Father's Day sales look to be slower this season

NEW YORK It looks as though dad might have to do without this year.

Sales of some expensive items for Father’s Day are down this year because of the lackluster economy, according to consumer research firm BrandKeys Inc.

In a survey, BrandKeys found that 90 percent of consumers—a 7 percent increase over last year—planned to buy their fathers greeting cards. At the same time, however, the number of planned purchases of computers was too insignificant to even make the list.

Overall, the numbers of consumers planning to buy gifts are down by 7 percent, from last year’s 77 percent.