One Step Down
It was a real eye opener, being back in the USA. AdventureMan had an interesting observation, something he learned a long time ago in a sociology class. It has to do with dining in restaurants. When a guy eats his lunch out every day, he goes to one kind of place, and then when he takes his family out for a meal on Sunday, he goes one step up, takes them to a better restaurant than he would go to every day.
As we travelled in different parts of the United States, what we saw was just the opposite – one step down. People we know still have jobs, still make their house payments, still have the same income. The PERCEPTIONS however, are very different. People are nervous, maybe even a little worried about their jobs. They are not FEELING as prosperous as they felt last year, or the year before. They are spending less. They are going to eat out, but will eat out at that one-step-down restaurant, and not the higher priced restaurant.
As we Christmas shopped, we saw HUGE differences. The Macy’s and the Dillard’s and the big delightfully fancy stores are like ghost towns, and for good reason. They have drastically cut back on their inventory. Where you had to fight your way through the crowded racks a couple years ago, there is a lot of space this year. I didn’t see anything very exciting in terms of fashions or shoes. The Targets and the Fred Meyers (a Pacific Northwest chain) were packed with shoppers, prices were cut, and products were flying off the shelves.
A newspaper article said that what people are buying are . . . appliances. Things people really use – toasters, mixers, etc. The big difference is, they are insisting on appliances in COLOR – carmine reds, blueberrys, greens – chartreuse seems to be big this year, for Christmas, for clothing, and for decorations. Even for Christmas cookies. Chartreuse and pink are this year’s Christmasy red and green. Total hoot. But when people start drawing back from spending, they buy practical things – in fanciful colors. I remember reading once that when times get tough, lipstick sales soar. Women will spend on something small to make themselves feel good, and lipstick does the trick.
The trip was a real eye opener. AdventureMan has sticker shock. I just laugh. I think Kuwait is expensive! AdventureMan doesn’t buy groceries. I remember one time we were together at the Co-op and he couldn’t believe what we were spending on milk – but what are you going to do? Not buy milk? I have always used powdered milk for baking, but with the Chinese thing, I even worry about powdered milk.
Are you going through sticker shock? Are your spending habits changing? Do you eat in restaurants, or are you eating more at home?
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It’s a blessing in disguise. It will lower the carbon footprint of the US of A whom are one of the major contributors to global warming.
It’s waking them up and making them realize that they too are vulnerable and not better than the rest of the world.
The pangs of financial instability sometimes yield in better things i.e. obama, the reorganization of the big 3, reconnecting with mother nature, etc.
hmmm I think grocery shopping in Kuwait is less expensive than in the States. My mom (years back) bought a dozen tomatoes and was shocked at the price difference! The cashier lady told her you want all those tomatoes?? treat them like they are gold! LOL
The step back you saw shows awareness… dont you think? they are just being careful.. sometimes its good to be prepared π
I too noticed the huge differance in shopping compared to years before when I was back in Fl. last month. Macy’s did have a huge sale and I was able to load up on sweaters & jackets for the guys ( polo) at crazy low prices) Other stores ,, Dillards, Neimans, Bloomies, Willaims & Sonoma were practically empty. Target, TJ Maxx & Marshalls seem to be booming right now .
In my opinion groceries/eating out are definately cheaper in the U.S compared to kuwait. ( I shop at Publix & Fresh Market ) My 10 visit was extended to almost 6 weeks due to my breaking my leg. =0
3 a.m. Flight – I agree. But also, that awareness has been growing. Seattle has had a mandatory recycle policy for years – as have many cities in Germany. Mandatory – like you can get fined if you don’t put bottles and papers and plastics into the separate recycle bin the city provides. I love it that the new generation – the 20 and 30 somethings – are seriously into low carbon profile. It gives me hope.
Ansam – You are right, IF you stick to local produce, fish, meat, etc. And it used to be you could also get wonderful, cheap rice, but not now. I think you have to keep your eyes open these days, no matter where you shop. You are right, too, about awareness. It is not a bad thing. π It makes us more aware of our connection to one another, that our smallest decisions can have am impact on the whole community.
Dawn – Growing up, my father had a favorite joke
Q – “How’s your broken leg?”
(required response) A – “I can’t kick!”
I hope your leg is totally well now, and that the cold isn’t bothering it. You mentioned some of my favorite stores – I love TJMaxx, and often find great buys there. I found some great buys at Dillard’s, but I think it is because they are having a bad year. π¦
We love Publix!
Thanks! Leg is much better. I was home to have impact glass installed on our house ( Boca)and took a tumble on the stairs . LOL! I’m such a klutz!