OK, if the retailers are having such great holiday sales, why are they

practically paying me to take stuff off their shelves?

Upfront, I am not a professional shopper. I know people who can buy hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise for less that $20. However, even someone as bargain impaired as me can find the most unbelievable sales they've ever seen.

The amount of money I've spent compared to the items I've bought for Christmas is astounding.
Furthermore, I'm not having to fight crowds or go at the break of dawn to find these reduced prices.

I can't believe any retailer is making profits this year. If an amateur like me can find a full eleven piece stainless steel, high quality set of cookware for $77.99, and we are talking the heavy duty, restaurant strength kind, what the heck is going on?

That's not to mention the clothing items that I'm finding at unbelievable savings. And, the stores's inventories are full to overflowing. No empty shelves anywhere except a megastore (MediaPlay) which is going out of business and offering 50-75% off everything.

Just saying. It's a good thing for me, personally, right now, but I'm thinking not such a good economic indicator. MKJ

BTW, Merry, Happy, Christmas, Holidays, etc.

buying. And you know what? Except for my daughter (who I always gave money to before because I knew that I could never pick out anything that would meet her approval) I don't give a fat rat's ass. The economy has gone the same way as our civil liberties. Sacrificed on the neocon altar of power, greed and corruption.

My prayer for Christmas is that I'll live long enough to see these guys Nuremburged.

were many people walking through the mall without any bags of purchased items.

I don't recall seeing the shelves of inventory so full and the markdowns so dramatic within the last 20 or so years.

I share your hopes. Maybe we'll see some justice, soon. MKJ

It might depend on where you live; here in the pacific northwest, we're doing pretty good! I know several people who work in retail and they say they've done twice the business they did last year--and it's the highest total they ever had, so don't despair!

I think this is going to be a great Christmas!

and I saw slashes of 70 - 90% off -- yes, 90% off -- on stuff yesterday at Northgate Mall. We are not immune to Dubya's Ponzi Scheme economy.

On the upside, the Seahawks kicked ass today.

http://www.cafepress.com/scarebaby/658010

I bought a new printer at an office supply store back in November. I needed a new chair, but the one I wanted was $179 :(

I walked in there yesterday, and it was $69 :)

When the next product comes along they simply practically give the stuff away. Also, I had to go to several places to get stuff I needed due to empty shelves/out of stock. :shrug:

I've done very little "Big Mall" shopping this year, except to visit the Petite's department for a gift last week. The prices were mostly 50% off then. Best Buy didn't seem to have any huge deals, but I wasn't looking for anything very expensive. I bought my daughter an MP3 player that came with a $50.00 instant rebate, though. I guess that was about a third of the price. Target had some 30% markdowns. I was finishing some shopping yesterday and today and was very surprised at how few shoppers were out. The weather was good, the roads were clear, so there wasn't anything to discourage people if they were interested in shopping.

I do agree with you, BHP, that things don't *feel* quite normal this season.

Season's greetings to you, too!

that's usually below cost, folks, on most items.

Sprawl Mart's parking lot was 3/4 empty two nights ago, when it's usually full from Thanksgiving-Jan2, with parking on all the side streets.

Retailers are trying to move as much stuff as possible, even if they have to nearly give it away. Expect to see a lot of retailers out of business next month. They count on Xmas sales to make it, and that isn't happening.

Nieman Marcus, Tiffany's, Harry Winston, and all the other high end retailers will do just fine, of course.

Well, kinda. Just got back from Barnes and Noble. A good buyblue choice. Did all my shopping in under 2 hours. Everybody gets a book or a puzzle or a game something educational. The only exeption was my three month old new grandson, who got a baby-stimulating carry-all swing thingy. Selfish of me, because I want to see that sucker over here when I babysit.
Next year, I swear I'm getting into crafts. My friend took up glass blowing and brought me a cute little thing which I will always treasure. I have a sister in law who makes candy. A brother in law who collects antique bottles has given me several.

I wish everybody the best of the holiday seasons, wherever you start and however you finish and what ever you choose to call it. I wish for peace on earth with more sincerity and more intensity than ever before. My thoughts go out to the families with loved ones gone or deployed, and our many Military personal who won't be home for this season. May they all come home safely.

as a Christmas surprise but the salesman wouldn't even wish me a simple "Merry Christmas" after I had him draw up the paperwork. Well, to hell with him - I left and drove to Target and bought her a warm nightgown and pair of fuzzy slippers instead, 30% off. No Christmas greetings, no sale, Mr. Grumpy car guy. I showed him.

Yes, as a matter of fact, I think I will have another drink......hic...urp........

Happy Eggnog back atcha. :hi: MKJ