This weekend, post Black Friday, the media storyline was that spending was about on par with last year. This was great news, the storyline went, because it was supposed to be ever so much worse. Thus, surpassing lowered expectations meant it was a success and proof of economic recovery. Or something.
Today, however, comes word that spending on Black Friday was actually about 8.6% lower than last year. Which doesn't fit the narrative at all.
Now, I'm not entirely certain that a drop in Black Friday spending automatically means doom for the Republic. Some people just might want to save some this year - can't blame that. For myself, and I suspect many others, the key reason why I wasn't out looking for zomg bargains is simple. No one was making stuff I wanted this year.
It happens. I've got a nice TV. I've got a good computer. There's only been one or two movies worth hunting down to own. Ditto for video games. I don't cook much so I don't need amazing time saving appliances. I buy my books on-line and last year's ensemble still works for me. In short, I'm consumed out, thank you very much. My gift giving prep work is already done, too.
And as I said, I imagine the same applies to lots of folks. When you add in uncertainty about the economy, the monstrously bad ideas sitting in the House waiting for Senate votes, and growing fears of long term double digit unemployment it's not too difficult to see that people may be looking at that BluRay player and deciding that DVD is good enough for them.
Also, if you want me to buy more crap, maybe make it less craptastic.
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