Consumers’ hibernation may be over, according to an article in Ad Age. While the recession kept consumers eating at home, limiting spending and buying private-label goods, there are some signs that these behaviors are beginning to change. For instance, March showed the largest one-month gain in consumer spending in over a decade and auto sales are up by 24% from a year ago, a huge positive gain. In addition, private label sales have been leveling off in the last few months. Furthermore, Consumer Edge Research’s tracking study found that people eating out more than they had been even a few months ago, are less likely to wait for a deal (in the form of coupons or price promotions) and are more likely to buy toiletries and cosmetics.