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[Cobra478]

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. shoppers spent cautiously this holiday season, a disappointment for retailers who slashed prices to lure people into stores and now must hope for a post-Christmas burst of spending.

Sales of electronics, clothing, jewelry and home goods in the two months before Christmas increased 0.7 percent compared with last year, according to the MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse report.

That was below the healthy 3 to 4 percent growth that analysts had expected — and it was the worst year-over-year performance since 2008, when spending shrank sharply during the Great Recession. In 2011, retail sales climbed 4 to 5 percent during November and December, according to ShopperTrak.

More: http://www.nwcn.com/news/national/184768571.html

[Cobra478]

The quality of all the Chinese merchandise is garbage. Back in the early 70s we all got an electric blanket for Christmas. Nice quality blanket with satin. I think it was a 5 year warranty. Today it is made of terry cloth and a 2 year warranty and no satin. Sad the quality is literally c**p.

[glenstar]

Maybe we are finally learnng that Christmas is not about buying, buying, buying, but rather it is about love, family, spiritual things, and joy and peace. I know we spent less this year because we lived within our means instead of using plastic or going in debt. And we had a great, quiet, loving Christmas.

[Grandma Lynn]

The quality of all the Chinese merchandise is garbage. Back in the early 70s we all got an electric blanket for Christmas. Nice quality blanket with satin. I think it was a 5 year warranty. Today it is made of terry cloth and a 2 year warranty and no satin. Sad the quality is literally c**p.

And they cost twice as much!

[Grandma Lynn]

Maybe we are finally learnng that Christmas is not about buying, buying, buying, but rather it is about love, family, spiritual things, and joy and peace. I know we spent less this year because we lived within our means instead of using plastic or going in debt. And we had a great, quiet, loving Christmas.

You are right there. But, didn't the
three wise men bring gifts?
I don't see anything wrong about giving
gifts. Gifts come in many ways, but let's
face it, children love to open presents.
And they don't have to be expensive.
That's a big problem. People seem to
think they have to buy bigger, better,
more the cost, the more impressive.
Don't they realize kids like simple things
too.

[EasyGoin]

Most people (IMO) didn't spend as much because of uncertainty in the economy.

[Grandma Lynn]

Can't spend money when you don't have it.
But like I said, kids just like gifts, doesn't have
to be expensive, unless you've brought up
your kids to expect them.
Then, I'm sorry for them.

[glenstar]

I do not believe for one minute that the average worker spends less because they are worried about the economy.
And yes, GL, of course the kids need presents. My wife and I have 6 grand kids between us, and we made sure they all had a little something from us. We spent some on decorations, and a few little gifts for each other.
Our spending had nothing to do with the national economy.

[Cobra478]

I do not believe for one minute that the average worker spends less because they are worried about the economy.
And yes, GL, of course the kids need presents. My wife and I have 6 grand kids between us, and we made sure they all had a little something from us. We spent some on decorations, and a few little gifts for each other.
Our spending had nothing to do with the national economy.

They are worried about the economy, their jobs, higher taxes, higher prices on everything, what "ZeroCare" will cost them.................

[Grandma Lynn]

I do not believe for one minute that the average worker spends less because they are worried about the economy.
And yes, GL, of course the kids need presents. My wife and I have 6 grand kids between us, and we made sure they all had a little something from us. We spent some on decorations, and a few little gifts for each other.
Our spending had nothing to do with the national economy.

They are worried about the economy, their jobs, higher taxes, higher prices on everything, what "ZeroCare" will cost them.................

Of course they are worried about the economy,
but I believe we do spend, less probably, on
the kids.
Cobra, do you have kids?
I'm into great grandkids....4.....