Much of women's household role remains unchanged, study finds

NEW YORK — Even decades of social change haven't changed one thing: women's continued dominance of the retail marketplace, according to a new study.

The survey of more than 1,000 women, commissioned by PLMA and conducted by GfK Custom Research North America, found that women's time spent grocery shopping has not decreased despite their personal and professional advancements. Two-thirds of women say they handle much of the grocery shopping, while three-quarters of them forming shopping lists and 53% of respondents clip coupons and search for specials. Forty percent say they spend about an hour in the supermarket.

In addition, 84% say they act as the sole preparers of meals, with 61% preparing meals at least five times per week and 64% making most meals using fresh ingredients. Seven-in-10 say cleaning the house is their job, and three-quarters handle most of the laundry.