[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Recession? What Recession. (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 11/21/2009 12:33:42 PM EDT
|
I understand that we are supposed to in a recession, hiding under our beds and hoarding groceries and ammo.
But the lovely wife and I just got back from the mall, where we went to Target to buy a phone for the house. You could hardly get up and down the isles there were so many people shopping. And most of them had baskets full of junk. The parking lot for the mall was as full as could be, even though the weather is raining and nasty. Looks like a lot of folks don't read the paper and are spending lots of money for the holidays already. 
|
|
Quoted:
I understand that we are supposed to in a recession, hiding under our beds and hoarding groceries and ammo. But the lovely wife and I just got back from the mall, where we went to Target to buy a phone for the house. You could hardly get up and down the isles there were so many people shopping. And most of them had baskets full of junk. The parking lot for the mall was as full as could be, even though the weather is raining and nasty. Looks like a lot of folks don't read the paper and are spending lots of money for the holidays already. Texas, as usual, is largely exempt from the bullshit that is going on in the rest of the country... |
|
Quoted: I understand that we are supposed to in a recession, hiding under our beds and hoarding groceries and ammo. But the lovely wife and I just got back from the mall, where we went to Target to buy a phone for the house. You could hardly get up and down the isles there were so many people shopping. And most of them had baskets full of junk. The parking lot for the mall was as full as could be, even though the weather is raining and nasty. Looks like a lot of folks don't read the paper and are spending lots of money for the holidays already. Yes, the stores are full - while the houses become empty. It's weird. |
|
Your obviously not familiar with how recessions work.
People don't stop shopping - period. They stop shopping for things they don't need which is primarily the big ticket items. Just because everyone is walking around with hand carts full of macaroni and cheese doesn't mean that the recession is over. Go to some of the higher end stores in that mall (clothing, electronics) and see how many people are buying. That's the key right there. I got a new TV last week from Best Buy because it was dirt cheap. I went on a Saturday around 1:00 pm and there was about 10 other people in the store. I asked the guy who worked there if he thinks it's picking up at all and he said if anything, it's getting slower. |
|
Quoted:
I understand that we are supposed to in a recession, hiding under our beds and hoarding groceries and ammo. But the lovely wife and I just got back from the mall, where we went to Target to buy a phone for the house. You could hardly get up and down the isles there were so many people shopping. And most of them had baskets full of junk. The parking lot for the mall was as full as could be, even though the weather is raining and nasty. Looks like a lot of folks don't read the paper and are spending lots of money for the holidays already. O_P, did you check to see how they were buying : Obama Money Credit Card Really, realy good shoplifters OPM 
|
|
Quoted:
Your obviously not familiar with how recessions work. People don't stop shopping - period. They stop shopping for things they don't need which is primarily the big ticket items. Just because everyone is walking around with hand carts full of macaroni and cheese doesn't mean that the recession is over. Go to some of the higher end stores in that mall (clothing, electronics) and see how many people are buying. That's the key right there. I got a new TV last week from Best Buy because it was dirt cheap. I went on a Saturday around 1:00 pm and there was about 10 other people in the store. I asked the guy who worked there if he thinks it's picking up at all and he said if anything, it's getting slower. You are obviously picking a fight with the NEXT POTUS ( Old_Painless ) my friend 
|
|
Quoted:
I understand that we are supposed to in a recession, hiding under our beds and hoarding groceries and ammo. But the lovely wife and I just got back from the mall, where we went to Target to buy a phone for the house. You could hardly get up and down the isles there were so many people shopping. And most of them had baskets full of junk. The parking lot for the mall was as full as could be, even though the weather is raining and nasty. Looks like a lot of folks don't read the paper and are spending lots of money for the holidays already. Marvelous Exposition, Old Painless! 
ETA: They still sell those old wind-up phones where you pick up and say: "Sara connect me to Andy!"
God Bless, Brother! |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Your obviously not familiar with how recessions work. People don't stop shopping - period. They stop shopping for things they don't need which is primarily the big ticket items. Just because everyone is walking around with hand carts full of macaroni and cheese doesn't mean that the recession is over. Go to some of the higher end stores in that mall (clothing, electronics) and see how many people are buying. That's the key right there. I got a new TV last week from Best Buy because it was dirt cheap. I went on a Saturday around 1:00 pm and there was about 10 other people in the store. I asked the guy who worked there if he thinks it's picking up at all and he said if anything, it's getting slower. You are obviously picking a fight with the NEXT POTUS ( Old_Painless ) my friend No fight, just an explanation. |
|
Quoted:
Your obviously not familiar with how recessions work. People don't stop shopping - period. They stop shopping for things they don't need which is primarily the big ticket items. Just because everyone is walking around with hand carts full of macaroni and cheese doesn't mean that the recession is over. Go to some of the higher end stores in that mall (clothing, electronics) and see how many people are buying. That's the key right there. There were no people with carts full of "macaroni and cheese". It was mostly electronics, video games, designer clothes, and other non-necessities. Target is a "higher end store". |
|
During periods of deflation, shoppers wait for prices to drop.
Now, are we in a deflationary environment? Gold prices are reaching an all time high, (nominal, not actual). Asset prices definitely have gone down. Now, if we had a leader we could trust, things might be different. Looks like President Obama's approval ratings are under 50%. Do most responsible citizens react to this state of affairs? |
|
Quoted:
I understand that we are supposed to in a recession, hiding under our beds and hoarding groceries and ammo. But the lovely wife and I just got back from the mall, where we went to Target to buy a phone for the house. You could hardly get up and down the isles there were so many people shopping. And most of them had baskets full of junk. The parking lot for the mall was as full as could be, even though the weather is raining and nasty. Looks like a lot of folks don't read the paper and are spending lots of money for the holidays already. Obama shill. 
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Your obviously not familiar with how recessions work. People don't stop shopping - period. They stop shopping for things they don't need which is primarily the big ticket items. Just because everyone is walking around with hand carts full of macaroni and cheese doesn't mean that the recession is over. Go to some of the higher end stores in that mall (clothing, electronics) and see how many people are buying. That's the key right there. There were no people with carts full of "macaroni and cheese". It was mostly electronics, video games, designer clothes, and other non-necessities. Target is a "higher end store". I buy Mac and Cheese at Target 
|
|
I think most people could see their neighbors on both sides, and across the street, all lose their jobs, and they'd continue to act like nothing is wrong. It won't happen to me! Plus we had some GDP growth  last quarter so employment is sure to follow... right? Right?  |
|
Quoted: Quoted: Your obviously not familiar with how recessions work. People don't stop shopping - period. They stop shopping for things they don't need which is primarily the big ticket items. Just because everyone is walking around with hand carts full of macaroni and cheese doesn't mean that the recession is over. Go to some of the higher end stores in that mall (clothing, electronics) and see how many people are buying. That's the key right there. There were no people with carts full of "macaroni and cheese". It was mostly electronics, video games, designer clothes, and other non-necessities. Target is a "higher end store". Only in Texas, would somebody consider Target a "higher end store".  Seriously though, Texas has been largely immune from the malaise that's swept the rest of the country. For all intents and purposes, there is no recession in Texas. Now, visit Michigan for a few weeks. |
|
I'll add that some of the most extravagant, expensive and culturally significant buildings in Cleveland were build during the Depression (I've done some "history" reading recently, out of boredom). Ever wonder if somebody looked at that and said "What Depression?" During the Great Depression, the unemployment rate peaked at something like 25%. That means 75% of the country still had a job. But there was no doubt that we really were in a depression - and we really were (are, depending on who you ask) in a recession. |
|
I'm a little disappointed in your initial post, O_P.
"I understand that we are supposed to in a recession, hiding under our beds and hoarding groceries and ammo." That second bit sounds like mockery to me, which I would not expect to hear from you, and has nothing to do with the first part of the sentence. As for the rest of the post; I'm glad the economy in Texas is healthy compared to many other states. There are a lot of unemployed members here that do not view the recession (which is supposedly subsiding) so glibly. I can tell you that in our household we have not made any purchases that were not required to live from month to month for quite some time, and I don't think we will spend more than $50 on Christmas. It's possible we will spend nothing, or less than $10. If we do it will be money we do not have. The only "discretionary spending" we are doing is taking advantage of sales on food items and consumables like kleenex and toilet paper. I've been putting off maintenance on both of our vehicles, and dental work I need. I used to get my hair cut once a month. I went four months this time because I didn't have the money. This money I am not spending is rippling out and affecting the people who are not getting my money. I may be in the minority on this board regarding my financial situation, but there are many parts of the country where people are increasingly finding they no longer have money for discretionary spending. I'm glad you had an enjoyable experience. I wouldn't know what kind of traffic the box stores are getting around here. I haven't been to one for a while. Not trying to boink up your thread. Just telling you how it looks here. Edit for the shpellling. |
|
Quoted:
I understand that we are supposed to in a recession, hiding under our beds and hoarding groceries and ammo. But the lovely wife and I just got back from the mall, where we went to Target to buy a phone for the house. You could hardly get up and down the isles there were so many people shopping. And most of them had baskets full of junk. The parking lot for the mall was as full as could be, even though the weather is raining and nasty. Looks like a lot of folks don't read the paper and are spending lots of money they don't have for the holidays already. fixed. |
|
Quoted: There are a lot of unemployed members here that do not view the recession (which is supposedly subsiding) so glibly. The company I worked for laid off 50% of its workforce with either 1 or 2 days notice, I can't remember. They didn't lay off people with kids. I had quit a few weeks prior, hoping to get a jump on finding a job elsewhere - nope. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Your obviously not familiar with how recessions work. People don't stop shopping - period. They stop shopping for things they don't need which is primarily the big ticket items. Just because everyone is walking around with hand carts full of macaroni and cheese doesn't mean that the recession is over. Go to some of the higher end stores in that mall (clothing, electronics) and see how many people are buying. That's the key right there. There were no people with carts full of "macaroni and cheese". It was mostly electronics, video games, designer clothes, and other non-necessities. Target is a "higher end store". Only in Texas, would somebody consider Target a "higher end store".
Seriously though, Texas has been largely immune from the malaise that's swept the rest of the country. For all intents and purposes, there is no recession in Texas. Now, visit Michigan for a few weeks. Truth, the amount of empty forclosed houses is staggering. People simply have no clue as to how bad it is here. |
|
Quoted:
I understand that we are supposed to in a recession, hiding under our beds and hoarding groceries and ammo. But the lovely wife and I just got back from the mall, where we went to Target to buy a phone for the house. You could hardly get up and down the isles there were so many people shopping. And most of them had baskets full of junk. The parking lot for the mall was as full as could be, even though the weather is raining and nasty. Looks like a lot of folks don't read the paper and are spending lots of money for the holidays already. This will be the last year that they make THAT mistake...for a few years at least. 
|
|
Quoted:
I'm a little disappointed in your initial post, O_P. "I understand that we are supposed to in a recession, hiding under our beds and hoarding groceries and ammo." That second bit sounds like mockery to me, which I would not expect to hear from you, and has nothing to do with the first part of the sentence. Sorry, it was only a joke. I apologize if I hurt your feelings. |
|
I just got back from some Christmas shopping and Target was a ghost town; with only 3 registers open I was "next" as soon as got to the checkout, and almost nobody in the store.
Toys R Us was every bit as slow. Florida is still taking it on the chin bigtime; things are bad for many folks down here. |
| I was out shopping today with the wife. We saw similar crowds of buying people, but I also heard at least three people say they were almost done shopping -as are we and I have my job still. I have a feeling the stores will be a lot emptier after next Saturday. |
|
Quoted: Your obviously not familiar with how recessions work. People don't stop shopping - period. They stop shopping for things they don't need which is primarily the big ticket items. Just because everyone is walking around with hand carts full of macaroni and cheese doesn't mean that the recession is over. Go to some of the higher end stores in that mall (clothing, electronics) and see how many people are buying. That's the key right there. I got a new TV last week from Best Buy because it was dirt cheap. I went on a Saturday around 1:00 pm and there was about 10 other people in the store. I asked the guy who worked there if he thinks it's picking up at all and he said if anything, it's getting slower. You didn't read a damn thing he posted. He went to the mall and to Target. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm a little disappointed in your initial post, O_P. "I understand that we are supposed to in a recession, hiding under our beds and hoarding groceries and ammo." That second bit sounds like mockery to me, which I would not expect to hear from you, and has nothing to do with the first part of the sentence. Sorry, it was only a joke. I apologize if I hurt your feelings. You didn't hurt my feelings. I was just disappointed in your choice of words. It sounds like something a member I will not name would say with a serious tone and a smug "I am smarter than you, you stupid food hoarder" attitude. I guess I didn't get the joke because I am wound a little tight. I'm glad Texas is doing well. I have a son in Fort Worth with a family and a large house payment. I hope both you and he continue to do well. |
|
Quoted:
I just got back from some Christmas shopping and Target was a ghost town; with only 3 registers open I was "next" as soon as got to the checkout, and almost nobody in the store. Toys R Us was every bit as slow. Florida is still taking it on the chin bigtime; things are bad for many folks down here. Sorry to hear that. I am surprised at the difference in different parts of the country. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Your obviously not familiar with how recessions work. People don't stop shopping - period. They stop shopping for things they don't need which is primarily the big ticket items. Just because everyone is walking around with hand carts full of macaroni and cheese doesn't mean that the recession is over. Go to some of the higher end stores in that mall (clothing, electronics) and see how many people are buying. That's the key right there. There were no people with carts full of "macaroni and cheese". It was mostly electronics, video games, designer clothes, and other non-necessities. Target is a "higher end store". I like shopping at Target. Less riff-raff than Walmart, for sure, but only slightly higher end. The real high end stores like Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, Neiman Marcus. etc., are suffering. Even the $200k/year income crowd is cutting back in a big way around here. The recession is here, for sure. Big ticket purchases like appliances and cars/trucks are down in a big way. |
|
True story from a customer today:
"Try this card." [DECLINED] "Oh? Well, try this card." [DECLINED] "Hmm. Ok, try this one. That one should go. I don't think I've quite maxed it out yet." [DECLINED] "Damn. I've been doing a lot of christmas shopping. Try it for $500 and if it goes, I'll write a check for the rest." [APPROVED] Although three cards were unusual, this has been going on all week. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
I just got back from some Christmas shopping and Target was a ghost town; with only 3 registers open I was "next" as soon as got to the checkout, and almost nobody in the store. Toys R Us was every bit as slow. Florida is still taking it on the chin bigtime; things are bad for many folks down here. Sorry to hear that. I am surprised at the difference in different parts of the country. Being a trucker, I'm constantly surprised at the differences. Places like Northern, IN and Michigan have been horribly hit. Over labor day weekend I toured detroit with a friend and was reminded of movie scenes of former com bloc countries. Whereas places like Texas and here in Arkansas haven't been hit nearly as bad. I've seen factory slow downs destroy communities all over the country. We have one facility in particular that we used to pull 4000 tons of steel a day out of. Lately, some days it's as low as 200 tons. |
|
Quoted:
same experience here. My wife went to toys r us last night at 9pm and it was so crowded she could barely get a parking space. I think she really went to the bar to get away from me and the kids. Even in bad times, people will suck it up to make sure the kids have toys. I remember even in our lean years as kids, we always had something under the tree. The question is: what is selling? Are they selling little Escalades for $450 or are they selling modest $10 Chinese-made toys? You can't always tell what is happening by the size of the crowds. What matters is how much people spend (or charge.) |