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The New Thriftiness in America
This is "the American weekend," a day of thanksgiving normally followed by the biggest shopping day of the year. But these are not normal times. Retailers are bracing for a tough sales season and consumers are re-thinking what they buy and where they buy it. Also, more bickering in Sacramento over the state budget. Sara Terry guest hosts.
By Sara Terry • • 30m ListenThis is "the American weekend," a day of thanksgiving normally followed by the biggest shopping day of the year. But these are not normal times. Retailers are bracing for a tough sales season and consumers are re-thinking what they buy and where they buy it. Guest host Sara Terry asks if these are short-term responses to the economy or the beginning of long-term changes in lifestyle. Also, more bickering in Sacramento over the state budget.
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In this episode
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California's lame-duck Legislature has come up…lame. Late last night, at the end of an emergency special session in Sacramento, lawmakers failed yet again to resolve the state's massive budget gap. A projected $27.8 billion shortfall now awaits a new Legislature. Matt David is Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger .
Read the story5 minThe New Thriftiness in America
Today's news that consumer spending dropped by one percent last month -- the biggest decrease since 2001, isn't what retailers want to hear right now. After a day of thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season kicks off on Friday, traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year. Retailers count on weeks ahead to bring in one-third of their…
Read the story19 min