I’ve doing seasonal work at a local national Department Store.At the last moment, they extended the hours of a big sale event last week because it’s the only big movement of merchandise they’ve had all season.
Yesterday (the 26th), the management came around to employees and asked if they wanted to go home an hour or two early because “we have to cut back hours”.
Yeah, sounds like things are really great/
I have noticed that the emails from the online merchants I patronize have become increasingly shrill. Every sale is *extended* &/or carried further discounts, lower limits for free shipping, increased coupons for future purchases. One merchant sends out hourly emails.
A friend in upstate NY reported that sales at their yearly high-end juried craft show was down 86% from previous years. A craftsperson who specializes in hand-painted vintage furniture reported that store sales were dismal. This is a second income for her and she relies on it. Not this year.
For the first time this year, clients gave us grocery store gift certificates at Christmas. They were much appreciated.
Booming 0bama economy. Furloughed government workers returning to work and seasonal retail hiring shot the new jobs created to a great depression levels. The administration is touting a recovery. I wish I was stupid so I could feel that things are great.