Self-delusion is a wonderful thing, isn't it, AmeriKans?
Hey, how did we find ourselves neck-deep in shit?
"Retailers issue bah, humbug forecast; Holiday sales growth to be lowest since '02" by Associated Press | September 23, 2008
NEW YORK - Holiday sales are expected to grow at the slowest pace in six years as shoppers worry about jobs, the housing and stock markets, and high gas and food prices, according to a forecast from the National Retail Federation being released today.
I'll do my part by staying home this year. I don't want to help this economy one bit. Let the system crash, and let's eat the guys who got us into this mess.
The outlook from the retail trade group joins other weak holiday predictions issued so far that will likely lead to aggressive discounting and pre-Thanksgiving sales blitzes as stores try to pry dollars from frugal shoppers.
Sales and discounts don't mean much when you have no money!
The downbeat forecasts come as many retailers have already suffered from a weak fall shopping season. While consumers have been squeezed by high gas and food prices, they are also contending with a weak job market and tighter credit. Last week's financial turbulence could further rattle people's confidence, which was near historic lows in August, according to the Conference Board.
Stores are closely monitoring what's happening on Wall Street. Any more upheaval could lead to stores' retooling their plans, including hiring. Holiday hiring is already likely to fall significantly short of last year's total, which was the lowest since 2003, according to job placement consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
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