Christmas shopping & The Economy: Rough Economy shows impact on holiday shoppers

Photo Credit: Celia Edenton

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Celia Edenton, Reporter
December 28, 2009
Filed under News & Features, Top Stories

With the ongoing changes in today’s economy, many are faced with challenges when it comes to budgets, and what is expendable, versus what is not.

With the holidays right around the corner, some find themselves setting spending caps, and sometimes even wondering where they’ll get the money to buy gifts for family and loved ones. The economy now, is nothing compared to what it was as little as five years ago.

Inflation has occurred at staggering rates, and on top of that, hundreds of thousands of people are no longer employed due to layoffs.

Needless to say, money management in many American households and strategy is key. Companies disguise the increase in price of their products with “two for one” deals, where in most cases, you save five dollars, but have to spend more to even do that much.

With that being the case, the true smart shopper sprit is coming out in many people. Many people are asking for less extravagant gifts this year, hoping to make it easier on family, and on themselves even. Most people are having income issues, especially teenagers, and older people.

When asked how they thought their lack of income would affect their ability to buy gifts, Amanda Sutts said, “It’s going to be really hard, cause the little money that I do get every week, already goes towards other things.”

With less income and higher prices, many people are finding themselves shopping elsewhere as opposed to the higher end, more expensive stores that they’re used to. Maybe with all the issues as far as cash flow goes, people will start to appreciate the holidays for what really is important.

This year, things may be more about family, and the thought put into actions really will matter, and that’s something everyone can wish for on the holidays.