Retail sales for this holiday season???

[Jazen]

What is everyones opinion on how retail sales will fare this season? As big as everyone is suggesting?
I hear conflicting views, one 'expert' comes on and says it's going to be a banner retail year for the holiday and another 'expert' comes on and says to "be cautious"...

[deepinwonder]

I'm spending about half what I did last year.

[Jazen]

I never went crazy for Christmas, just a few things and always bought more the days after Xmas, when everything goes back to its regular price and then actually goes on sale.

[optimus25]

I can't go to the mall, gas is too expensive. :wink:

Definitely spending less this season and going online for my gifts.

[BrianB]

gas prices are dropping! compared to the $3.15 a gallon a couple weeks ago, im seeing $1.99.

[optimus25]

Just a joke. I know that gas prices are dropping. Just making a point about higher overall energy prices.

There is a lot of hubbub out there about consumers. I'm not buying it. I think people are over stretched and we could be looking for a risky investing environment. With home prices at all time highs and interest rates rising, I can't possibly see people going out to buy this holiday season. If they do, its all going straight to the credit cards.

[deepinwonder]

I read some recent reports that most who are in over their heads with debt are younger people, who don't spend the most on holidays, anyway. I don't know how that will affect retail sales, this season. Probably not much of a factor, but I'm not bullish, either.

We're not spending as much this Christmas for a couple of reasons, but the biggest is because we are renovating our house and buying a few new pieces of furniture. Others must be doing the same here, because even at this time of year, Home Depot's parking lot is jammed.

And like Optimus, I am doing most of my shopping online, so I'm thinking UPS or Fed Ex might be considerations on dips, like Cramer was saying.

And I want a new breadmaker, so I can make healthy, delicious loaves and not have to spend $2.50 on some pile of crap at the grocery, every week. The analysts don't talk about food prices skyrocketing, but aren't they nuts?? Speaking of nuts, pecan bread might be tasty. I have dough for brains, today. :D