[EBH]

Honestly I can’t see where these folks all of a sudden had all this money to spend for the holidays?

Like the post above, my spending was way down too. Gifts were had by all, but for adult family & friends they received homemade artisan style breads, canned jams, teas & coffees. That is a huge difference from that holiday sweater.

I know I keep hearing these glorious reports on sales, but as someone else mentioned you have got to check the margins. Even I did a bit of personal shopping on black Friday to score an $80 pair of boots for 24.00 including the shipping. You know they took a lose on that and I landed several mock t-necks for under $8. They essentially made no money on my purchase. The sales would count into the sales numbers, but they had a negative margin.

Bless them for that as I really, really needed the boots and fresh mocks.

[Justa]

I purchased a BMX bike for $50 at ToysRus during their 2-day sale with a $20-off coupon. I’m pleasantly surprised at its build quality and finish (for now).

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Spending was way down. I am a small business person, my sales were about the same if you look at number of sales BUT if you look at price oh what a difference. My average item was $40-80 last Christmas, this year $15-$30. It was an ouch of a month.

I don't depend on Christmas for my sales but for some of the people that do this could put them out of business.

[wbill]

adult family & friends they received homemade artisan style breads, canned jams

I'd take that over another sweater, any day of the week.

Mrs WBill and I just exchanged a couple of little things to open. Christmas was for the kids, this year.

[longtermmemmory]

probably the credit cards before the cc companies cut off anyone who is not working for the government.