[thecodont]

I think a lot of companies that used to cater to people setting up households are feeling the pinch; once people aren’t starting families and setting up “homes” (buying houses or renting apartments for a spouse and children), then sales in many things (as basic as kitchen utensils) will drop off.

In the olden days, "family items" such as mortgages, station wagons, large appliances (washer/dryer sets, refrigerators), home furnishings, and life insurance saw brisk business.

These days people will spend five dollars for a cup of gussied-up coffee or twenty for a fancy manicure or a hundred or so for the latest electronic toy.

It's all about short-term gratification.

[kearnyirish2]

“These days people will spend five dollars for a cup of gussied-up coffee or twenty for a fancy manicure or a hundred or so for the latest electronic toy.”

Even the number of people that can afford those things will continue to drop; people are buying food, gasoline, and whatever else they need to work.