wild-hair theory of the moment
the increased desire for commercial goods is directly related to the mind-numbingness of one's daily life. If one is living a James Bond-esque lifestyle, filled with skin of the teeth escapes, one does not find much desire to purchase the Lost season 4 box set, for example. OTOH, if one is fulfilling the role of another cog in the machine of life, a combination recliner/massage/foot bath/reading light/sound system might be just the ticket...