I sell industrial supplies and I can tell you last quarter sucked and so far this quarter is worse.
I am having a record January, BUT the reason is a little disturbing.
We sell custom printed and embroidered clothing. Our customer base is primarily service companies and other small businesses. We do not pursue government clients or schools or sports leagues, but we will sell to them (not going to turn away business).
Our average order is about $500 and $15K to $20K is a good month. This month the county has bought $6000, a local small college has purchased $3000, a middle school has purchased $5000 and a contractor (who is doing a big government project) has bought $3000 worth of apparel.
In our industry January is historically the second worse month of the year and this month is on track to be our third best month ever.
I am happy for the business, but wish it was because of real economic activity, not just the government spending money they confiscated from us.