"Business is booming at luxury retailers; Sales rebound from recession" by Jenn Abelson | Globe Staff, December 14, 2011
Even as unemployment remains high and job growth is anemic, luxury spending is up, with some retailers reporting business booming at pre-recession levels. Wealthy shoppers, their confidence boosted by recovering investment portfolios, are dropping thousands of dollars on designer purses at Saks Fifth Avenue, holiday decorations from Winston Flowers, and custom-made candles from Seaport Candle Company in South Boston, among other pricey gifts. Baubles are back, furs are fine, and haute handbags are hot this holiday season.
--NOMORE--"
Did not make my printed paper:
"Salvation Army kettle donations down 22%" by John M. Guilfoil | Globe Staff, December 14, 2011
At grocery stores and public corners around the Commonwealth, people are not flocking to those festively dressed volunteers ringing the old, familiar bells of the Salvation Army. And they’re not alone. Five weeks into its annual Christmas red kettle drive, the Massachusetts division of The Salvation Army has collected less than $1.2 million, which is 22 percent down from last year and well short of the $3.4 million it ended up with last year.
Don't look at me; I've done my part in paper as well as coin, and will probably do some more before it's over. And I really can't afford it.
--NOMORE--"
