Obamacare isn’t even finalized yet. So it is a moving target.
Businesses will have to either charge more for what they make and do or close up shop. Will consumers be willing to pay more? I can certainly get by with a lot less.
All the while, the Chinese and others will be going like gangbusters.
No - the American consumer is already refusing to buy quality. They want the cheapest stuff they can find, instead. We're already seeing a general refusal to buy quality at quality prices just compared to Spring, 2012 - when the quality product was a much easier sell. Mid-level retailers are going to get massacred in 2013. It's Louis Vuitton and Wal-Mart...and nothing in between.
My hiring plans? We'll probably hire 5 to 7 people next year - and fire 6 to 8. :)