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Read the article closer. The writer actually admits that sales were up for many of the retailers. If sales were up for the year, but the holiday season was low compared to last year, then the amount of days in the season are a prime reason for the discrepency. I'm not saying the economy is great, just that it's not as bad as the liberal fear-mongers contend.

For weeks the news media has been reporting that sales were up about one percent during Christmas season. That its marginally higher than last year is meaningless. Our economy has grown an average of four or five percent all during the 90's. A one percent increase doesnt cut it.

Also note that the article pointed out that a huge percentage of retailers were showing negative sales in those stores that were open both years. That means all the growth they did report was coming as a result of adding new outlets. Opening new outlets and promoting them is expensive so that means the profitability of the retailers sucks. Its not the absolute level of sales that determine whether a company is hiring or firing or whether its stock price is rising or falling, its the profits. These got squeezed. Those of you that think because the total level of sales is almost the same as last year then this season must be pretty good are looking at this like housewifes and not like economists or financial analysts.

That means all the growth they did report was coming as a result of adding new outlets. Opening new outlets and promoting them is expensive so that means the profitability of the retailers sucks.

Well then by your analysis, they must all be idiots running these companies. Adding new outlets is called expansion. Expansion costs money. But companies expand in order to be better positioned for the future. For these companies to expand they must feel that something positive is happening.

Those of you that think because the total level of sales is almost the same as last year then this season must be pretty good are looking at this like housewifes and not like economists or financial analysts.

And another thing. Why do you insist on taking a holier-than-thou attitude with each response? And what exactly do you have against housewifes?

My clients are hurting and as a result my business is off more than a third from last year.

Just found your comment to a previous poster. I am sorry for your economic troubles this year. I hope that next year is much better for you and your customers. But as I am not (as far as I know) responsible for your bad fortune, could you please try and tone down the attitude. Thanks in advance.