[EBH]

The mall being busy does not equate to a non-crisis. I work in retail and price cuts are being taken everyday. It used to be the deepest cuts were not taken until ‘after Christmas.’ Right now there are lots of deals to be had at 70% off already this week.

Where will the prices go next week?

Customers are looking for the best deals and I've had a lot more people putting things back once they get to the check-out after reaching their budgetary limit. The kids in many cases are still getting their ‘Christmas’ this year. Many adults are talking about how agreements were reached of no gift exchanges between the adults this year or there is just one large family gift.

I am pegging this holiday retail season as the last hurrah for many! The experts will look at the retail numbers and never have heard the remarks at the checkout. Consumers are pulling back, but many are waiting until the New Year to really put the pinch on things.

[blam]

" The experts will look at the retail numbers and never have heard the remarks at the checkout. Consumers are pulling back, but many are waiting until the New Year to really put the pinch on things."

I worry that you're correct and the 1Q numbers could be terrible.

It may be a good time to start planning a garden.