It's the economy stupid...

[Javaman]

So last night my wife and I had to go to sears.

First, let me state, I have real issues with our rampant consumer society. (yes, I AM holier than thou. lol)

Anyway, generally speaking, usually a week before the big x-mas, the stores are packed with frenzied shoppers looking for that "perfect" gift.

not last night.

I could have heard my echo.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not a scrooge. I just don't care for malls or big box crap stores.

However, walking into the sears last night, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with worry.

not only were there no people shopping, there were huge signs stating "50% OFF!!!". This is BEFORE x-mas!!!

if it's this bad now, I can't even imagine what next year will bring.

batten down the hatches mates, there are some rough seas ahead.

[YOY]

1. Still pretty busy in my area

But then again DC doesn't see it hit until it gets bad. Keep in mind that Sears has been hurt severely by Big Boxmart over the past 10 years. Sad to see a store that helped build America without completely f***ing over mom and pop going to the wayside. Every time I go to Sears they are seldom "packed".

I was in Cleveland over the Thanksgiving Season. Black Friday there was busy as well. It probably has cooled down considerably though...

[Lost4words]

2. But the media says all is OK!?

the people who are doing OK have no Idea some of us are dying out here, or they dont care.

[bigscott]

3. I was in the most upscale mall in CT

last weekend and it was no more crowded than a normal friday night. I bet there were 15% of the people there shopping and 85% either hanging out (high school kids) or wandering around with no shopping bags.