Reply #31: Hey, economic experts, here's some real-life experience [View All]

[Missy Vixen]

I own a crafting store. I would rather not divulge what and exactly where (I don't need a visit from lurking F*eepers.) I am the woman you seek if you want to make a nice gift for a loved one this holiday season.

My business has been booming the last week and a half. Spinbaby is right -- I am repeatedly hearing that my customers are making items for those they are giving gifts to. I am also noticing that there are those who will drop a significant amount of money in my shop, but they are far outnumbered by those who are watching their budget.

The other merchants in my building are having a rough time attracting shoppers at all. Interestingly enough, at least one of those merchants is a Republican. Here is a snippet of some of her comments over this past week and a half. "People are not shopping because of the election." Then it was, "We don't have a governor yet; people will start shopping when that's decided." Now it's "I can't figure out what's going on and I'm worried." This is the same woman who usually clears $100-500 per day everytime her shop is open. She's been averaging less than $50 per day in sales.

Something's happening, and it's going to get really, really ugly in January.

Julie