Lipstick indicator ?

[kaycee]

I’ve been googling around trying to find out any info on lipstick sales. There is that idea that lipsticks are a contra-recession product. Historically as we slip into recession, sales of lipsticks go up.

I was at the mall yesterday and it was PACKED. I actually couldn’t get into some stores they were so full. Game Stop and The Apple Store in particular. The lines at the stores that I went into were abnormally long. Especially at American Eagle, Williams Sonoma and Banana Republic. It certainly didn’t look like a recession to me. So I was wondering if all those people were buying cheaper goods? Or if they’re just spending their gift cards, thus not really adding any new money to the bottom line?

Any one seen a figure or news article on this recently?

Thanks,

Kaycee

[kewp]

I seem to remember that, historically, entertainment products do well in recession/depressions. Lots of unemployed folks looking for a cheap way to pass the time.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

kaycee: According to an article in the WSJ this week, this is the worst period for retailers in five years.

I was at North County Fair two weeks ago. Foot traffic seemed okay, but every single store we walked past had Clearance Sale or Final Sale or Going out of Business Sale signs in the windows.

[TheBreeze]

This brings to mind kind of a related issue. How will all the peeps with real-estate related jobs show up in the unemployment figures? For instance, if a real estate agent hasn’t made a sale in 10 months or a mortgage broker hasn’t closed a deal since last summer, they won’t show up on the unemployment rolls with they? A lot of these folks may have already gotten second jobs that pay much less than what they were making during the boom. In that case, would they ever show up in the unemployment figures? I’m guessing not.

Since this is a real-estate related downturn, I expect that the unemployment figures won’t give an accurate picture of this economic slowdown/recession. Instead, average income will likely provide a more accurate depiction.

[TheBreeze]

This brings to mind kind of a related issue. How will all the peeps with real-estate related jobs show up in the unemployment figures? For instance, if a real estate agent hasn’t made a sale in 10 months or a mortgage broker hasn’t closed a deal since last summer, they won’t show up on the unemployment rolls with they? A lot of these folks may have already gotten second jobs that pay much less than what they were making during the boom. In that case, would they ever show up in the unemployment figures? I’m guessing not.

Since this is a real-estate related downturn, I expect that the unemployment figures won’t give an accurate picture of this economic slowdown/recession. Instead, average income will likely provide a more accurate depiction.

[TheBreeze]

This brings to mind kind of a related issue. How will all the peeps with real-estate related jobs show up in the unemployment figures? For instance, if a real estate agent hasn’t made a sale in 10 months or a mortgage broker hasn’t closed a deal since last summer, they won’t show up on the unemployment rolls with they? A lot of these folks may have already gotten second jobs that pay much less than what they were making during the boom. In that case, would they ever show up in the unemployment figures? I’m guessing not.

Since this is a real-estate related downturn, I expect that the unemployment figures won’t give an accurate picture of this economic slowdown/recession. Instead, average income will likely provide a more accurate depiction.

[TheBreeze]

This brings to mind kind of a related issue. How will all the peeps with real-estate related jobs show up in the unemployment figures? For instance, if a real estate agent hasn’t made a sale in 10 months or a mortgage broker hasn’t closed a deal since last summer, they won’t show up on the unemployment rolls with they? A lot of these folks may have already gotten second jobs that pay much less than what they were making during the boom. In that case, would they ever show up in the unemployment figures? I’m guessing not.

Since this is a real-estate related downturn, I expect that the unemployment figures won’t give an accurate picture of this economic slowdown/recession. Instead, average income will likely provide a more accurate depiction.

[TheBreeze]

This brings to mind kind of a related issue. How will all the peeps with real-estate related jobs show up in the unemployment figures? For instance, if a real estate agent hasn’t made a sale in 10 months or a mortgage broker hasn’t closed a deal since last summer, they won’t show up on the unemployment rolls with they? A lot of these folks may have already gotten second jobs that pay much less than what they were making during the boom. In that case, would they ever show up in the unemployment figures? I’m guessing not.

Since this is a real-estate related downturn, I expect that the unemployment figures won’t give an accurate picture of this economic slowdown/recession. Instead, average income will likely provide a more accurate depiction.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

kaycee: According to an article in the WSJ this week, this is the worst period for retailers in five years.

I was at North County Fair two weeks ago. Foot traffic seemed okay, but every single store we walked past had Clearance Sale or Final Sale or Going out of Business Sale signs in the windows.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

kaycee: According to an article in the WSJ this week, this is the worst period for retailers in five years.

I was at North County Fair two weeks ago. Foot traffic seemed okay, but every single store we walked past had Clearance Sale or Final Sale or Going out of Business Sale signs in the windows.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

kaycee: According to an article in the WSJ this week, this is the worst period for retailers in five years.

I was at North County Fair two weeks ago. Foot traffic seemed okay, but every single store we walked past had Clearance Sale or Final Sale or Going out of Business Sale signs in the windows.

[Allan from Fallbrook]

kaycee: According to an article in the WSJ this week, this is the worst period for retailers in five years.

I was at North County Fair two weeks ago. Foot traffic seemed okay, but every single store we walked past had Clearance Sale or Final Sale or Going out of Business Sale signs in the windows.

[kewp]

I seem to remember that, historically, entertainment products do well in recession/depressions. Lots of unemployed folks looking for a cheap way to pass the time.

[kewp]

I seem to remember that, historically, entertainment products do well in recession/depressions. Lots of unemployed folks looking for a cheap way to pass the time.

[kewp]

I seem to remember that, historically, entertainment products do well in recession/depressions. Lots of unemployed folks looking for a cheap way to pass the time.

[kewp]

I seem to remember that, historically, entertainment products do well in recession/depressions. Lots of unemployed folks looking for a cheap way to pass the time.

[bubble_contagion]

Fashion Valley was packed during the holidays and even after when I went for an exchange. I noticed a lot of people from Mexico, maybe taking advantage of the strong Peso or all that oil money or drug money. So I agree, the malls show no signs of recession.

As a matter of fact, during the last (very hard) Argentinian economic crisis a lot of women turned into prostitution so I guess more lipstick sales would make sense.

[kewp]

I’ve always said that only poor people shop at malls.

I wonder if this is just the death-rattle as consumer max out the last of their credit cards; or maybe we are all missing something?

[TheBreeze]

I’ve noticed a lot of foreigners at the malls as well. And not just Spanish speakers, but all different types of languages — Easter Europeans, Asians, British, Australian — pretty much every corner of the world. I think a lot of foreigners are taking advantage of the weak dollar. Maybe the foreigners can keep retail from totally collapsing.

[CDMA ENG]

CDMA ENG…

My grandfather is a succesful barber. Still working 65 years later and has nine chairs in his shop. Only works because of the social aspect of it. A true old time barber shop complete with the good ol’ boys sitting outside. He caters to a blue collar town.

I asked him once how he fairs during recession. He told me business is always up during that time. Claims it is a cheap way for people to keep thier self-esteem up or looking good incase of a job interview. Hence he does better.

By the way he charges 10.50 for a haircut.

Seems to support the logic of this thread.

Take care,

C.E.

[CDMA ENG]

CDMA ENG…

My grandfather is a succesful barber. Still working 65 years later and has nine chairs in his shop. Only works because of the social aspect of it. A true old time barber shop complete with the good ol’ boys sitting outside. He caters to a blue collar town.

I asked him once how he fairs during recession. He told me business is always up during that time. Claims it is a cheap way for people to keep thier self-esteem up or looking good incase of a job interview. Hence he does better.

By the way he charges 10.50 for a haircut.

Seems to support the logic of this thread.

Take care,

C.E.

[CDMA ENG]

CDMA ENG…

My grandfather is a succesful barber. Still working 65 years later and has nine chairs in his shop. Only works because of the social aspect of it. A true old time barber shop complete with the good ol’ boys sitting outside. He caters to a blue collar town.

I asked him once how he fairs during recession. He told me business is always up during that time. Claims it is a cheap way for people to keep thier self-esteem up or looking good incase of a job interview. Hence he does better.

By the way he charges 10.50 for a haircut.

Seems to support the logic of this thread.

Take care,

C.E.

[CDMA ENG]

CDMA ENG…

My grandfather is a succesful barber. Still working 65 years later and has nine chairs in his shop. Only works because of the social aspect of it. A true old time barber shop complete with the good ol’ boys sitting outside. He caters to a blue collar town.

I asked him once how he fairs during recession. He told me business is always up during that time. Claims it is a cheap way for people to keep thier self-esteem up or looking good incase of a job interview. Hence he does better.

By the way he charges 10.50 for a haircut.

Seems to support the logic of this thread.

Take care,

C.E.

[CDMA ENG]

CDMA ENG…

My grandfather is a succesful barber. Still working 65 years later and has nine chairs in his shop. Only works because of the social aspect of it. A true old time barber shop complete with the good ol’ boys sitting outside. He caters to a blue collar town.

I asked him once how he fairs during recession. He told me business is always up during that time. Claims it is a cheap way for people to keep thier self-esteem up or looking good incase of a job interview. Hence he does better.

By the way he charges 10.50 for a haircut.

Seems to support the logic of this thread.

Take care,

C.E.

[bubble_contagion]

No kidding, yesterday at the book store I noticed that the book I wanted to buy said: US$32, CAN$40. So sad.

[little lady]

“I seem to remember that, historically, entertainment products do well in recession/depressions. Lots of unemployed folks looking for a cheap way to pass the time.”

My grandfather was the manager of a movie theatre throughout the depression. My father says that was a good job to have because people went to the movies for “relief”(of their troubles). They found the money for that at least. Consequently, their family maintained a decent lifestyle during that time.

[CMcG]

The Europeans are buying our real estate, as well. Not enough to save the market, but they see our properties as a relative bargain. I read a newspaper article last week that said that the average middle-management four-BR home is $2.1 mil in Dublin. That’s the same as Beverly Hills.

[CMcG]

The Europeans are buying our real estate, as well. Not enough to save the market, but they see our properties as a relative bargain. I read a newspaper article last week that said that the average middle-management four-BR home is $2.1 mil in Dublin. That’s the same as Beverly Hills.

[CMcG]

The Europeans are buying our real estate, as well. Not enough to save the market, but they see our properties as a relative bargain. I read a newspaper article last week that said that the average middle-management four-BR home is $2.1 mil in Dublin. That’s the same as Beverly Hills.

[CMcG]

The Europeans are buying our real estate, as well. Not enough to save the market, but they see our properties as a relative bargain. I read a newspaper article last week that said that the average middle-management four-BR home is $2.1 mil in Dublin. That’s the same as Beverly Hills.

[CMcG]

The Europeans are buying our real estate, as well. Not enough to save the market, but they see our properties as a relative bargain. I read a newspaper article last week that said that the average middle-management four-BR home is $2.1 mil in Dublin. That’s the same as Beverly Hills.

[little lady]

“I seem to remember that, historically, entertainment products do well in recession/depressions. Lots of unemployed folks looking for a cheap way to pass the time.”

My grandfather was the manager of a movie theatre throughout the depression. My father says that was a good job to have because people went to the movies for “relief”(of their troubles). They found the money for that at least. Consequently, their family maintained a decent lifestyle during that time.

[little lady]

“I seem to remember that, historically, entertainment products do well in recession/depressions. Lots of unemployed folks looking for a cheap way to pass the time.”

My grandfather was the manager of a movie theatre throughout the depression. My father says that was a good job to have because people went to the movies for “relief”(of their troubles). They found the money for that at least. Consequently, their family maintained a decent lifestyle during that time.

[little lady]

“I seem to remember that, historically, entertainment products do well in recession/depressions. Lots of unemployed folks looking for a cheap way to pass the time.”

My grandfather was the manager of a movie theatre throughout the depression. My father says that was a good job to have because people went to the movies for “relief”(of their troubles). They found the money for that at least. Consequently, their family maintained a decent lifestyle during that time.

[little lady]

“I seem to remember that, historically, entertainment products do well in recession/depressions. Lots of unemployed folks looking for a cheap way to pass the time.”

My grandfather was the manager of a movie theatre throughout the depression. My father says that was a good job to have because people went to the movies for “relief”(of their troubles). They found the money for that at least. Consequently, their family maintained a decent lifestyle during that time.

[bubble_contagion]

No kidding, yesterday at the book store I noticed that the book I wanted to buy said: US$32, CAN$40. So sad.

[bubble_contagion]

No kidding, yesterday at the book store I noticed that the book I wanted to buy said: US$32, CAN$40. So sad.

[bubble_contagion]

No kidding, yesterday at the book store I noticed that the book I wanted to buy said: US$32, CAN$40. So sad.

[bubble_contagion]

No kidding, yesterday at the book store I noticed that the book I wanted to buy said: US$32, CAN$40. So sad.

[TheBreeze]

I’ve noticed a lot of foreigners at the malls as well. And not just Spanish speakers, but all different types of languages — Easter Europeans, Asians, British, Australian — pretty much every corner of the world. I think a lot of foreigners are taking advantage of the weak dollar. Maybe the foreigners can keep retail from totally collapsing.

[TheBreeze]

I’ve noticed a lot of foreigners at the malls as well. And not just Spanish speakers, but all different types of languages — Easter Europeans, Asians, British, Australian — pretty much every corner of the world. I think a lot of foreigners are taking advantage of the weak dollar. Maybe the foreigners can keep retail from totally collapsing.

[TheBreeze]

I’ve noticed a lot of foreigners at the malls as well. And not just Spanish speakers, but all different types of languages — Easter Europeans, Asians, British, Australian — pretty much every corner of the world. I think a lot of foreigners are taking advantage of the weak dollar. Maybe the foreigners can keep retail from totally collapsing.

[TheBreeze]

I’ve noticed a lot of foreigners at the malls as well. And not just Spanish speakers, but all different types of languages — Easter Europeans, Asians, British, Australian — pretty much every corner of the world. I think a lot of foreigners are taking advantage of the weak dollar. Maybe the foreigners can keep retail from totally collapsing.

[kewp]

I’ve always said that only poor people shop at malls.

I wonder if this is just the death-rattle as consumer max out the last of their credit cards; or maybe we are all missing something?

[kewp]

I’ve always said that only poor people shop at malls.

I wonder if this is just the death-rattle as consumer max out the last of their credit cards; or maybe we are all missing something?

[kewp]

I’ve always said that only poor people shop at malls.

I wonder if this is just the death-rattle as consumer max out the last of their credit cards; or maybe we are all missing something?

[kewp]

I’ve always said that only poor people shop at malls.

I wonder if this is just the death-rattle as consumer max out the last of their credit cards; or maybe we are all missing something?

[bubble_contagion]

Fashion Valley was packed during the holidays and even after when I went for an exchange. I noticed a lot of people from Mexico, maybe taking advantage of the strong Peso or all that oil money or drug money. So I agree, the malls show no signs of recession.

As a matter of fact, during the last (very hard) Argentinian economic crisis a lot of women turned into prostitution so I guess more lipstick sales would make sense.

[bubble_contagion]

Fashion Valley was packed during the holidays and even after when I went for an exchange. I noticed a lot of people from Mexico, maybe taking advantage of the strong Peso or all that oil money or drug money. So I agree, the malls show no signs of recession.

As a matter of fact, during the last (very hard) Argentinian economic crisis a lot of women turned into prostitution so I guess more lipstick sales would make sense.

[bubble_contagion]

Fashion Valley was packed during the holidays and even after when I went for an exchange. I noticed a lot of people from Mexico, maybe taking advantage of the strong Peso or all that oil money or drug money. So I agree, the malls show no signs of recession.

As a matter of fact, during the last (very hard) Argentinian economic crisis a lot of women turned into prostitution so I guess more lipstick sales would make sense.

[bubble_contagion]

Fashion Valley was packed during the holidays and even after when I went for an exchange. I noticed a lot of people from Mexico, maybe taking advantage of the strong Peso or all that oil money or drug money. So I agree, the malls show no signs of recession.

As a matter of fact, during the last (very hard) Argentinian economic crisis a lot of women turned into prostitution so I guess more lipstick sales would make sense.

[treylane]

I’ve been keeping my ear to the ground as far as the state of this country’s economy / financial markets goes. Sure, global housing bubbles are deflating, stock markets are having a tough time, there’s a global credit crisis, etc. Media outlets approaching “mainstream” are starting to drop the “R” word on a regular basis.

The thing is – I don’t see anything different on the street. A few people may be losing their jobs or homes, but the malls are still packed, the suv’s are still barreling down the roads, the help wanted ads are plenty long. I’m a not-particularly-high-end engineer, and I don’t personally know anybody losing their jobs or homes (though a few managed to refi before getting clobbered by arm resets). There were plenty of people at Best Buy making noises about those 50″ screens. I can’t SEE with my own eyes anything that looks like a broad recession.

What’s the deal? Are we in that period where we’re waiting for the full effects to hit? All my friends just happen to be in somewhat “insulated” industries? Am I shopping at the wrong stores?

[kaycee]

OK, so it isn’t only me. I do agree that there are a ton of mark down sales out there. But there always is after the Holidays. For the last several years at least, I find that stores totally over order for the Holidays so as not to miss the “must have” merchandise. Then they dump whatever wasn’t “must have” in January. I assume that there is a proven profit motive in this.

But still, even if this is bottom feeding shopping, there seems to be an abnormally high number of bottom feeders out there. I’m not seeing any pocketbook pinching. There were 9 cars in line at the Starbucks drive through today at 3 o’clock.

[kaycee]

OK, so it isn’t only me. I do agree that there are a ton of mark down sales out there. But there always is after the Holidays. For the last several years at least, I find that stores totally over order for the Holidays so as not to miss the “must have” merchandise. Then they dump whatever wasn’t “must have” in January. I assume that there is a proven profit motive in this.

But still, even if this is bottom feeding shopping, there seems to be an abnormally high number of bottom feeders out there. I’m not seeing any pocketbook pinching. There were 9 cars in line at the Starbucks drive through today at 3 o’clock.

[kaycee]

OK, so it isn’t only me. I do agree that there are a ton of mark down sales out there. But there always is after the Holidays. For the last several years at least, I find that stores totally over order for the Holidays so as not to miss the “must have” merchandise. Then they dump whatever wasn’t “must have” in January. I assume that there is a proven profit motive in this.

But still, even if this is bottom feeding shopping, there seems to be an abnormally high number of bottom feeders out there. I’m not seeing any pocketbook pinching. There were 9 cars in line at the Starbucks drive through today at 3 o’clock.

[kaycee]

OK, so it isn’t only me. I do agree that there are a ton of mark down sales out there. But there always is after the Holidays. For the last several years at least, I find that stores totally over order for the Holidays so as not to miss the “must have” merchandise. Then they dump whatever wasn’t “must have” in January. I assume that there is a proven profit motive in this.

But still, even if this is bottom feeding shopping, there seems to be an abnormally high number of bottom feeders out there. I’m not seeing any pocketbook pinching. There were 9 cars in line at the Starbucks drive through today at 3 o’clock.

[kaycee]

OK, so it isn’t only me. I do agree that there are a ton of mark down sales out there. But there always is after the Holidays. For the last several years at least, I find that stores totally over order for the Holidays so as not to miss the “must have” merchandise. Then they dump whatever wasn’t “must have” in January. I assume that there is a proven profit motive in this.

But still, even if this is bottom feeding shopping, there seems to be an abnormally high number of bottom feeders out there. I’m not seeing any pocketbook pinching. There were 9 cars in line at the Starbucks drive through today at 3 o’clock.

[kewp]

What’s the deal? Are we in that period where we’re waiting for the full effects to hit?

This may be the calm before the storm. When The dotbomb I worked for in 2001 was having trouble I wasn’t worried as there were still lots of folks hiring and the job market was strong. When I not surprisingly got laid off I even took a few months vacation to decompress and collect UE.

Next thing I know its 9/11/01 and every recruiter I talk to says they are getting 200+ resumes per open position.

So what I’m saying, is that we may have another ‘black swan’ event any day now. Terror attack, environmental catastrophe, market crash, who knows; that could tip us into a major recession. And cutting interest rates isn’t going to help us anymore.

But who knows, maybe it is different this time. Maybe technology has raised the efficiency and standard of living of the world enough that the bubble will become bedrock. I guess we will see.

[kewp]

What’s the deal? Are we in that period where we’re waiting for the full effects to hit?

This may be the calm before the storm. When The dotbomb I worked for in 2001 was having trouble I wasn’t worried as there were still lots of folks hiring and the job market was strong. When I not surprisingly got laid off I even took a few months vacation to decompress and collect UE.

Next thing I know its 9/11/01 and every recruiter I talk to says they are getting 200+ resumes per open position.

So what I’m saying, is that we may have another ‘black swan’ event any day now. Terror attack, environmental catastrophe, market crash, who knows; that could tip us into a major recession. And cutting interest rates isn’t going to help us anymore.

But who knows, maybe it is different this time. Maybe technology has raised the efficiency and standard of living of the world enough that the bubble will become bedrock. I guess we will see.

[kewp]

What’s the deal? Are we in that period where we’re waiting for the full effects to hit?

This may be the calm before the storm. When The dotbomb I worked for in 2001 was having trouble I wasn’t worried as there were still lots of folks hiring and the job market was strong. When I not surprisingly got laid off I even took a few months vacation to decompress and collect UE.

Next thing I know its 9/11/01 and every recruiter I talk to says they are getting 200+ resumes per open position.

So what I’m saying, is that we may have another ‘black swan’ event any day now. Terror attack, environmental catastrophe, market crash, who knows; that could tip us into a major recession. And cutting interest rates isn’t going to help us anymore.

But who knows, maybe it is different this time. Maybe technology has raised the efficiency and standard of living of the world enough that the bubble will become bedrock. I guess we will see.

[kewp]

What’s the deal? Are we in that period where we’re waiting for the full effects to hit?

This may be the calm before the storm. When The dotbomb I worked for in 2001 was having trouble I wasn’t worried as there were still lots of folks hiring and the job market was strong. When I not surprisingly got laid off I even took a few months vacation to decompress and collect UE.

Next thing I know its 9/11/01 and every recruiter I talk to says they are getting 200+ resumes per open position.

So what I’m saying, is that we may have another ‘black swan’ event any day now. Terror attack, environmental catastrophe, market crash, who knows; that could tip us into a major recession. And cutting interest rates isn’t going to help us anymore.

But who knows, maybe it is different this time. Maybe technology has raised the efficiency and standard of living of the world enough that the bubble will become bedrock. I guess we will see.

[kewp]

What’s the deal? Are we in that period where we’re waiting for the full effects to hit?

This may be the calm before the storm. When The dotbomb I worked for in 2001 was having trouble I wasn’t worried as there were still lots of folks hiring and the job market was strong. When I not surprisingly got laid off I even took a few months vacation to decompress and collect UE.

Next thing I know its 9/11/01 and every recruiter I talk to says they are getting 200+ resumes per open position.

So what I’m saying, is that we may have another ‘black swan’ event any day now. Terror attack, environmental catastrophe, market crash, who knows; that could tip us into a major recession. And cutting interest rates isn’t going to help us anymore.

But who knows, maybe it is different this time. Maybe technology has raised the efficiency and standard of living of the world enough that the bubble will become bedrock. I guess we will see.

[treylane]

I’ve been keeping my ear to the ground as far as the state of this country’s economy / financial markets goes. Sure, global housing bubbles are deflating, stock markets are having a tough time, there’s a global credit crisis, etc. Media outlets approaching “mainstream” are starting to drop the “R” word on a regular basis.

The thing is – I don’t see anything different on the street. A few people may be losing their jobs or homes, but the malls are still packed, the suv’s are still barreling down the roads, the help wanted ads are plenty long. I’m a not-particularly-high-end engineer, and I don’t personally know anybody losing their jobs or homes (though a few managed to refi before getting clobbered by arm resets). There were plenty of people at Best Buy making noises about those 50″ screens. I can’t SEE with my own eyes anything that looks like a broad recession.

What’s the deal? Are we in that period where we’re waiting for the full effects to hit? All my friends just happen to be in somewhat “insulated” industries? Am I shopping at the wrong stores?

[treylane]

I’ve been keeping my ear to the ground as far as the state of this country’s economy / financial markets goes. Sure, global housing bubbles are deflating, stock markets are having a tough time, there’s a global credit crisis, etc. Media outlets approaching “mainstream” are starting to drop the “R” word on a regular basis.

The thing is – I don’t see anything different on the street. A few people may be losing their jobs or homes, but the malls are still packed, the suv’s are still barreling down the roads, the help wanted ads are plenty long. I’m a not-particularly-high-end engineer, and I don’t personally know anybody losing their jobs or homes (though a few managed to refi before getting clobbered by arm resets). There were plenty of people at Best Buy making noises about those 50″ screens. I can’t SEE with my own eyes anything that looks like a broad recession.

What’s the deal? Are we in that period where we’re waiting for the full effects to hit? All my friends just happen to be in somewhat “insulated” industries? Am I shopping at the wrong stores?

[treylane]

I’ve been keeping my ear to the ground as far as the state of this country’s economy / financial markets goes. Sure, global housing bubbles are deflating, stock markets are having a tough time, there’s a global credit crisis, etc. Media outlets approaching “mainstream” are starting to drop the “R” word on a regular basis.

The thing is – I don’t see anything different on the street. A few people may be losing their jobs or homes, but the malls are still packed, the suv’s are still barreling down the roads, the help wanted ads are plenty long. I’m a not-particularly-high-end engineer, and I don’t personally know anybody losing their jobs or homes (though a few managed to refi before getting clobbered by arm resets). There were plenty of people at Best Buy making noises about those 50″ screens. I can’t SEE with my own eyes anything that looks like a broad recession.

What’s the deal? Are we in that period where we’re waiting for the full effects to hit? All my friends just happen to be in somewhat “insulated” industries? Am I shopping at the wrong stores?

[treylane]

I’ve been keeping my ear to the ground as far as the state of this country’s economy / financial markets goes. Sure, global housing bubbles are deflating, stock markets are having a tough time, there’s a global credit crisis, etc. Media outlets approaching “mainstream” are starting to drop the “R” word on a regular basis.

The thing is – I don’t see anything different on the street. A few people may be losing their jobs or homes, but the malls are still packed, the suv’s are still barreling down the roads, the help wanted ads are plenty long. I’m a not-particularly-high-end engineer, and I don’t personally know anybody losing their jobs or homes (though a few managed to refi before getting clobbered by arm resets). There were plenty of people at Best Buy making noises about those 50″ screens. I can’t SEE with my own eyes anything that looks like a broad recession.

What’s the deal? Are we in that period where we’re waiting for the full effects to hit? All my friends just happen to be in somewhat “insulated” industries? Am I shopping at the wrong stores?

[Author]

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