Shoe And Auto Repair Companies Buck Recession
Job Losses Mean Frugality, Fixups And Small Luxuries
Feb 10, 2009
One Maine company is going great guns insuring beach houses because its larger competitors do not want to devote the time and personnel to do it any more. Pawnbrokers have gone from their position as lender of last resort to the mainstream. It's a great way to raise cash on grandfather's gold watch. Shoe menders in Europe, the United States and Canada are posting gains as people who, usually, would not bother to fix their shoes and bags, bite the bullet and do it rather than strain the wallet and buy something new.
Quick Fixes And Alterations
Tailors and seamstresses who have not been this busy in decades pick through piles of clothes brought in for quick fixes and alterations. Stores selling knitting supplies report more knitting and sock darning is going on in the world's households. Computer maintenance companies are recession proof.
Fixing Up Their SUVs
Even automobile owners who'd, probably, rather buy new energy-saving vehicles are resisting the urge and fixing up their SUVs, much to the delight of corner garages whose owners often have had to hire additional mechanics to handle the increased workload. Those who want to "rest" their cars are buying bicycles and accessories.
It's a different world now and armies of previously undervalued workers and business owners are stepping in to help it keep going
Big Box Stores Report Increased Sales
Big box stores report increased sales and newspapers list grocery stores prices daily in an effort to lead consumers to bargains. Fast food outlets such as hamburger and pizza restaurants report large gains as people, who like to eat out but cannot afford restaurants, tuck into comfort food. Neighborhood coffee shops are making a comeback as people turn away from the big chains that they perceive as expensive. Starbucks is offering deals and closing stores to combat this move.
People Still Want Little Luxuries
Despite all this frugality, people still want little luxuries so pastry and chocolate stores are doing well as are supermarkets selling flowers. "People buy more luxury chocolate in a recession as an affordable treat," says Kevin Gould spokesman for an online chocolate seller. Business is up by 15 percent. Wine stores report their sales continue to rise but that drinkers are not buying expensive vintages.
Dentists And Opticians Report Good Business
With downsizing approaching, employees are rushing to book dental and optical appointments for family members in an effort to make the most of benefits before they lose them. Thus, dentists and opticians report good business. So do schools and colleges that report an upswing in enrollments as laid off workers rush to educate themselves for new careers.
People Are Turning To Old Ways
In this recession people are turning to old ways to conserve cash. Instead of tossing stuff out and buying something new they are fixing it. As a result, armies of workers and business that have been out of fashion for decades are coming to the fore and acting as a new, but old, branch of the economy. Everything old is new again.
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