Is Anyone Buying Anything?

[Lawlar]

Some days I think the economy isn't too bad. Here in Santa Barbara you can see lots of people out shopping (not your typical town). I did walk through the shopping mall in Woodland Hills a week ago and, as of 10am on a Saturday, the place was empty.

Take a look at the pictures of unsold cars piling up:
http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogs...images-from-around-world.html?ref=patrick.net

Just how bad is it?

 

[wackymother]

I bought a 10yo used Toyota Sienna! I'm doing my bit for the economy!

 

[rsnash]

I just bought a TS for $1 + 2009 MF.

My mom called to tell me how Nordstrom's is having some big sale. But you know what saves even more money than a big sale?
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Not going to the mall.

 

[ausman]

I've been in Retail.

And still follow because now in business I'm tied into a reverse retail cycle.

For the current holliday season, Oct - Dec, comp sales are off 30 - 50 %, depending on who you speak to, and who admits to what.

 

[Fern Modena]

I was talking to somebody who has worked at Supercuts for over ten years. They work in Henderson, NV, which is fairly affluent, although probably not the people who go to Supercuts. Anyway, my friend says that their business is off about 50%, and that's for a $12.95 haircut. That's pretty bad.

We occasionally shop at Walmart Neighborhood Store. That's not a full service Walmart, but a grocery/pharmacy/health & beauty aids/photo store. The business at this store has more than quadrupled in the last year.

Fern

 

[Glynda]

My part...

I'm certainly doing my part!

 

[tlwmkw]

I talked to a couple of realtors here who I know- they claim business is still doing great (!!!!). I can't believe this- I think they are trying to spin the situation and keep customers. I do know that a number of realtors have left the business, and a number of new home builders have shut down or gone bankrupt. Mortgage brokers are doing business again with refis but how long can that last? It's a scary time- but I guess we just have to let the infection clear and then (hopefully in not too many years) things will get back on a more normal footing.

 

[1950bing]

In times such as we are in now, remember the little guy. Your mom & pop stores that were around before any big box stores. I for one have never been into wallie world. The little stores have supported local events, churches, high school football and all kinds of local stuff for a long long time. Now we can return the favor to them. Remember, after they are gone they will not be back.

 

[Carol C]

In times such as we are in now, remember the little guy. Your mom & pop stores that were around before any big box stores. I for one have never been into wallie world. The little stores have supported local events, churches, high school football and all kinds of local stuff for a long long time. Now we can return the favor to them. Remember, after they are gone they will not be back.

Thank you for saying what many of us feel. Also I'd like to add: read labels and buy American-made when available.

 

[Patri]

I went to the mall for the first time in six months. Lots of people on a Sunday. Clearance sales going on. I'm looking for a winter coat but they were still way too expensive. In Feb. our local consignment shop has everything half off. That's where I'll buy one or two I like.

 

[ricoba]

I thought this article from Forbes tied in nicely to this thread, showing 10 things people are still purchasing.

 

[Sir Newf]

"Think Globally.....Shop Locally".....local businesses are the give-backs to the community...support them, so they can continue to support the local community. I do my part every chance I get: cars, clothes, books, etc

 

[Lawlar]

Buy American

"Think Globally.....Shop Locally".....local businesses are the give-backs to the community...support them, so they can continue to support the local community. I do my part every chance I get: cars, clothes, books, etc

I shop every week at the local farmers' market. Good for the economy and our health.

We buy American cars. If we are going to spend billions to bail them out, why would we then turn around and buy foreign cars?

 

[Passepartout]

I shop every week at the local farmers' market. Good for the economy and our health.

We buy American cars. If we are going to spend billions to bail them out, why would we then turn around and buy foreign cars?

Lawlar, I applaud you.

Seems to me there are too many who buy Saudi or Venezuelan oil to put in their Japanese car to go to Wal-Mart to buy Chinese stuff and food shipped cross country to undercut the local farmers. All this so our taxes can pay the medical bills and schooling of illegal immigrants. Then gripe that the economy sure is on the rocks.

I think I get it.

Jim Ricks

 

[Barbeque]

I heard gun and ammo sales are up

 

[MuranoJo]

I heard gun and ammo sales are up

Too funny.
:rofl:

 

[TerriJ]

I am still spending my travel dollars. We have cut back on more expensive restaurants and some on clothes (our closets are full anyway).