There was just a very interesting article on Christmas 2009 on Yahoo News. And how the economic recession is affecting retailers.
HSN (Home Shopping Network) was quoted as having planned a Christmas 2009 theme around pea****s for 2009. When HSN saw how bad things were for Christmas 2008 -- they cancelled their plans for that kind of "dramatic, unusual" stuff. And put in plans for a traditional, homey Christmas. Gingerbread houses and candy canes.
Home Depot had been carrying unusual things. The "upside down" Christmas tree. Decorations in purple and in brown. That will be all gone for 2009. Decorations are back to red and green and gold. Pink and purple trees are gone -- the trees will be green in 2009.
In 2008, retailers had the worst year since 1967. Things are much worse now than they were in 2008. Unemployment is approaching 10% -- much higher than last year. And so many millions are employed "part time" -- with no benefits.
As one of the executives told Yahoo: People are spending much less now. It just is NOT in good taste to spend money you don't have.
The retailers hope that the reassuring, traditional decorations will make people happier -- and ready to spend SOMETHING for Christmas.
What do you think?
HSN (Home Shopping Network) was quoted as having planned a Christmas 2009 theme around pea****s for 2009. When HSN saw how bad things were for Christmas 2008 -- they cancelled their plans for that kind of "dramatic, unusual" stuff. And put in plans for a traditional, homey Christmas. Gingerbread houses and candy canes.
Home Depot had been carrying unusual things. The "upside down" Christmas tree. Decorations in purple and in brown. That will be all gone for 2009. Decorations are back to red and green and gold. Pink and purple trees are gone -- the trees will be green in 2009.
In 2008, retailers had the worst year since 1967. Things are much worse now than they were in 2008. Unemployment is approaching 10% -- much higher than last year. And so many millions are employed "part time" -- with no benefits.
As one of the executives told Yahoo: People are spending much less now. It just is NOT in good taste to spend money you don't have.
The retailers hope that the reassuring, traditional decorations will make people happier -- and ready to spend SOMETHING for Christmas.
What do you think?
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