Kind of high end

Their new Goodfellow men's line is great from shirts and sweaters to polos and khakis and jeans. I'd say about half or more of my closet is from there and the other half is JCrew/BrooksBrothers type clothing...the quality is great, it's stylish, and not terribly expensive!

Both corporate-owned chain restaurants, and locally owned restaurants, bars, and pubs.

I'm not entirely sure what's causing it.

a better time of it than retailers... People seem to gravitate towards restaurants much more than retail stores in uneasy financial times..I'm talking about good restaurants, the ones which appeal to the more affluent.

Most don't go 'shopping' any longer. The few times in the past 10 years where I've visited ANY Store to find what I was looking for, I left empty handed, simply because items were not in stock. And then, I'd go online and see if I couldn't just order online, pay online, have it shipped and be at my doorstep the following day. I could've saved myself the wear and tear on my vehicle, gasoline, fighting traffic, locating a parking space, and walking to the shop I was looking for.

Bricks and Mortar Stores are going to be extinct soon, I fear. Online Shopping has been a death curse. In my situation (single, work extended hours) to go shopping after a 10 hour day, or even on a day off, is not something I relish. Never have to be honest. Never have understood the attraction of Shopping Malls.

I'll say this much, I'm one of those who IS trying to downsize, so shopping for MORE is not on my list of things 'to-do'

I run a small Etsy shop. My traffic is way down from this time last year.

Etsy is constantly changing their search algorithm and pushing you to pay for promoted listings. They took away the only free promos section that they once offered. Meanwhile they do little to no advertising (don't even offer gift cards on those gift card racks) and keep increasing fees on sellers.

I'm constantly reading up on tags, keywords, titles (which is why so many online listings have word salad titles), SEO, etc. It is a neverending game and by no means a quick cash moneymaker.

I don't know what you sell, but here in SFrancisco, a lot of my friends sell their wares in tourist area shops whenever possible. Tourists are always buying here.

I should tell friends/family in other areas to BOLO for shops that might work on consignment.

It just seems much worse now... Thanks

has been happening for about three years,and went into hyper drive in January of 2017 and jump into a even high speed last October,about the same time as the Stock Market went south.

Disposable has not kept pace with the hidden inflation.

Foot traffic is way down nation wide and it is a result of lack of disposable income.

if delayed effects in that might be kicking in. Not that I know anything about retail.

But yours sounds like a shopping area I'd like to visit, not as much to shop in decades past but as a way to spend a nice morning or afternoon with a friend. Apparently some particular business combinations create special synergies? Lose any types of business or drop below a critical number, or did desirable new ones pop up in competing areas?

I used to visit and stroll a particular section of a boulevard in Los Angeles because I could pick up fantastic croissants there and enjoy the other shops along with my coffee on the sidewalk. This is the first time in 40 years probably that I realized finding that shop meant I mostly abandoned another neighborhood, but they were all booming back then.

We have a wonderful buyer who really understands what our customer base wants.. Home Decor item, cool vases, Candles from Cuba, cool bar carts, lighting fixtures etc.People still are looking for items which are connected to Home Decor.. High End Candles made in cali.. Wonderful high end books on Music, Woman's Movement, Food and Cooking..Especially Travel, Architecture,Journals from Nepal. These books average around $30. Also and a big also is the fact that we have a lot of Fair Trade Items, and of our accessories are domestic...

Yes we have been very slow lately.. I think Trump is so draining that my customers while still loving our store are just not that interested is such things..at this point in time.

I could give you many reasons.. But just the cost of stocking, Mailing, Boxing, returns, are just a few,,

Both times for issues with my mac computer. Both times I walked over a mile, just from the parking to the Apple store and back. I love walking outdoors, but not that stuff. I get accosted by folks trying to sell wrinkle cream. Bleh, let me walk in the woods and order stuff on line.

It’s very hard out there!

I do most of my shopping online, but went in to a few Boston malls/stores and they were not crowded, no lines, plenty of merchandise, etc. It just seemed like people weren't into it this year.

Obama's economy carried us for a few years of Trump economics, but Trump is a wrecker ball in everything he touches.

I think he's a drain... When people feel drained... They do less...Plus prices of necessities are rising every week!

the Christmas rush just didn't happen.

In years past the Tanger mall here had to bus people from excess parking into the mall, but this year the mall lots had lots of spaces.

Talking to people, no one seems to have a reason. I suspect that a lot of people have just reached a limit. Limit of what? I don't know, but it's slowing them down.

Maybe it's just that there is no good news out there.

This all began in the middle of 2018...

Might be a little while.

I don’t have any answers but I do know people need community and connection, and we have to reach out new ways to remain relevant and earn their business. If people are not out there just hunter gathering as much it’s necessary to find new ways to be seen as they can’t buy what they don’t see.

Assuming you’re already on Instagram and all of that.

People sure do like “make your own” workshops if it fits.

Although none of those were the question!

Lots of people are buying into the Marie Kondo, decluttering, getting rid of anything that doesn't "spark joy". Thrift shops are overwhelmed with donations right now.

Also, even though the economy has improved over the last 10 years (mostly while Obama was in office) if you've gone through a bad patch, really struggled financially, and learned to live frugally, it's very hard to go back to recreational shopping. I was disabled for 3 years and lived on less than $1200 a month. While I make more now, I just don't see myself ever going back to the spending habits I had when I was making $40K a year. I buy things when I need them, not just because I want them.

I always have Marie Kondo in the back on my mind. Do I really need this?

that is no longer useful, but at some point they will probably buy things they DO need, that DO "spark joy", and those things will be better quality. I've adopted a capsule wardrobe for myself and I don't buy ANY new clothes that don't coordinate with what I already have and what I do buy is, for the most part, made to last.

From less than 1000 sq ft bricks and mortar home, into a 200 sq ft motorhome. For certain there are items I CAN NOT take along. As in practically everything that has sat in my garage for past 14 years collecting dust since I moved in. Since I really no longer decorate for Holidays, I'm paring that down to least amount of 'stuff' possible. Amazed at 'things' I've collected over the years since divorcing. A good paying job will do that to you. And yes, according to above, everything 'spark joy' in all of my purchases, though I look at them now thinking WTH was I thinking...

Are you going to travel or are you just using the RV to downsize?

At one point when I was living just on SSDI a few years ago, I lived in a boarding house for about 9 months. My room was 6.5' x 11'. A twin bed fit snugly against the short wall and it functioned as a sofa by day and a bed by night. I had an ice chest that doubled as a nightstand and a folding "TV tray" table I ate off of. There was a bookcase, a chest of drawers and a 3 foot curtain rod mounted under a shelf that functioned as my "closet". Shared a bathroom and the kitcheb with 4 other tenants. Honestly, if I could have my cats, I'd live there again. Life was simple.

gifted or tossed most of EVERYTHING we owned.

I've been practicing minimalism/voluntary simplicity for close to 30 years but now it's trendy. All sorts of books about minimalism, podcasts, Marie Kondo's book, etc. Add to that the fact that baby boomers like myself are at an age where they are retired and are focusing on downsizing. Plus, most of us when retired have a whole lot less discretionary income.

I totally agree with you that once you get used to living with less, it's just a lifestyle and habit and you realize that most of the stuff you thought was important or necessary was really just a time sapper and waste of money.

Being a conservationist most of my life, I actually think this is a good thing. Perpetual growth in the economy isn't always a good thing. My main reason for not shopping is the environment. We are a very wasteful country.

Everyone I know is trying to get rid of their stuff not buy more. Of course, it could just be my age group: kids in college, leaving the nest, etc. I look around and just see the crap I don't want anymore. Why did I ever want china? I don't use it!! I stopped decorating for Xmas, why bother, we're not even Christians. All the knick-knacks need dusting, no thanks. Plus, minimalism just looks clean. Of course, the last thing to go will be the books; THAT will be a tough one, how to decide?

if they still "spark joy"

But there are plenty of Baby Boomers who are quite upset that their children and grand children don't want their old china, furniture and knick knacks.

I was never a big fan of china because I didn't grow up with it. It just looks too busy to me with food on it and serving pieces cost a mint. My mother was an "early adopter" of plain, white stoneware. It just looks so classic and simple You get color from the food you put on them, your table linens and a centerpiece or flowers if you have them. She started with Corning Ware and then switched to dishes from Pier 1. It's so easy to get serving pieces too, and you don't faint because someone broke a $200 gravy boat that's irreplaceable.

Her sister even got rid of the few pieces of china she had and went with plain white. If either of them was having a big get together they could borrow each other's dishes. She used the same Oneida stainless flatware for 40 years. I used it for another 10 until I found a pattern I liked better.

I wanted something plain. My mother's pattern had red and pink roses on it and she started hating it by the time we were in school. She specifically told me to go with a plain pattern because your tastes change and you'll Iget sick of it. I like mine, I just don't use it. One of the first things I did when I left my husband was to sell my mother's silver. I got a grand for it and I knew Mom would approve. I never used the silver either. The everyday dishes I use now are clear and purchased at a thrift store.

The books are a problem. I try to keep only literature, non-fiction, reference, and the fiction I think I will read again or pass on. The trouble is: every time I donate a book to a library or thrift store, I want it back. It's pathological.

and you aren't having to move them, I wouldn't worry about it. I had a boss who kept every single book she'd ever read. 90% were paperbacks and they were romance novels and science fiction. She had a whole room in her rent house filled with them. When I was helping her prepare to move, I suggested that she might want to donate some and she was HORRIFIED. She said "What if I want to read them again some day?"

I asked her " How often do you reread romance novels?"

She said, "Well, never."

She still boxed them all up and hauled them to the next city. It was probably 30 boxes of books. I thought it was nuts. That's one thing that's good about being a renter is that it makes you declutter from time to time. It's either that or move all that shit.

If you want to see wgat your china is worth retail, you can check here. From how you described it, it sounds like you might have Lenox Solitare. It's a classic pattern that's been around for decades.

https://www.replacements.com/webquote/l__sol.htm

I still have original packaging and everything.

You might be able to sell it to a new bride for 20% off retail or so. Fine china doesn't really go on sale too often.

And I'm trying to get rid of it. I am on a no buy year for clothes in 2019-- I must make do from my closet.

Yes getting rid of crap? Even My wife and i do that.. We too are getting rid of things we just keep around.. But people still want to acquire cool pieces (Home Decor. High End Coffee table books...on Music, Theater, Travel, Art, Architecture. Sports and a small section for books on Pot! Yea we are doing ok.. but not as well as pre-trump years.

but we've felt things tightening for the last couple of years.

Raises are small (2% to 2.5% for my husband who "consistently exceeds expectations" according to his reviews).

Prices are going up a lot. Our food budget has gone up by about 1/3 and we buy less and lower quality than we used to.

Everything costs more and our income doesn't even come close to keeping up with the rising prices.

I've heard this from other moms in town here as well.

Fact is that the economy may be doing well for the already comfortable/well-off, but for most of the people I know...not so much.

capricious statements that affects business. No one knows what stupid announcement he will make next that will upend the apple cart. My BIL is the service manager at a luxury car dealership and he's been saying for months now that sales are down due to Trump's unpredictable and heavy handed tampering with businesses. Some sales people have already been laid off, buyers seem reluctant to get a very expensive new car when they are worried that their own jobs might disappear.

I think there are many factors, but I think people are holding back fearing the future.

Those in the middle and lower classes are losing buying power daily.
As wages have lost to inflation and it seems like daily needs like housing and health care and heat are really jumping people are staying home and saving against the future.

IIRC Christmas sales were down close to 2% which in total dollars was huge.

Yeah, I think the reality of Trump is settling in.

February was good.

Who can predict tomorrow?

This is the life we have chosen.

In your 20's, you're starting out and acquiring.

In your 30's, you're upgrading.

In your 40's, you're enjoying.

In your 50's, you're getting bored and sick of maintaining.

In your 60's, you're starting to downsize.

In your 70's, there is nothing left to need.

All those post-war baby boomers are now in their 70's...'nuff said.

Everything you obtain, sooner or later you need to dispose, and it costs more and takes more time to get rid of it.

When I had to clean out my mother's house and was considering a yard sale, a very smart person said to me "Nobody wants your mother's crap." Words to live by!

Before that my great grandparents lived there (and built it). It was never cleaned out after they passed. So 2 generations who lived through the Depression worth of stuff.

I've got 2 boxes and counting ready for Goodwill and some old electronics for Best Buy staring at me right now.

She's got her own business, a 3000 sq ft home, & two cars. Her husband has his own IT biz, and their 4 yr old just started preschool. They already want to downsize & simplify.

suffering as you have described.

I’ve been through this half a dozen times, lived here 50 years and with growing inflation and
higher interest rates this time is not going to be pretty for any of us.

But rest assured trumps economy will raise all yachts and they will still be able
to find helpless girls/boys in massage parlors.

Tikki

Some businesses have peak and down seasons. Your establishment sounds mostly immune given that it's for people with more disposable income (I'm guessing) so post-holidays wouldn't matter. My question - could it be people taking a more simplistic approach in the new year? I noticed a trend of people talking at work and on social media declaring that they wanted to simple it down - go back to more basics this year. I took it as an exhaustion of the crazed tumultuous continual manic times.

My indicator which I picked up during the recession was traffic on my early morning runs. I don't run as early as I used to (6ish as opposed to 5ish) but there was a noticeable correlation between the economy and vehicles before the break of dawn. Just my observation.

1) There were more than several people that I know who weren't in the mood to go shopping, because they told me to the person that we as a society are in a truly crappy place (tRump) and that it's affecting them in MANY hideous ways as in LESS $$ to spend or they'd be fucked into hell because they over-spent and wrecked their budgets going into what they feel will be a horrible 2019 economically.

2) There are many folks that I know just didn't want to SPEND much money for the holidays. they're pulling their belts in because their health insurance premiums went way up,or because they just don't want to spend the $$. Those with children had difficult times explaining this to their kids. One couple I know bought their kids (4) only one Christmas gift. Several couples I know KNEW that they were no longer going to be getting those tax refunds that they USED to get because of tRump/thuglians shifting the burden onto them and lessening it for the uber-rich. Proud to say that MOST if not all of my buddies are WOKE.

3) There were many folks I know who are younger and of working age (20's into their early 50's)--some single--many with family/children also did a #2 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻

4) More & more folks I know (Married/single) are shopping on line, and even many of them told me that when they did venture into the malls they didn't have to contend with large crowds as they had just 4-5 years ago.

5) And the folks who are quite wealthy that I know who are retired & comfortable and who can afford "To spend it 'cause they got it" that I know aren't spending NEARLY as much since tRump helped to get himself rigged into the presidency with the help of the ruskies and thuglicans.

6) Even friends who have thuglican relatives/friends tell me that their tRump lovin' kin/friends have begun to cut WAY down on spending, and that they've fallen out of love with their lying ass-treasonous-crazy-racist-fatso-in-chief Dear Leader , because many found out that they won't be getting that couple to several thousands of dollars worth of refunds that they HAD gotten all 8 years when the ni@@er man (One of my friends rapidly becoming, racist, broke ass cousins calls him that ) was the president. Nope, they are really livid that they actually owe from the hundreds to the thousands in taxes this year, and they're scrambling like hell to come up with the money that they owe the US Government

7) I told ALL of my friends ahead of time that I can ONLY afford to send them nice holiday cards for the holidays. In other words, that I wasn't willing to 'fuck myself' and spend my bill/food $$ because it was the holiday season. MANY wrote back and said that they wished they had the courage to tell their relatives/friends what I told them because although many have told me that they cut back on spending, they still felt pressured into buying gifts for some of their closest relatives/friends/elderly relatives/parents.

Sorry to hear about the loss of real business. I still try to visit local stores but in my rural state there are fewer.

Amazon/Walmart/Walgreens are trying to corner all the markets.

I'll go to local greengrocers as long as they survive.

Of a sorts. I know I just don’t feel like shopping any more and while we are not upper middle class I can afford to buy clothes when I feel like it, I just haven’t lately.

Only time I seem to shop lately groceries and household items. I went looking for a sweater the other day because I lost my favorite one and just lost interest after a few shops and bought nothing.

Instead I am doing more walking, reading, and mindfulness type things for relaxation. Well along with meeting friends for happy hour and in the past year if I say coffee/tea or drinks its always drinks!

Fifty years ago, we had a downtown where you could buy useful stuff. Thirty years ago, we had thriving indoor malls where you could buy useful stuff. Now the malls are dead and the big box stores are huge, depressing, and often stocked with junk or just plain under stocked.

To walk in the winter and Macy’s but they have less and less of anything I like.

i have not even tried during the moron. maybe next year.

So, were in the "zone" for a recession. But this economist says there are two predictors that guarantee a recession is coming;

1. Box sales.

2. Insurance Companies Work Comp combined ratios spike.

Boxes are used both for your brick an mortar shops and online sales. If they tank, then no one is buying anything, which means consumer spending is tanking.

Your low wage "average" worker probably understands "economics" in a way he/she doesn't realize. They get hurt on the job in a minor way, but keep working because things are "busy". When things aren't "busy", they take Work Comp. And there are those who have been around the block a couple of times and know when layoffs are imminent....so they get "hurt". Hoping to ride out the down turn until things pick back up.

any longer. I bought a new PC a couple of years ago, and a new Kindle Fire with a Christmas gift card. I wanted a new sports coat for traveling, but found a like new one at a local Goodwill for $10. I'll need to replace my below zero parka before next winter, but I'll be watching for a nice one In thrift stores off-season. I paid $160 14 years ago for the Lands End one I'm replacing. I'll find my next one for under $30, no doubt.

I'm just not in the mood to spend big for anything. I could afford it, but can't justify it. Notably, Lands End quit offering the 50-below parka I'll be replacing, anyhow. It has been great, but the zipper is getting balky.

It's getting harder and harder to sell me new stuff. Period.

In my group of 8 close friends, 3 of us are now working from home. I used to go shopping for clothes all the time. My office had high standards for apparel and you were expected to look chic and trendy always. When I would be out shopping for clothes, I would pop in other stores and buy something that caught my eye in the window. When the opportunity for working from home became available-sign me up!! No commuting, no office politics/interruptions. I love it! Now I wear yoga pants. I look at the racks of clothes and shoes and accessories I have and feel like I will not have to go clothes shopping for years. I also have been culling my wardrobe and taking it to a resale store where I have so much credit on my account and can shop there. I think working from home has contributed to a decline in retail along with the massive student debt many young people have.

Made in L.A.. We go to the factories downtown owned and run by Japanese Designers.. Inexpensive and very cool...We don't pay for shipping.. We just go pick it up. We do very well with it... Small is the key word...Maybe 4 double racks and 6 single racks on the walls.... No freaking men's... Macy's within walking distance.. are loaded with menswear and it's always on sale big time!

The really fancy stuff goes well, and the mid-range stuff goes begging. They have about 25 different divisions and hold auction sales around the country and in Hong Kong. Not just traditional stuff like old collector coins, banknotes and jewelry, but also sports memorabilia and entertainment memorabilia, American art, old American manuscripts, books, space memorabilia, stuff none of us would pay $2 for, but knowledgeable collectors fight over. I know one of the co-CEOs bought some document for a few hundred dollars out of an auction in New York, and was over the moon because he got it for nothing. He is a Texas native (unlike most of the rest), and recognized the document to be an original muster roll for the Alamo before Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie got there. They do decent business, but I know they treat their employees well, too, and that isn't cheap, even in Texas. health insurance above and beyond the minimum, summer BBQ for everyone (450 people, or however many it is now), rotating trips to their Hong Kong office for US-based staff that would never be able to afford to go in their lives otherwise, that kind of thing.