, and a town that feels like it still exists in the Edo Period, illuminated solely by the light of lanterns made of snow. Place: Ouchi-juku (Yamamoto, Ouchi, Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Pref. 969-5207) Time: Varies depending on the event (see event website for details) Date: February 5 (Sunday) to February 11 (Saturday) More information here. Higashiyama Onsen Candle Festival (雪見ろうそく) Every evening from Christmas until around the end of February (depending on the amount of snow), Higashiyama Onsen town is filled with the lights of candles. Place: Higashiyama Onsen, Aizu-Wakamatsu City (map) Date: From December 17, 2022 (Saturday) until February 28, 2023 (Tuesday) Time: In December and January: from 16:30 to 18:00. In February: From 17:00 to 18:30. Aizu Painted Candle Festival (会津絵ろうそくまつり) Aizu Painted Candle Festival is when Oyakuen Garden really comes into its element, as the garden becomes 1 of 2 main stages during the 2 day festival period. The other stage is at Tsuruagajo Castle. Oyakuen Garden often hosts live performances of traditional Japanese music during the evening during the festival. Tens of thousands of candles illuminate the castle and the garden over the 2 day festival period, creating absolutely stunning scenes as the sun sets. Place: Tsurugajo Castle and Oyakuen Garden Date: February 10 (Friday) and 11 (Saturday), 2023. Time: From 17:30 until 20:30 More information here. Shirakawa Daruma Market (白河だるま市) 700 stalls selling daruma standing along a 1.5km long street in central Shirakawa City during the Shirakawa Daruma Market. There are 18 different varieties of daruma to choose from, all looking for a loving home and an owner to give them a goal or wish to look after! Place: The main street in front of Shirakawa Station that runs parallel to the train line. Date: February 11 (Saturday), 2023. Time: Not specified. More information here. Iwaki Tsurushi-bina Matsuri (いわきつるしびな祭り) This festival was started in recent years as a way of celebrating the Nakanosaku district of Iwaki City, and rejuvenating the area. During the festival, hundreds of decorative items hand-made by local people from chirimen fabric – the fabric used to create kimonos – are displayed and sold over a period of two days. Place: Nakanosaku, Iwaki City (Map) Date: From January 28 (Saturday) to February 5 (Sunday), 2023. Time: From 10:00 to 16:00. More information here. Nanokado Hadaka Mairi Festival (七日堂裸詣り) During this traditional event - which draws many tourists every year - local men clad in loincloths make the challenging climb to the top of Enzoji Temple, in the hopes of ensuring happiness and protection from disease in the year to come. This event is celebrated every year on January 7th. It was already held in 2023. Place: Enzoji Temple, Jikemachi-ko 176, Yanaizu Town, Kawanuma District, Fukushima Pref. 969-7201 Date: January 7 (Saturday), 2023. Time: From 20:00. More information here.
Ideas for Winter Trips in Fukushima
I decided to write a bucket list of things to try out in Fukushima during the winter months! 1) TAKE IN THE VIEWS OF BEAUTIFUL OKU-AIZU The Tadami Line train connects Aizu-Wakamatsu City with Niigata Prefecture via some of Fukushima's most beautiful rural towns and villages. The route of this train ride is breath-taking throughout the year, and winter is no exception. I especially want to check out the view of Oshi Shuraku Hamlet (大志集落) in Kaneyama Town, which you can see in the photo below. This view spot is located at Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba (かねやまふれあい広場 – Map), which is a 10-minute walk from Kaneyama Station on the Tadami Line. 2) ATTEND SNOW FESTIVALS (AIZU, MINAMIAIZU) Most of the snow festivals held in Fukushima take place on the same weekend of the year, meaning that it's pretty difficult to visit more than one per year! I have attended both Ouchi-juku and Tadami Snow Festivals (mentioned below) in the same day, but I would recommend taking your time at each festival instead of rushing between them. AIZU PAINTED CANDLE FESTIVAL Aizu Painted Candle Festival is when Oyakuen Garden really comes into its element, as the garden becomes 1 of 2 main stages during the 2 day festival period. The other stage is at Tsuruagajo Castle. Oyakuen Garden often hosts live performances of traditional Japanese music during the evening during the festival. Tens of thousands of candles illuminate the castle and the garden over the 2 day festival period, creating absolutely stunning scenes as the sun sets. This festival is held to celebrate the traditional craft of Aizu's painted candles, which have been produced in the region for 500 years. DATE: Second Friday and Saturday of February LOCATION: Tsuruga-jo Castle Venue (Map) & Oyakuen Venue (Map) HIGASHIYAMA ONSEN CANDLE FESTIVAL Every evening from Christmas until around the end of February (depending on the amount of snow), Higashiyama Onsen town is filled with the lights of candles. The lighting of these candles usually occurs between 16:00 to 18:00, so if you are staying in this onsen town during the winter, be sure to check it out. DATE: Late December – Late February LOCATION: Higashiyama Onsen, Aizu-Wakamatsu City (Map) OUCHI-JUKU SNOW FESTIVAL Ouchi-juku's Snow Festival features traditional Japanese performances, an incredible firework show, and a town that feels like it still exists in the Edo Period, illuminated solely by the light of lanterns made of snow. There are plenty of nearby onsen ryokan where you can warm up & stay overnight at the end of the evening. Not much beats that for a snow festival, does it? DATE: Second weekend of February LOCATION: Ouchi-juku, Shimogo Town TADAMI SNOW FESTIVAL This snow festival is the largest in Fukushima Prefecture. Often welcoming special guests (such as Kumamon) this snow festival features snow sculptures, igloos, places for kids to play, and lots of traditional crafts and tasty food to check out. Oh, and also a fantastic fireworks show. DATE: Second Saturday and Sunday of February LOCATION:Tadami Eki Mae Hiroba (JR只見駅前広場) (Map) 3) PICK-YOUR-OWN STRAWBERRIES IN SOMA (SOMA CITY) Soma area is well known for its bright-coloured, juicy strawberries. I've been lucky enough to try some in my office when visitors have brought them as gifts for my colleagues, but I really want to go to Soma and pick some strawberries of my own! 4) ATTEND CRAFT FESTIVALS (SHIRAKAWA CITY, IWAKI CITY) SHIRAKAWA DARUMA MARKET Daruma are good luck charms originating from Buddhism. It is a common new year's traditional in Japan to buy a daruma soon after the start of the new year. After purchasing a daruma, you should think carefully and decide on 1 wish or goal that you want to achieve during the year. Then, draw in the daruma's left eye (or right eye if you are facing it), and then draw in the other eye when your wish or goal is completed. 700 stalls selling daruma standing along a 1.5km long street in central Shirakawa City during the Shirakawa Daruma Market. There are 18 different varieties of daruma to choose from, all looking for a loving home and an owner to give them a goal or wish to look after! DATE: Held annually on February 11 LOCATION: The main street in front of Shirakawa Station that runs parallel to the train line. IWAKI TSURUSHI BINA FESTIVAL This festival was started in recent years as a way of celebrating the Nakanosaku district of Iwaki City, and rejuvenating the area. During the festival, hundreds of decorative items hand-made by local people from chirimen fabric – the fabric used to create kimonos – are displayed and sold over a period of 2days. These Tsurushi Bina decorations are traditionally given to young girls on Girls' Day, in March. They come in all shapes and sizes, but in Fukushima I have seen lots of decorations shaped like animals and vegetables. This festival represents a rare opportunity to see so many of these beautiful, painstakingly handmade decorations in one place, so I really want to go check it out next year. DATE: Early February LOCATION:清航館, Nakanosaku, Iwaki City (Map) ENTRANCE FEE:100 yen 5) HIT THE SKI SLOPES This year I really hope I get to try out skiing in Fukushima Prefecture. There are so many different ski areas spread all over the huge prefecture, from the relatively temperate slopes in Inawashiro, where skiiers are blessed with a view of Lake Inawashiro as they descend down the slopes, to the deep snow country of Hinoemata. Aizu Ski Japan is a really good English-language website to use as a resource for getting to grips with the type of ski areas available in the prefecture. 6) GO WAKASAGI (SMELT) FISHING Rent out a tent at the centre of Lake Hibara in Urabandai, make a hole in the ice in front of you, and try out smelt fishing this winter! There are a number of different companies that take visitors out onto the lake during the winter months, when smelt fishing is allowed to take place, but it may be a little difficult to try this out if you don't speak Japanese. Rental costs all depend on the individual company or organisation. LOCATION: Lake Hibara (Map) 7) WATCH THE SUN RISE ON NEW YEAR'S DAY This beautiful spot on the coast of Iwaki City is a very special place for local people, especially fisherman, who visit Hattachi Coast on New Year's Day to show their faith to the Buddha of Hattachi Yakushi. The Hattachi Coast is one of many places on the coast of Fukushima that was devastated by the 2011 tsunami, and is therefore a very bittersweet place for many locals. It has not lost its spiritual hold over visitors though, or its breathtaking scenery. A seriously beautiful spot for those who like photography, and those who would like to make connections with local folk from Iwaki during the early hours of the new year. LOCATION: Hattachi Coast, Iwaki City (Map)