It’s not all gloom and doom. Businesses are struggling, the housing market may have crashed, and jobs may have disappeared en masse, but today’s consumer is in the driver’s seat. And perhaps as in any crisis, people are being reminded about what’s really important in life.
This Saturday and Sunday (August 15-16) mark the last of this summer’s three weekends when admission is free at more than 100 national parks. More details here.
Some towns are defying the recession, with cranes dutifully piecing together new buildings, new businesses opening, populations showing increases, and average resident income actually growing. How do they do it? Chances are, Uncle Sam has given them a helping hand.
A Chicago writer hit some thrift stores, tossed in a little time, craftwork, and creativity, and put together fashionable duds that resemble something you might see on the runway.
Shoppers are closely watching what they buy, and supermarkets are watching and quickly reacting to how those shoppers spend. The result is change in grocery store aisles: Nowadays, you’re more likely to find discounted items (even in Whole Foods) and inexpensive store brands, and you’re much less likely to see fancy coffee bars or pricey [...]
The recession and the green movement are forces that crisscross and team up in many ways. Goods that are disposable or used briefly before heading to landfills are not cool—because they’re both expensive and environmentally unfriendly. Hybrid cars are attractive because you save on gas in the course of decreasing your impact on Mother Nature. [...]
The second passenger rides for free on Amtrak’s Downeaster train, which serves Maine. Tickets must be purchased at least three days in advance. More details here.
Could the onset of the recession actually make people happier? In fact, it could—if only because it can remind people of what’s really important in life. And truth be told, buying stuff doesn’t make folks happy in the long run.
“It’s morally wrong to allow a sucker to keep his money.”
A survey of 30 countries revealed that Americans, Canadians, and Spaniards have the highest cell phone bills in the world. Why? It’s not because we use our cell phones more.
A “Class of $10″ sale means dozens of hoodies, jeans, T-shirts, and more are priced at $10 (sometimes less) for girls and boys at Old Navy.
