Exodus piles on misery for Martha

THE threat of prison hanging over Martha Stewart has taken its toll on customer loyalty to the domestic style queen.

A survey shows that nearly 30% of them were less likely to buy her products since she was charged with interfering with an investigation into her sale of shares in ImClone Systems that prosecutors say was suspicious.

A survey of 1000 consumers conducted by America's Research Group (ARG) showed that 28.6% are now less likely to buy Martha Stewart brand products. Only a year ago, the figure in a similar poll was 17.8%.

Britt Beemer, head of ARG, said: 'Until this case is resolved, I think her consumer confidence numbers are going to stay at this same level or get worse.'

However, if Stewart is cleared, Beemer says she has a good chance of bouncing back. Stewart has also been hit by events beyond her control, such as when Kmart closed some 600 of its 2100 stores which carry her lines.