Log In | Register
103 Comments
Print
msnbc.com Newsadvertisement
Add another item to the long list of woes already facing retailers: the dearth of must-have items expected to fly off the shelves this holiday season.
As the traditional holiday shopping season kicks off, there are no stand-out toys or electronic gadgets that are expected to spark the frenzy seen in years past, when late-night lines snaked through the streets and parents came to blows trying to get that much-coveted gift for their kids.
“The lack of a hot toy is one of the reasons we’re going to have one of the worst Christmases in 30 years,” said C. Britt Beemer, founder of America’s Research Group and co-author of “The Customer Rules.” “There’s no reason for parents to kill themselves to go out and buy that hot item.”
Of course, it’s far from the only reason analysts expect an especially tough holiday season, as retailers battle the gloom of a deep downturn in the economy and financial markets. The International Council of Shopping Centers is predicting that sales in the crucial November-December season will rise a paltry 1.7 percent over last year.
A season without a must-have item is just adding insult to injury.
“The big challenge this year is to get people in the stores, because there isn’t really that one must-have product that gets people all excited,” said Stephen Baker, a consumer electronics analyst with NPD Group.
With toys, Beemer said the buzz of a must-have item can boost overall sales for several reasons. For one thing, parents seeking a hard-to-find gift may just go shopping more because they are hunting for that item, perhaps picking up more items along the way. For another, parents who didn’t get that item sometimes end up spending more on other gifts for their children to compensate.
In years past, holiday shopping manias have been sparked by toys including Tickle Me Elmo and Cabbage Patch Kids, as well as by video game consoles including the Xbox and PlayStation 3. Retailers have sometimes been able to spark a run on the shelves by offering extreme bargains on items such as DVD players, elevating them to the same kind of “must-have" status.
Others downplay the importance of a must-have item. While such a cultural phenomenon can generate buzz, longtime toy analyst Chris Byrne said the most important thing for retailers is that they are able to accurately predict what will sell, so they aren’t left with either empty shelves or a glut of merchandise at the end of the season.
Byrne, who is content director for timetoplaymag.com, is expecting overall toy sales to be flat this year. But he still thinks certain toys will be in high demand and may even become scarce. Those include the Bakugan game products and Elmo Live, the latest iteration of the interactive Sesame Street character doll.
“There isn’t one must-have toy that everybody’s talking about that’s leading the news, but there are ones that have people already out there trying to scour the stores,” he said.
Byrne notes that the Bakugan action figure and game series may prove especially popular because there are plenty of low-priced components for budget-conscious consumers.
But some of the other toys making many “hot” lists this year will be too costly to reach “must-have” status this year. Elmo Live is selling for around $60, while last year’s Elmo toy retailed for just $40. Biscuit My Lovin’ Pup, an interactive dog toy, sells for about $150.
“These higher price points are totally unreasonable for this economy,” Beemer said.
Many of this year's highly promoted items are just new versions of toys or gadgets people are already familiar with, such as the Elmo doll, the iPhone or game consoles such as the Wii.
Still, Baker, the consumer electronics analyst, thinks there can be advantages to a retail environment without a must-have item. A single hot item "helps a very specific piece of the market, but it’s not always a rising tide lifting all boats,” he said. “You get a very lopsided opportunity.”
But this year, that may be cold comfort. Even before the financial crisis hit in September, Baker said a weak holiday season already was expected for the technology industry. That’s because many people already have a house full of gadgets — such as music players and digital cameras — and don’t see the newest offerings as cheap enough, or enough of an improvement, to justify an upgrade.
“The growth in technology is starting to slow down,” he said.
Still, Baker said there may be some pockets of strength this holiday season. He’s expecting some shoppers to focus on purchases that can be shared by the whole family, such as large-screen televisions, notebook computers and video game consoles.
Gary Rudman, president of GTR Consulting, which tracks the habits of teens and young adults, is expecting more people to give as gifts the type of “necessity” gadgets that they might, in a stronger economy, have bought without needing a special occasion. That means a GPS system, updated laptop computer or replacement cell phone might end up under the tree this year.
He expects teens to ask for new technology gadgets this holiday season, but he isn’t seeing a trend toward one particular piece of hardware.
“There’s definitely a desire to still get those pieces of technology that they always covet — the sort of iPhones of the world — (but) there doesn’t seem to be that one ‘it’ item this year,” Rudman said.
Economics aside, Byrne said there may be other advantages to not having a must-have item dominating news coverage as we head toward the holidays, especially given the more pressing issues on many peoples’ minds.
“It’s kind of a relief that we’re talking about, ‘Is Hillary going to be secretary of state?’ rather than, ‘Where can I get an Elmo?’” he quipped last week.
21 Votes- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
Published to:
- AllisonLinn's Column, All of Newsvine
- Groups: none
- Regions: none
- Public Discussion (104)
- Public Discussion (0)
What's this?
Who's leading the conversation?
This visualization below allows you to see the impact that each user
has on the current conversation.
The top row contains the group of users who have had the most impact, the 2nd
row the group of users who have had the 2nd most impact (et cetera).
Users with similar impact are grouped together, and the average score of the group
is shown to the left of the group. The author of the article is also shown on the
left, in their corresponding group.
Each user's score is based on the number of comments the user has made plus the
number of votes their comments have received. The scores are calculated relative
one another, so while their absolute value is not particularly important, their
relative difference does indicate a larger difference in impact on the conversation.
17
5.9
2.9
{"commentId":4165318,"authorDomain":"EEEEEMAN"}
Major economic adjustments are needed in all industry. Two roads exist, wages and employment rise to meet pricing levels, or prices fall reflecting the demand and job market.
{"commentId":4165318,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"EEEEEMAN"}
- 1 vote
#1 - Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:30 AM EST{"commentId":4185408,"authorDomain":"ispeedtoo"}
The future is easy to see and every retailer will resort to price slashing just like gun fighters they all assume they will be the last man standing.
The best way to make American face the reality of this season is to take all their credit cards away. To harsh you say. The credit crisis has been coming for more than two decades and we have to as a nation deal with the source of the problem.
Bad Government is the source of the problem not bad corporations. It is in the interest of elected officials to demonize whole industries. Energy, Retail, Heavy industries have all been target of the protector of the o-press-ed and what have we gotten...
Man Bear Pig!
{"commentId":4185408,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"ispeedtoo"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4187272,"authorDomain":"eagonc"}
Its hard not to talk about monetary policy with an article like this.
One of the bad things about credit cards is the micro-transaction fee the banks tack onto every purchase. Every time you use a credit card, you give the bank free money, which is considerable considering the millions of purchases made every day.
The technology is certainly convenient, but I'd rather see a shift back to cash, if only because it enforces personal accountability.
Going back to a commodity standard would be a PLUS too, if only because it TIES the governments hands when it comes to how many new dollars they can counterfeit. Russia's ruble is backed by gold. We have a fiat system where the privately run Federal Reserve can choose to inflate the currency and devalue saved dollars at-will, all in the name of sustaining economic growth. The world is over-populated and over-polluted as it is. Maybe we she be thinking about sustainable levels of existence, instead of hyper-capitalistic goals that require exploiting every last resource and phenomenal amounts of debt? Its going to crash anyway, and to what end? I'm actually kind of glad the Christmas season will be slow. We should adopt a holiday tradition of giving only a few gifts to children, and focus on the eating and social aspects of the season.
{"commentId":4187272,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"eagonc"}
{"commentId":4165812,"authorDomain":"brinsmaid"}
There is a must-have this year and it costs $11.99. It is called Chinese Democracy, by Guns N Roses.
{"commentId":4165812,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"brinsmaid"}
- 4 votes
#2 - Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:39 AM EST{"commentId":4172441,"authorDomain":"noahhilbert"}
LOL< ROFLAO. Good one Gunz n' Rozez
{"commentId":4172441,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"noahhilbert"}
{"commentId":4184143,"authorDomain":"gregziglar"}
Well, after a 16 year wait, I might have to buy Chinese Democracy, that's for sure.
{"commentId":4184143,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"gregziglar"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4166003,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
I remember meeting someone in a parking lot to score a Firby!!!
{"commentId":4166003,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
- 2 votes
#3 - Sat Nov 22, 2008 10:00 AM EST{"commentId":4184154,"authorDomain":"gregziglar"}
Interesting. They call it a "Firby" these days?
I am getting old.
{"commentId":4184154,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"gregziglar"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4186147,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
They still do actually.
{"commentId":4186147,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
{"commentId":4168935,"authorDomain":"rainkiss"}
I blush to admit, I went to Canada for a Cabbage Patch Kid.
{"commentId":4168935,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"rainkiss"}
- 3 votes
#4 - Sat Nov 22, 2008 2:53 PM EST{"commentId":4179989,"authorDomain":"blerten"}
Me, I think Netbooks are the thing to go for this season, if you can afford one. Barely see them in the ads, BestBuy sells them but hasn't pushed them. Maybe there's too small a margin on a $350 mini-laptop, but I want to get one at some point...
{"commentId":4179989,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"blerten"}
- 1 vote
#5 - Sun Nov 23, 2008 7:26 PM EST{"commentId":4180114,"authorDomain":"brinsmaid"}
I want a netbook as well. I am thinking about the Acer Aspire One or the MSI Wind. Leaning toward the Wind at this point.
{"commentId":4180114,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"brinsmaid"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4184245,"authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
They have them at Wal-mart for about 2-3 dollars less.....
{"commentId":4184245,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
{"commentId":4180548,"authorDomain":"JTnews"}
I just hope the market doesn't go crashing on lower retail sales figures after the holiday season is over...many still say the worst is yet to come, but I remain hopeful that things will turn around, but I doubt they will...everyone I talk to is in a bad situation and nobody is really spending as much as they use to. This Christmas season, as the article states, is likely to be the worst in years...
{"commentId":4180548,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"JTnews"}
- 2 votes
#6 - Sun Nov 23, 2008 8:35 PM EST{"commentId":4182233,"authorDomain":"comidus07"}
{"commentId":4183913,"authorDomain":"mmccabe0731"}
While I can sympathise with the retailers, I still don't quite understand the whole Christmas season sales. I even worked retail for 20+ yrs and don't get it. Ok, there are seasonal type items, heating oil for example, that you have to maximize when the cold is here. But aren't these stores open all year? It seems to me that this season should be a bonus income time, not a make or break situation. Also, when, as consumers, will Americans get it through their heads that if retailers are looking to make their year with all the discounting going on through this season, then maybe stuff is actually overpriced during the rest of the year. On another note, I don't think forced frugality will hurt us, considering what families put themselves through to provide "Christmas" for themselves. Besides the stress aned debt of buying something for virtually everyone you ever met and are related to, re-creating that Currier and Ives Christmas scene at home is next to impossible these days. Remember, in The Christmas Carol, The Cratchits, tho poor, were getting along just fine with a simple celebration before the reformed Scrooge showed up.
{"commentId":4183913,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"mmccabe0731"}
- 5 votes
#8 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:23 AM EST{"commentId":4184403,"authorDomain":"efcncmt"}
Hey their profit is 'only going to be 1.7% more than last year!
Wait. Isn't that 'more'?
So they are whining about not making alot more. Sad, truely sad.
{"commentId":4184403,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"efcncmt"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":4184938,"authorDomain":"stonecold614"}
Scrooge always gets a bad rap, but if Cratchit didn't have to have six kids, maybe he could have managed quite nicely on what Scrooge paid him. Why should Scrooge be responsible if Cratchit couldn't keep it in his pants?
{"commentId":4184938,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"stonecold614"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4185485,"authorDomain":"the-lucky-cricket"}
LOL Scrroge was just jealous of Cratchit then! Maybe Cratchit should have gotten Scrooge some free enzyte or viagra samples for Christmas, and then he may have gotten a raise! Or at least Scrooge would have lol!
{"commentId":4185485,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"the-lucky-cricket"}
{"commentId":4185610,"authorDomain":"md588909"}
LOL to StoneCold
I do think this year represents an opportunity for Americans to realize the true meaning of the big holidays, which (ignoring the religious part since that isn't everyone's deal) is getting together with family and enjoying that time together.
The best part of Christmas for me this year will be seeing my parents for the first time in 6mths... not getting that ipod or camera (which I won't be getting since my Christmas gift is the plane tickets home).
For those who don't have family they want to spend a day with, spend it with friends! That is what I am doing on Thanksgiving (since I can't afford the plane tickets or get the time off of work to go home).
NB: For those religious folks, I agree the true meaning of Christmas is the religious holiday, but it has been embraced as a non-religous cultural holiday too. You should be thankful for that b/c otherwise we probably wouldn't get the day off work... just like most ppl don't get off on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah.
{"commentId":4185610,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"md588909"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4186201,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
The high price of things during the year should not be lost on the public. What happened when we stopped driving so much? Gas prices mysteriously dropped to half of what they were in short order.
Stop buying so much especially on credit. Watch what happens to the prices. Has anyone noticed how the prices for new computers seems to always be the same? It is because the marker research revealed the price at which people would buy.
Stop buying. The prices will come down.
{"commentId":4186201,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4187132,"authorDomain":"ws-siren"}
Actually, I've noticed that they raise the prices during the holidays and then *pretend* they're putting them on sale.
Look, a few years ago, I started doing my Christmas shopping *early* (meaning, I like to get it done by Thanksgiving).
Like is a lot less stressful --- you should try it!
{"commentId":4187132,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"ws-siren"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4187268,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
Try just shopping, finding something someone can use then just giving it to them then...
{"commentId":4187268,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4187305,"authorDomain":"JTnews"}
True, we are always paying for more than we should...but if things were always cheaper then it wouldn't create rush to get those sale items...but still, some things are marked up way higher than they should be.
Every year I've struggled to provide presents to my immediate family because nobody else could afford it. But this year, I simply give up, and will only contribute to a nice dinner. That should be good enough...the holidays are about family...not material things.
{"commentId":4187305,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"JTnews"}
{"commentId":4187968,"authorDomain":"KatSC"}
I myself won't be disappointed, I grew up with 2 gifts and stocking, 5 siblings on a farm, the highlight for us was meal and being together..And I installed that into my kids from the start..up until age 16 they get 2 gifts (not pricy stuff ethier) and a stocking after 16 they eat and be thankful they get that..my 2 oldest eat now, my youngest will get 2 gifts, as far as family goes none of us buy for 16 or over but do provide 1 gift each for neices, nephews, grands under 16..thats it... And we have always shared cost of meal, little less be served this year cause of prices but we won't starve !!
{"commentId":4187968,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"KatSC"}
{"commentId":4184136,"authorDomain":"grospoliner"}
Its all about the commercialism. What the companies love to do is control the market and the consumer. Christmas is just the favorite time of year because the corporations can guilt people into buying high price items by equating the love and respect of a child or lover, to an item.
As for the make or break, there are some of these stores that don't get alot of business due to thier specialization. Hobby stores would be a good example, how often do you stop in to buy plastic models during the year. I'm guessing not too often. The rest of the stores... well we all know that Best Buy and Wal-mart are never hurting for sales.
It's all a big sham. Consume citizen...
{"commentId":4184136,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"grospoliner"}
- 3 votes
#9 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:51 AM EST{"commentId":4187375,"authorDomain":"JTnews"}
So in essence the big stores will be fine...but its our small businesses and specialty shops that will go under...these small types of businesses make up a huge part of our culture and provide a great boost to local economies...the other big box stores are soulless blackholes.
If you do shop...shop local or better yet secondhand.
{"commentId":4187375,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"JTnews"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4188087,"authorDomain":"KatSC"}
JT, Great idea and I would also say making gifts, we do, nothing in the stocking is bought candy, cookie..last year I made little frames from popcicle sticks, prettied them up with glue and glitter for stocking stuffer, along with some homemade fudge and candy cane cookies..I made it all in one day and under 35.00 and thats was 6 stockings, plus fudge and cookies on tray for everyone !!
{"commentId":4188087,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"KatSC"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4184160,"authorDomain":"novacain"}
“The lack of a hot toy is one of the reasons we’re going to have one of the worst Christmases in 30 years,” -huh?
Christmas isn't about giving gifts. It's about celebrating the birth of Christ, the reason for the season. I think it's time for families to get back to the basics of Christmas without all the hoopla of getting the latest, greatest triplebopdoublewopwopperbobbers for the kids and relatives. I remember growing up getting just one gift for Christmas and it was plenty. It was a special time to reaffirm family ties and friendships, not rabidly tear open presents and tune out the family and friends in the frenzy of playing with that brand new toy or gadget.
{"commentId":4184160,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"novacain"}
- 3 votes
#10 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:53 AM EST{"commentId":4184454,"authorDomain":"efcncmt"}
Nova! Shh! The people will hear you.
DON'T LISTEN TO NOVA!! She obviosly a religious right wing cook! Make sur you buy those high end laptops, and be sure to get a new computer game for each person in your house to have!
And don't forget to upgrade for the warrenty!
{"commentId":4184454,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"efcncmt"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4184551,"authorDomain":"anthonyvaticano"}
Amen!
I'm not really a religious person but even I can't stand what Christmas has become! Why do we spend money we don't have on things we don't need? To make us feel better about not being there for our children? We try to buy love in today's day and age - instead of actually offering love!
{"commentId":4184551,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"anthonyvaticano"}
- 9 votes
{"commentId":4184890,"authorDomain":"bluesky212"}
hooray!!!
Finally people making sense!!! The economy will be much much stronger when real value is sought after, not trinkets. This way, even if overall retail activity is weaker, it'll be more stable. Back to basicS!!
{"commentId":4184890,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"bluesky212"}
{"commentId":4184902,"authorDomain":"linda7502000"}
Wow! How wonderful to hear some great advice about Christmas. Businesses use this time that is suppose to be a religious holiday to make a buck. Sad that many will still go into debt to buy things and try to use them to replace something money can't buy, love. We are getting back to the reason for the season this year and all the years that may follow. Thanks for the inspiring reads.
{"commentId":4184902,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"linda7502000"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4195091,"authorDomain":"lionheart152"}
Where-as I agree with your comments, they're talking about the business side of Christmas. A business's sole purpose is to make a profit. They're not making as large a profit as they want to, so, of course they're going to complain. I believe that Christmas should be about friends and family and not the gifts, but you have to look at this from their point of view, as twisted as it is.
{"commentId":4195091,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"lionheart152"}
{"commentId":4184186,"authorDomain":"clmessina"}
I was at Toys R Us the other day. I'm not sure about 'must haves' causing a raucus as much as the frenzied parents who simply want to get a toy amidst a sea of mad kids and parents. I just wanted one toy, nothing extravagent, and felt like I was on a movie set where a madcap fight between parents armed with stuffed animals, legos and barbies ensues. There wasn't a sale or anything, just loads of people who were obviously brought up by wolves. Funny I used to like that kind of madness when I was a kid shopping with my parents for toys. Maybe it was the promise of toys that kept me distracted from the craziness. Ah nostalgia! :-)
{"commentId":4184186,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"clmessina"}
- 2 votes
#11 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:55 AM EST{"commentId":4185824,"authorDomain":"Herstal57"}
{"commentId":4184307,"authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
One reson for a slow turnout is because most gadgets and game consoles now-a-days can be upgraded, so there's no need to buy any hardware.....
I remember when mom got me "Tru Action Football", I destroyed both the warpping, and the box it was in and played all that x-mas day.... Never ate dinner either (there was more then enough candy and fuit around to kill off my hunger).....
Ah, good times indeed......
{"commentId":4184307,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
- 3 votes
#12 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:08 AM EST{"commentId":4184409,"authorDomain":"jtruckley"}
My kid is obsessed with Star Wars and we were lucky enough to find this little hobby shop that sells all the old figures for ten bucks each. We got alot of 'out of the package' ones too pretty cheap on E-Bay. I rarely left my house to toy shop this year. Thank God for internet shopping!
{"commentId":4184409,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"jtruckley"}
- 2 votes
#13 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:18 AM EST{"commentId":4185838,"authorDomain":"Herstal57"}
{"commentId":4186732,"authorDomain":"jtruckley"}
Naw, he's eight. The people sellin' the stuff on E-Bay are 30 and live in their parents basements.....
{"commentId":4186732,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"jtruckley"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":4184544,"authorDomain":"efcncmt"}
I loathe shopping. Jan 5th - Nov 22nd, it's a competition of speed, cunning, move and counter move. Nov 23 rd- Jan 4th. It's a contact sport with all the grace of a sledge hammer. My wife 'always' takes me Christmas shopping, b/c I'm a 'big guy' and I can push through the crowd, truth be told, the mothers out there scare the crud outta me.
{"commentId":4184544,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"efcncmt"}
- 4 votes
#14 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:31 AM EST{"commentId":4184714,"authorDomain":"joegintn"}
We'll it appears bush has sent no bail out to the north pole and there is going to be no christmas due to NMTS. (no money to spend). and stop crying about not finding what you want. its there your just to good to shop at more than wal-mart, and if you don't like the crowds how many of these stores are 24 hours, I go before work and no lines no wait. so wah wah wah. but then again doing this would leave you nothing to cry about and thats not american.
{"commentId":4184714,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"joegintn"}
- 1 vote
#15 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:48 AM EST{"commentId":4184986,"authorDomain":"linda7502000"}
From the sound of some of these post here, maybe it's true that the country is not in a bad way financially as many say.
{"commentId":4184986,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"linda7502000"}
- 1 vote
#16 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:12 AM EST{"commentId":4185068,"authorDomain":"diurnalemissions"}
I'm a free marketeer. If people have the ability ti buy extras, fine. But the reality is that due to bad monetary policies people were made to feel wealthier than they were. THAT'S were all this extra money was coming from that had everybody and their cousin waiting for the next shiny toy. It wasn' t that long ago that for a goodly number of people a nice holiday was getting a few presents, family on hand, and a nice meal on the table. And things were fine. But the last few decades it has been an environment of consumption first, consequences second. More and more money was pushed into the system, savings debased, wages going up and up, and credit easier and easier to get. Priorities got all out of whack. And the majoirty of this was caused by our government who has built itself numerous ponzi schemes that could only be supported by an overheating economy. Each new dollar pushed into the system, each "must have" product, each new credit card activated meant taxable events and kept the money rolling into the Federal coffers. Instead of having a government protecting people's lives and property and allowing the widest berth possible for freedom and equtiy building, we got a government promoting baseless currencies, one in which new credit and money is a newly activated card away (with minute fractional reserves behind it) and the new Federal Reserve issues to make those reserves balance. And we got senseless, irrational behaviors pinned directly to SOCIALIZED money. Are we supposed to be surprised at bailouts, high or low? The whole economy is rigged in favor of the irrational and stupid instead of the rational equtiy builder linving within their means. The government put their money on the hare in the proverbial "Hare and the Tortoise" fable. Is all this supposed to turn out any other way?
And people can snipe all they want in a partisan manner. But as long as Lib/Dems are out manufacturing entitlements ever two minutes, making for unreasonable monetary demands, and the Republicans cutting taxes every two minutes without cutting spending, this was the only option for the Federal Government left - push the economy to the brink of disaster. Hardly anyone was calling for REASONABLE federal spending, you know, those CONSTITUTIONALLY laid out, and the minimal taxes required to meet those responsiblities. Instead we got a Two Party System rolling entitlements and borrowing and running the economy on the red line to pay for just the TIP of the iceberg of these entitlements. The vast majority are out before us and our economy is about to follow the market down the rabbit hole.
But we must remember for the next time, since easy credit for the government and the people was what brought 1929-1939 down on us and THIS debacle. There's no get out of jail free card. The economy is what it is, and production has finite limits. Detroying the ability to build real equtiy in favor of socialist transfers and worthless money leads to short term overconsumption and long stretches of misery. Let's not do it again, o.k.?
{"commentId":4185068,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"diurnalemissions"}
- 3 votes
#17 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:18 AM EST{"commentId":4185192,"authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
It's like a alcoholic getting drinking too much beer all at once....
And now he's throwing up all over the place and needs to lay down and rest.....
{"commentId":4185192,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":4185207,"authorDomain":"bdouglas"}
Is a 1.7% growth in holiday sales over last year the end of the world as the media would make it out to be?
{"commentId":4185207,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"bdouglas"}
#18 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:30 AM EST{"commentId":4185342,"authorDomain":"JMills"}
Here's what I plan to do this Christmas.
Instead of rushing out to BUY something...that either I can't afford...or the recipient will not remember who gave it to them in January....
I plan to write each person either a letter...a card....even an e-mail......to tell them exactly what they mean to me..and how each of them have impacted my life.
What a concept huh? No money spent....no gas wasted running around town like an idiot....no "hustle and bustle"..........just some quiet time to reflect on those whom I love and the "ongoing" gift they give me each day....themselves.
I think.....it may be the very gift I give which they will remember over the years.
Think about it folks....in these hard times....why not make this year different. Tell the ones you love....how much you love them in return.
The cheapest....yet the most cherished gift you can give.
{"commentId":4185342,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"JMills"}
- 4 votes
#19 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:40 AM EST{"commentId":4185387,"authorDomain":"stonecold614"}
I like it.
{"commentId":4185387,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"stonecold614"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4185411,"authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
And also, round up the family, and goto church.....
They have holiday service, and then you come home to a nice warm dinner....
A x-mas well spent, and maybe a little lesson learned from all of this mess we're in....
{"commentId":4185411,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
- 4 votes
{"commentId":4185765,"authorDomain":"efcncmt"}
DON'T LISTEN TO AFRICAN"MADMAN"
He is also clearly a religious right wing cook! Go to the church of "More Holy Stuff", you can find alters at Wal-Mart.
{"commentId":4185765,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"efcncmt"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":4185840,"authorDomain":"hodg1687"}
Yes this is the year you will be remembered for being a cheap bas----. Give them your thoughts and a small gift.
{"commentId":4185840,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"hodg1687"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":4185917,"authorDomain":"JMills"}
Jeff....so sorry I offended your sense of what Christmas is all about. And as for me being a cheap Bas----, well....I guess you won't be getting a letter from me this year.
I won't waste my TIME.....:-)
In anycase..hope you and your's have a great holiday!
{"commentId":4185917,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"JMills"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":4186126,"authorDomain":"JMills"}
Oh..and AfricanMadman...
Your post only continued my train of thought. Thank you.
As a "spritual" person..rather than a religious one......I commend you on your post. We all must respect one another for our beliefs. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?
Be true to yourself and what you believe in.
Apparently Edwin hasn't come to terms with himself..or exactly what his beliefs are.
But that's okay.....one day he'll figure it out. Then he'll understand that it's OKAY to have a belief....however different from another's.
{"commentId":4186126,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"JMills"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4186360,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
The local Walmart has self serve altars as well as the ones where someone will lead the worship of gross consumerism for those too weak to do it themselves.
Novel idea - learn to knit or crochet then make something for your presents...
{"commentId":4186360,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4186553,"authorDomain":"JMills"}
Dr Know....
I tend to agree with you on Walmart......I do not shop there not only for the reason you expressed above...but also what they have done to small town businesses.
My family's heritage is that of poor coal miners in West Virginia. I remember the stories my grandparents used to tell me of the small coal towns...where the coal company not only owned the mines....but the town itself. The homes...and yes....the "company store", the ONLY place to shop for everyday essentials.
I'm afraid this is happening again...but this time on a much larger scale. We're watching the small businesses being eatten up by Walmart....and them becoming that "company store" in most communities where it builds.
To state my case further.....look at this holiday shopping season. Most ALL the other retailers are showing sharp declines....even closings....while Walmart shows increases in it's hold on the retail markets. Their presence continues to grow while the smaller guys..(and yes even some of the major retailers)....either disappear or face bankruptcy.
This is why I'll continue my boycott of Walmart.
{"commentId":4186553,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"JMills"}
{"commentId":4187334,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
"Mom's Store around the corner had to close. People learned that they could buy at Costco, Sam's, Smart and Final and get the 'wholesale' prices. They refused to pay any markup on the merchandise at Mom's. Then the gas stations open by the freeway with much of the same things on the shelf. They had bulk buying discounts, prices were a few cents lower. Next the sales tax people came in and accused them of hiding sales (how could they stay in business without sales?). The tax people were right, they couldn't so they closed.
Walmart did not do this.
The refusal of people to support the little local stores did it.
{"commentId":4187334,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4187421,"authorDomain":"JMills"}
Why wouldn't the people go to Walmart? They were able to undercut all the local prices? That's why they went.
I'm afraid...soon..all we'll be able to buy are cheap, foreign made..(Oh yes...I remember when Walmart started..they advertised "MADE IN AMERICA" as one of their ploys in getting everyone hooked)...and pretty tacky stuff at Walmart.
Walmart does NOT stand for American productivity or values...only what it can get out of your pocket.
Gee...does that sound ANGRY??........LOL
{"commentId":4187421,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"JMills"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4188220,"authorDomain":"KatSC"}
Jmills..awesome idea..I wrote poem for my mom about 4 years ago for christmas, and she cried tears of joy and it's framed on the wall for all to see, She has often said it means more to her than anything i ever bought !
{"commentId":4188220,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"KatSC"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4188273,"authorDomain":"KatSC"}
another cool concept we did as kid one year daddy had good crop was to not buy anything for ourselves but instead we got blankets and went down to what was called skidrow (homeless area) and handed them out, got lots of smiles and hugs that year, I will never forget that I was about 8 yrs old then !!
{"commentId":4188273,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"KatSC"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4189978,"authorDomain":"sarah02"}
i got a large photo frame and filled it with pics of my mums horse which had died that year, in the middle i taped a poem about 'your special horse' i found on the internet, its still her favourite gift ever
{"commentId":4189978,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"sarah02"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4191483,"authorDomain":"tcarney343"}
And spend the money you save by cheaping out on the relatives on??
{"commentId":4191483,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"tcarney343"}
{"commentId":4191603,"authorDomain":"JMills"}
Thank you Kat and Hometowngirl...
Kat....I did the very same thing about 15 years ago. My brother and I had spent a wonderful afternoon together on a river here in Florida. I wrote him a poem about that day...had it printed and framed...then gave it to him for X'mas. Today....it still hangs on his wall for all to see. It was probably one of the best gifts I had ever given too. WAY to go Kat...you have the right idea!
And it's funny.....but my dad did something similar himself when my brothers and I were young. He was a plant worker..and unfortunately was on strike one year at X'mas. Money was definately tight...but we still wrote out our wish lists to him.
On X'mas eve day...I remember him getting in his old Willy's Jeep..and driving to town that afternoon. We asked our mother where he was going..and she told us "just some errands."
A couple of hours later....he came home...gathered us into the living room...and told us how hard things were...and not only were we without much money...but other people were too. He then told us about a woman who had run an ad in the newspaper...to sell some of her children's old toys..so that she could afford to buy them some new ones for X'mas. He had gone to her house and bought them for us, and even though they weren't what we had hoped for....he said "There's a lesson to learn here. We should help others when we can..and not feel sorry for ourselves when we have to do without."
I remember watching him unload a few boxes and bags from the back of that old Jeep..and carry them into our dining room..sitting them on the floor..and saying to us.."Merry Christmas boys".
All three of us dove into those packages...and were so pleased at what we found. A fort set...model cars....a train station.....among many other goodies.
We started playing with all our bounty right away...and were happy with what we'd given.
That night......we went to bed happy and tired from the endless playing we had done with our "new" stuff.
The next morning.....we awoke to find that "Santa" really came afterall! All new toys....many of which we'd wished for were there under the tree. We were elated of course and gave our parents all the hugs and kisses I'm sure they hoped for.
But interestingly enough....to this day I cannot remember any of the new gifts received that morning. But my mind sees us playing with that fort and cars for years after that X'mas.
What our father taught us that day was....share what you can..and be happy for what we have. It was one of my fondest memories of my parents I have.
And Hometowngirl.....you certainly showed your mother how important she was to you from your gift. It came from the heart...and those are always the BEST ones.
Thank you both for sharing.....it made my post worth writing.
And Tom..... NO....getting richer from the experience is worth more than any amount of money could buy. :-)
{"commentId":4191603,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"JMills"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4191775,"authorDomain":"JMills"}
Call me "windy"....but after reading these posts...I want to make something else clear.
I am a gay man...no children. If I did have kids...you can be sure they would have some of their wishes come true too.
But since that is not the case........and even though I find myself unemployed for the first time in my 56 years of existance...I still will be participating (as I have in years past) of working for and contributing to local children's charitities to make sure that at least some children will have some of their wishes met. I'll do what I can....and be happy that at least I made some sort of difference.
Most of the posts here are just great....we're all thinking a little bit more about LOVE..and less about THINGS.
It's GREAT to see. Thanks to all of you for sharing of yourselves.
{"commentId":4191775,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"JMills"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4192688,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
I tend to be happy most of the time too... OH, you meant something else I think!!!
{"commentId":4192688,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
{"commentId":4193011,"authorDomain":"JMills"}
LOL...Yeah Dr....fraid so..LOL
{"commentId":4193011,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"JMills"}
{"commentId":4193688,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
I am a straight guy (when my back allows me to stand tall) and I do not have any kids either? We are much happier that the rest!!! ;-)
{"commentId":4193688,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
{"commentId":4185371,"authorDomain":"tarod208"}
This seems to be a good place to mention the Kindle. I feel that Amazon is trying to make the Kindle the hot item this winter by NOT meeting demand. Amazon blasts it Kindle book reader all over its site. When you place the order you find out that you will be waiting three weeks.
Here is an item that has been out for over a year. Amazon advertises it all over the place and they cannot meet demand? Ridiculous!
Three week delay for a very expensive book reader (especially in today's economy) that has been out for over a year. No thanks. Order canceled.
{"commentId":4185371,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"tarod208"}
#20 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 11:43 AM EST{"commentId":4185768,"authorDomain":"dddd44"}
I will just sit tight, and when Play station 3 getsto a good priceI will pick one up. No big EE. I got a HD DVD player from Wal-mart for 80.00 bucks. Works great! Plays all my DVDs and theHD ones also. And I still get up dates in the mail for it, very cool. Blu-Ray.. When it comes down, and when I get to it. No Big EEE..
Yes it is bad out there and all. But keep a stiff uper lip. It will get better.
{"commentId":4185768,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"dddd44"}
#21 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:15 PM EST{"commentId":4185835,"authorDomain":"gmiszti"}
I pity all who spend soooo much money ( money they don't have!) on so called hot gadgets and the taught that a Christmas will be " the " worst because of the lack of such items..... now that's frightening.
We can blame whoever we want for the economy---- it's still our fault. I'm in business to and I've seen people , smart , educated people, if I may say, spend hundred thousands on the idiology ;though I don't have it today , maybe ( miraculously) I'll have it next year?!
Good morning, America
{"commentId":4185835,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"gmiszti"}
- 1 vote
#22 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:22 PM EST{"commentId":4195129,"authorDomain":"lionheart152"}
Well, if your in business than you should understand that they are talking from the business point of view. Their profits didn't jump as high as they would have liked and they're unhappy about it. Look at it from their point of view, as bad as it is for the holidays.
{"commentId":4195129,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"lionheart152"}
{"commentId":4186056,"authorDomain":"toyokuni3"}
for years, all we have done well is amuse ourselves. now we apparently can't even do that.
{"commentId":4186056,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"toyokuni3"}
#23 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:37 PM EST{"commentId":4186068,"authorDomain":"salsafrontier"}
I am so-o-o sorry that the retailers' may have a 'bad season/year'. Um.....maybe if they lowed their prices they might make up in volume? But....no. That's bad math. Got to reach those projections, or else... 'off with their heads'!
Realistically, I'm sick and tired of hearing about how business just isn't making more and more money and how it's our fault for not going out there and spending!! Bad math? You bet it is. If I don't have it, I'm NOT spending it, and you can't make me!
What's really starting to worry 'them' is that the public is suddenly getting a 'lightbulb moment'.......and indeed! ......the CHANGE may be permanent. I hope so.
{"commentId":4186068,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"salsafrontier"}
- 2 votes
#24 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:38 PM EST{"commentId":4186392,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
Will Walmart and Costco be in Washington after Christmas hat in hand looking for a bailout?
{"commentId":4186392,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":4186698,"authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
Not wal-mart....
I worked for them and seen their plans the economy goes nuts....
They'll be a stand-alone, goverment-free retailer even in WAR......
{"commentId":4186698,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4186368,"authorDomain":"wesmenno"}
Stop buying.
Buying does not make you happy.
Buying does not make your family and friends happy.
Some personal attention and conversation might, but more stuff won't.
Oh does that hurt our insane growth-at-all-costs economy?
Tough.
{"commentId":4186368,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"wesmenno"}
- 3 votes
#25 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 1:02 PM EST{"commentId":4191075,"authorDomain":"starlighter2002"}
I agree, but I stopped buying out of need, not making a statement. Oh, I could say "I am the working poor and very proud".
{"commentId":4191075,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"starlighter2002"}
{"commentId":4186850,"authorDomain":"ecobuvax"}
why not give the remaining 350 billion dollars to the 40 million tax payers (about 8900$ each) who actually float the government and economy? the 40 million are those who paid between 10 to 25 percent tax on their 1040A gross earinings. no matter where the money went; food, bank, stock market, local bar, where ever, even the hookers would get a break..the economy would recover. problem.., and maybe Obama already knows this, is the economy is constipated...not liquid enough because 1500 billionares are hoarding the billions of our tax dollars hoping for the other 500 or so billionares want to borrow some. it is the ultimate game of 7 card poker with 3 cards. yeah..makes no sense to me either. i recall from eco 101 that money velocity grows the market. give the money to jack and jill six-pack and stand back. ptb Obama, have the intelligence to give us the money?
{"commentId":4186850,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"ecobuvax"}
- 3 votes
#26 - Mon Nov 24, 2008 1:37 PM EST{"commentId":4187044,"authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
I could use $8000+ bucks right now......
That could give me a chance to get into a nicer car and other things too.....
{"commentId":4187044,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"ghetto-otaku"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":4187101,"authorDomain":"johnogrady56"}
ecobuvax...
I completely agree though why not one step further and spend the Total amount of the so called bail out to every American Tax Payer. Watch the economy surge then.
I would trust the American Tax Payer before I would trust any of the Mental Midgets in Washington or the so called “Heads” of US Industry.
{"commentId":4187101,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"johnogrady56"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":4187197,"authorDomain":"capol21"}
it's because we did not get elected and DC does not give two iotas about us. the calculators are broken there, along with the side of the brain that thinks logically.
{"commentId":4187197,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"capol21"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":4187527,"authorDomain":"viperblade"}
the problem with these simulus checks are that people go to walmart and stimulate china's economy. I bought an american car with mine and late I get to buy "american" parts for it. Thats how you stimulate the american economy. Now there is some logical thinking.
{"commentId":4187527,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"viperblade"}
{"commentId":4192710,"authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
I worked at an auto parts store before it had to close. There were very few, IF ANY, "American" parts available. Some of the boxes did say "Assembled in the USA" but most were from a source in China.
{"commentId":4192710,"threadId":"425729","contentId":"2137446","authorDomain":"DrKnow"}
- 1 vote
{"canLink":false,"threadId":"425729","isPrivate":false}
You're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
As a new user, you may notice a few temporary content restrictions. Click here for more info.
Start Tracking
Stop TrackingCOMPANY STUFF:
LEGAL STUFF:
- © 2005-2009 Newsvine, Inc. |
- Newsvine® is a registered trademark of Newsvine, Inc. |
- Newsvine is a property of
