Retail Sales Down Once Again

pennypinch · #1 09-13-2008, 12:15 AM

Economists are suprised and certainly dissapointed by Augusts reported retail sales. They fell 0.3% for the month. They had expected them to rise by 0.3%.

I must say I am not suprised in the least. I don't know of a single person who has been able to shop lately like they used to do. People are no better off financially now then they were a couple of months ago. Sure, gas has dropped a few cents but the price of food and dry goods have risen so there has been no relief.

Shoppers are definitely being more frugal with the money these days. This is due to high unemployment, tight household budgets and the housing crises.

All aspects of retailers are feeling the decline from electronic stores to book stores and grocery stores. Everyone is feeling the crunch.

I think the economists expectations were unrealistic to say the very least. I don't expect the reports for the months ahead to vary too much from what we have seen the past few months. I hope things will get better but I am not holding my breath.

dimetime · #2 09-13-2008, 03:23 PM

I agree Pennypinch, no one is able to shop like they once did. Though I am thankful to see the prices of fuel dropping, the price of everything else has remained high or has even gone higher which still leaves everyone doing all they can to save money. I also agree that the future of our economy isnt looking to bright either. Hopefully soon a solution will come that will really help all of us and not the empty promises of help like we have been getting.
Until such a time... Good Luck Saving Everyone!!!

dollardaze · #3 09-15-2008, 10:20 PM

I don't see any real end in sight any time soon. With all the banks that are going under, the housing crisis, and so many businesses going under, jobs are so scarce.....at least those that actually pay a decent wage, we aren't going to be able to get out of this mess anytime soon.

I think the government is the one that needs to learn to tighten its belt and quit spending so much money trying to buy all these big businesses out of trouble. We just don't have the resources at this time to be doing this.