Trying to survive current price increases in housing costs, energy costs, electricity costs, food and fuel costs has forced consumers to reevaluate purchasing decisions. As consumer demand for non-essential items has collapsed, and as Americans dig deeper into their savings just to sustain current unavoidable expenses, major retailers are now cancelling Christmas inventory orders.
On one hand the leaders of large multinationals must pretend everything is splendid; after all, the only acceptable position they can articulate is to support interest rates being raised because demand is just too darned high. lololol… pretending. But on the other hand – those same retailers are furiously trying to calculate how to avoid being stuck with billions worth of unsold inventory.
RetailWire – Walmart, Target, Macy’s and Kohl’s are among retailers that have recently said they are canceling some orders to better balance inventory levels, a replay of a strategy used at the start of the pandemic.
Other steps retailers are using to clear inventories as spending has slowed on some non-discretionary categories are employing markdowns and packing away products for the following year. The elevated inventory levels also reflect intentional over-buying to mitigate shortages and the easing of supply chain constraints.
[…] Christina Hennington, Target’s EVP and chief growth officer, said steps being taken by the discounter’s buying team include “rigorously reforecasting expectations for the balance of the year and beyond and determining where to reduce future receipts and orders. In some cases, it meant working with vendor partners to reduce our fall receipts in light of our updated expectations. It also meant quickly building compelling promotional plans to drive unit velocity for product we already owned, all with a focus on providing great value and generating excitement for our guests.”
John David Rainey, Walmart’s EVP and CFO, said it had cleared most summer inventory, was reducing exposure in electronics, home and sporting goods, and canceled “billions of dollars in orders” to realign inventories. He said, “Our actions in Q3 will allow us to make significant progress toward rationalizing absolute levels and mix, which will enable our stores to be well positioned ahead of the holiday season.” (read more)
Well positioned Mr Beale. You must say we are “well positioned.”
Where “well positioned” means put loaves of bread and sausages where the flat screen televisions used to be located.
Good subjects don’t need Christmas anyway.
King Joe I will provide everything you actually need.
In England King Charles III will provide everything they actually need.
Everything, except what we/they need.
I know that toys, dinners, parties and nice clothes are nice to have, and I’m glad I’ve enjoyed those things in the past. But my hubs and I have never exchanged gifts at Christmas, and it’s just the two of us now, so we spend the day quietly anyway, and for me the meaning of Chistmas is celebrating Christ. I can do that without riches. I do feel bad for kids though.
Gee Honey, The power bill has tripled so I am getting you HEAT for Christmas.
IMESHO, I speculate that there will be a lot of people making a lot of money off of their short positions in the market.
The Bear Market started January 3rd. The market has not gone one tic higher since that date. There has been 5-bear rallies since back to former support levels which are now resistance levels.
But no coal in your stocking because that’s too expensive.
someone must make a meme of this.
it hits the sides of the square, perfectly.
God Bless America
But it does have BTU value, just think of that.
… and a Tesla Powerwall is out of the question …
❤️ Alan Rickman, such a great bad guy!
It’s all fine- Biden said so…interesting the WH didn’t walk that one back. Yet, the pandemic being over…immediately walked back as well as MSM bringing on people to back the walk back.
They are screaming “Your eyes are lying, believe us! Wray….we need more people convinced to stfu.”
Just because Bribem said its over don’t mean its so. Legally, etc…Yes, we act like its over…but there is more to it than Bribem yapping.
There is a formal process/procedure that has to be followed…to end this. I don’t know what it is but I know it exists…
Sundance, Mayday, Mayday!
I looked and googledegoo’d and their scholar, could not find anything prior to 2020. And nothing specific, just random pandemic articles.
I will hit the Patriot Act later tonight…maybe its in there. Or the Maritime Transportation Security Act.
It’s in the 9/11 act, which once again extended for the 21st year.
Remember – Obama could only grow the economy via fracking and zero percent interest rates. Neither of those are happening under Biden, and it’s the same Obama people running the economy. We will not see any significant economic growth until after Biden is gone.
Bidens come and Bidens go.
The administrative state remains to do as it pleases; Constitution, people, and consequences be damned.
I’m exceedingly fond of the Bidens go part.
The sooner Biden goes, the better.
my concern is does Kamala follow?
The republicans could be taking countermeasures but instead helped Biden pass the Green New Deal, broken into separate bills. Anger should be directed at them, not Biden and the dems. The latter are open about their intentions; the former pretend to be an opposition party but aren’t.
Do you mean the “Green New Deal” that was masquerading as the “Inflation Reduction Act” that Manchin cut a “deal” to support and not one GOP Senator voted for?…..THAT Green New Deal?
agreed.
voting records matter. arguably, it’s the only thing that matters for representatives in our nation.
God Bless America
No, voting Records DON’T matter.
Senators can vote for a bill, knowing it isn’t going to pass, that they would NEVER vote for, if their vote would be the deciding vote to make it pass.
SAME with voting against a bill.
Thats part of the kabuki theater.
Triple Bingo!!!
Anger WAS just “directed at them” (mainstream Republicons) AND there donors, who just dumped over $100 million, trying to defeat MAGA Candidates, and LOST.
I say it should be at both.
We won’t see any changes until Trump, or his clone is President and he fires over 80% of federal gubmint employees.
hate to disabuse you of that fantasy, but you might want to research the administrative rules governing the firing of Federal employees
Perhaps it might help to start breaking up departments and relocating most of them to very far flung and unglamorous places.
Depends on what you’re firing them with.
Oooooo. I like the sound of that Christmas gift!
and if he continues his existing policies, and changing nothing, the effects will continue for at least TWO MORE YEARS after this illegal squatter is sent packing.
that’s the ugly truth about this administration..they are not just breaking the world today, they are breaking the world and going for world records!
God Bless America
Sometimes even way too much to drink isn’t nearly enough.
We are in these times.
I hear you OCN. Probst!!!
…as I enjoy my giant glass of red wine!
Mega Pint?
When you’ve had enough of the booze, gimme a shout. I can help you.
For the first time, people are hoping to get a lump of coal in their stocking!
Man….err…mam…that was a great chuckle.
I liked it too. If I was a creative talented type I would have ready created a meme.
And btw, “man” has always been generally accepted by me as a slang term, shorthand for huMAN, so you’re cool.
And an orange.
We were so poor that I was 21 years old before I realized a banana had two pointed ends.
We used to get oranges and peanuts in our stockings the 70’s.
And in the 50s and 60s. Little red net stocking with oranges, walnuts and small toys. I remember they handed them out to all the kids at our church, and they also had them for sale in stores.
Yes, I recall my maternal grandfather telling me and my sister that during Christmas in the Depression era that he and his siblings were lucky to receive a nickel and an orange from Santa Claus.
I’ve been saying that for months. It will be the most welcome gift!
LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!
While I agree things could be much better living in the socialist paradise of Austin TX, I dont see this. My grocery shelves are stocked and when they aren’t it is because people swooped in on the weekend and cleaned out the store. I just bought a gallon of milk at under $3.
My walmart is actually remodeling and filling in all the new shelves and space with a lot of merchandise. The clearance shelf is mostly an overstock of Moon pies.
My light bill hovers at about 60 bucks a month and my rent will be going up by $35 only. I sold two houses at great prices and have no complaints. Gas is a bit above 3 bucks but all the dire predictions made a year ago did NOT come to pass.
Good for you. You’re either lucky or you’re lying.
I’m not liberty to say which one. I don’t know you.
But, the stats and my own eyes say otherwise. This doesn’t include the people I know struggling because of inflation.
Wow, I know this place is a shadow of its former self but to call me a liar because I am not parroting your own talking points is beyond the pale. If you are not at liberty to make a decision on truth or lie maybe you should have just scrolled by. Your eyes sound like they need to be examined then. I am indeed very blessed.
I’m not far from you…….same story here, however have family/friends spread across the country……different story for them…..My electric company bought futures, so our contract is good for 18 more months.,…no raise in bills……other places it’s going up a lot. As for inflation….all food products are higher.
Agree, Tomvet. My friends in New Braunfels are having major problems with their utility bills and it makes me sick. I have seen an increase in some things like my fave cheese but I can still afford food. It is irresponsible to generalize for everyone, each case is different.
You ended your original post with “dire predictions made a year ago did not come to pass”, yet just stated that others you know are feeling the pinch of high prices.
Here in South Carolina, our light bills have been fairly steady…thank goodness! Because the grocery stores are killing us. We are extremely blessed because we grow, raise, hunt and fish for a large part of our diet. How folks are making it that dont have these options is beyond me.
We live in the South Carolina Lowcountry. I filled up with Mid test gas at Sam’s Club, Bluffton S.C. at $3.20 per gallon. After the election if JoeBiden decides to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserves we will have soaring gas prices.
Behind the gas station on Bluffton Road, somebody had pitched a tent and there were actual people inside and outside the tent. I’ll check tomorrow to see if we have the beginnings of a tent city.
Grocery prices are high, for example frozen Tennessee Pride 20 count snack pack of sausage and biscuit cost $10.99 up from $7.99 two weeks ago; apples grown locally in S.C. and Georgia range in price from $1.60 to $3.49 a pound. Milk, eggs, bacon, chicken, almond butter, bread and deli meat and cheese are much more expensive too. One employee of a supermarket said costs are rising weekly. He said it will be an expensive fall and winter.
There are help wanted signs everywhere.
The people who thought the vax would kill 70% of the population in 2 years then are the ones saying severe famine and death are a certainty this winter.
What they always forget is that, even though our enemy wants nothing more than to see us dead. That doesn’t mean our enemy’s plan will work 100%. And even more so, it’s proof that the American people are resilient beyond belief (since so many people believe we’ve already failed).
Things are worse than they were a year ago, vax deaths are up, prices are up, jobs are being lost, but that doesn’t mean we’ll descend into oblivion this winter or ever.
Good and evil are fighting and to say we know one day from the next what will happen is pure arrogance. We can make projections, but no plan survives the first contact of battle.
Today you have milk for under $3, but that $3 gal of gas you bought was enough to make the single family income household decide between hole milk and a full tank. Things are getting worse, but how much worse will they get. For that single family income home, their life might just feel like it’s minutes from over. While you and I sit here being able to buy steak thinking the sky has a long way to fall before it hits our heads. And that’s true, but with all of this, everything goes slow until it goes fast.
Which isn’t to say it is slow at all to begin with, but it’s the perspective after. One might think 100mph is fast when they’re doing it for the first time, but hit 180mph and then you realize 100 is pretty slow in the grand scheme. You were never going slow, but respective of where you reached, you feel as though you were.
The election was stolen, money is worth less and stockpiles are dwindling. When does the thing happen that makes us look back at now and think things were easy?
I said: I’m not at liberty to say which one….I don’t know you.
Talking points? The data says otherwise. The data. And others around me.
I said you are either lucky or lying. And being a comment board where people share opinions I don’t need to scroll on by.
The people on Martha’s Vinyard are also blessed are they not? Doesn’t make them righteous though.
Yo Dwayne Diesel …
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Not going to be rude but some people are really struggling so when they read a reply that things are not so bad it goes up their spine. It almost sounds like a WH talking point. It reminds me when the gas for my mercedes was almost 6 bucks a gallon and I was complaining to a cousin and she told me to just stay home. I am not staying home, I am not lowering my air conditioner and I am eating grassfed Tbones and no one is going to tell me different. I do have compassion for those who have lost their jobs and can’t pay their utility bills.
Petzmom,
Our story is similar, we are well insulated, so far.
Electric is steady at $.16 KWH, same as its been for years.
Plenty of food available, and due to so much stocking up, our monthly grocery bill has actually gone down.
During the 2009 financial meltdown, I looked hard and couldn’t identify any way that it effected us.
There are those whose lifestyles insulate them from economic downturns, and those that don’t.
I believe you, cause I’m living it as well.
Some who aren’t, may have difficulty believing it.
Thank you for relating your experience.
I think the answer is simple: It is different in different places.
Where I live there was never any masks, social distancing, or any Covid stuff. The pandemic passed us by. When I related that to others in other parts of the country they argued, were resentful, acted like I was lying, stopped speaking to me or scolded me for my lack of empathy.
I had only related my story because I wanted to show people that they didn’t have to follow the media or the fear porn.
I wanna live where you do.
Petzmom has been a contributor here for a long time. She does not lie.
Thank you, booger. It was even funny to see a detective assigned to me when my front license plate was stolen. Austin is a unique city but to always make negative generalizations is not good.
Wow, your State still HAS front licence plates, thats funny.
Az went to rear only so long ago, I just thought everybody had.
I remember when, but that was when I was a kid!
As far as I know, Kentucky has never had them, at least in my lifetime and that is getting to be a very long time indeed.
In TX front plates are mandatory
Most of the states that issue two plates are in the Northeast: NJ, NY, MD, CT, VA. PA is an exception.
Add Delaware to the list of no front plates.
Washington state has front and back.
I don’t believe that he said that she did.
Some of you ought to develop critical thinking rather than knee jerk emotion.
First sign of a female
Aren’t you guilty of the same thing yourself?
That was pretty rude. Comeon!!! You can do better!
Gas here on Florida’s Gulf Coast is about $3.25, less if you go to BJs or the other warehouse clubs. Grocery prices are higher than they were when we moved here last year, but they are adequately stocked. I don’t go to Walmart, Macy’s, Target or Kohl’s. One drawback has been getting furniture … 9 months to get one table, 10 and counting for another. Can’t imagine the horrors back on Long Island.
DS, Floridian Pro Tips for Gulf Coast living: Do not skimp on sinkhole insurance, get some good gutters and if you have St,Augustine turf grass get rid of it and get you some Pensacola Bahia. You can thank me later.
I saw gas today in central Kentucky for $2.95. It sort of ticked me off because I had just filled up for $3.
There are so many people who are, for whatever reason, living elsewhere either in dire straits or can see they are headed straight for them.
You are indeed fortunate.
With respect however, just because the sun is shining outside your window doesn’t mean it’s not raining somewhere else.
Blessings to you, Petzmom…and I mean that sincerely.
Betsy, your heartfelt comment was so warm and representative of the folks that used to be here years ago. Thank you.
Yes, true, I am aware of what is out there. There are many unfortunate beings out there. I walk by them daily as they sleep on the sidewalk when I go for my morning stroll. Talking to the employees everywhere and hearing their stories, I am aware how lucky I am.
I know you do, Petzmom. And like you it breaks my heart to think of those who are wondering how they’ll manage not only their day to day…but Christmas? Especially if they have children.
I know you. You are a thoughtful, kind hearted person whose comments I enjoy. Thank you for being so understanding.
To those who have wreaked this unspeakable and deliberate misery and who in no way will experience anything they have wrought on the rest of us, it is only out of my respect for this site and my Southern upbringing that I don’t post the words I am thinking. I know you are exactly the same.🤗
Betsy, not to sound too harsh or “Scrooged,” but honestly I think it’s high time we wean ourselves off of most of this commercial Christmas nonsense and simply enjoy the season, the family, the time off, and reflect on our blessings.
I know this concept is anathema to a great number, but just sayin’… think about it.
You probably recall that not so long ago the popular saying was “Jesus is the reason for the season”. Christ Mas is a holy-day
And I agree with you, gueppebarre.
And this is what we do in our home at Christmas. We no longer give gifts to one another and only one family food gift to each of our three with their children. They look forward to it every year.
We contemplate the Gift given to us, the best Gift!
On Christmas Eve we watch Carols from Kings from Britain, a more serene service I dare anyone to find. It is so beautiful and gentle.
We keep the Spirit of the Season. But as much as I would wish it for others, I am not in a position to make it happen. There is a joy in Christmas and more so in the anticipation of it I find. Each person/family I hope will focus on that this Christmas,and every Christmas after. Blessings to you.
Right on, I’m happy for you and yours. Perhaps with all of the financial pressure facing families in the times ahead more folks will take this approach and stop with all the Xmas foolishness – and please do keep in mind that you may indeed be able to influence others in this respect: we should always be ready to give an answer to those who ask us the reason for the hope that is in us (1 Pet 3:15) with meekness and godly fear.
Which is why I answered you the way I did, dear sir. I always keep in mind exactly what you wrote. Always. However people choose to celebrate Christmas, I hope that Christ is at the centre of their observances.
Bet is a gem.
Love ya, CR.
Thank you Betsy Jones, for your words.
I agree there are many Americans who are not as fortunate, have never been as fortunate as some other Americans have been. And this is thru no fault of their own.
Most poor people have struggled to get ahead for many years now. Though they always work hard, it seems it was always 1 step forward, 3 steps back. It was a tough go( but survivable.)
Until Trump.
How amazing that everything became so much better, so much easier.
You could really move forward, no more steps back.
Many people finally, were not only catching up, but were starting to ‘get ahead’.
Until Biden.
Now people are worse off than before because of covid, vaccines, inflation, green new deal, executive orders galore.
Add in new 4.1 million illegals (soo far) receiving taxpayer gov aid for food, housing, health care etc that add too shortages especially in housing
Many of the working poor will be the first to succumb in the coming hard time.
Wish more people would understand this instead of placing unwarranted blame where it’s not needed
Thank you
The way things are going, Tisha, I think the key word in your excellent post is “survivable”. It seems to be one that more and more of us will be understanding as things deteriorate. It’s impossible for me to imagine the minds of those whose first thought in the morning is ” how can I make this worse?” And then proceed to find any and every way to execute their psychopathies.
Fortunately this country is still full to the brim with good, giving souls who out their oars in to try and help those who have been dumped into existential circumstances. Thank God that America’ spirit thrives and will not be crushed by the godless government and the evil which has embedded itself in it that seeks to do so.
A higher Power lives in us. And that is something to be so grateful for. Blessings, Tisha.
Sounds great! My electric bill is over $300 a month right now.
Good for you, Petzmom-
Our electric bill has jumped to $500/ month!!! – here in Michigan, costs( energy/ fuel/ food) have easily jumped 30%…and income from hubby’s employer is down.
We have 6 kids, 2 of which are in college( I homeschooled up until this year. Now I need to find some sort of job. I’m broken-hearted over having to send our youngest to school but there just aren’t any alternatives left for us
We purchase no extras at all. Just food, gas, and utilities…clothing from Walmart or equivalent…
don’t know what we’re going to do for Christmas this year. (We’ve never over- indulged in cars, electronics, etc)
Trust me, it’s rough for lots of folks
Maybe we should all move to Austin, sounds like its the place to be.
Austin is rated as the most overpriced housing market in the US. Prices jumped over 30% in the past year.
All the Cali high tech employed transplants.
Wake up!
I am very awake. Thank you.
But unfortunately, not very sensitive nor prudent enough to not gloat over your over- the- top- rosy situation when plenty of others are suffering.
This underscores two areas where the enemy is winning…Remember the enemy?
If we continue upon this path, the enemy will win. This isn’t an ordinary and sundry economic recession, rather an overt attack on our freedom, liberty and way of life. I hope ordinary citizens understand this. God be with us all.
Same here in SW Missouri
Same thing here in Waco, Petzmom.
Do you live in a shoe?
No I live in an efficiency in Austin, Texas. Thank you.
My milk is under $1 a gallon .
I’m happy for your situation, but my daughter in Austin is not experiencing such ecnomic bliss as you. She and her husband have decent jobs, but their food, rent, and gas bills have gone up dramatically. They are pinching pennies for all they can get out of them. Their rent for a small one bedroom apartment went up to $1600. She tells me their stores still have full shelves, but she is tired of people coming up to her asking for money. Our store shelves have been less full here in South Texas. I do think that Texas is better off than a lot of places so far. Wish everyone the best!
Same here in central Virginia. I’m seeing relatively stocked shelves, no real shortages for staples, etc. But very high food and gas prices that are depleting our disposable income which is not so disposable anymore. Electric, trash and water bills are up about 30 percent. This sure is a shock coming out of President Trump’s booming economy.
Dr. Marik and Dr. Malone will be speaking in Richmond. Not sure where you live or if interested, let me know and I will post the link.
Austin is the capitol of TX and there are universities there as well. I live in NE TN. Quite a few colleges and medical facilities around. Shelves are stocked. Gas is approaching a low of $3.00 a gallon (ooops, forgot the sarcasm on that), restaurants are busy, etc. Is this area (somewhat) insulated because of ed and med?
I really dont know. I live frugally. A restaurant meal if I want one has to be about ten dollars. I spoke only about my experience knowing full well many are suffering. People keep piling into Austin and the homeless situation is bad but people still manage.
Makes sense these folks who do not have to be held accountable for whether they do a good job or not are living the life, just like DC.
Ma’am, I think things are decent there because the lawmakers spend so much time in Austin. I don’t hear many complaints from the bedroom communities of DC either.
Strangely or not, RURAL, out of the big city living actually seems BETTER, in terms of these price increases, AND availability.
Since we got our breadmaker, price of a loaf went from $2.50-3.00/ loaf, to $0.75-1.00/ loaf,…
and by the way, its NOT about mpg, or even $ per mile, its about $ per mo. spent for transportation.
I think you might be right about rural vs city living Dutchman.
City now seems just awful when I speak to family who tell us their circumstances and what they are dealing with.
It seems to be the more rural the better when it comes to peace and prosperity.
I am in Fairfax County, VA and there are still lines at restaurants but the Fair Oaks Mall near me is pretty vacant with many stores closed. I have noticed what appear to be more upscale people shopping in Walmart these days. Many of my past colleagues took absurd pride in never stepping into a Walmart. Walmart is packed on weekends and lots of items out of stock while Wegman’s and Whole Foods’ seem full. There definitely is an uptick in panhandling. They are on most corners and in store parking lots. Crime is escalating also with cars routinely being broken into at night.
How about we wait till after the election. The pain for most everyone will come then. The powers that be are putting lipstick in a very ugly pig but all that will come tumbling down very soon after the election.
Could be just different regions are affected differently. I was in St Augustine Hobby Lobby store today it was full of merchandise but the store was empty. My monthly electric is 50 dollars more a month and my weekly grocery bill is over 100 dollars a week for the same products I bought a year ago. I can afford this increase but the problem now is my business is down 15 percent and my cost for my product has risen 40 percent. Do you see the problem. My salesforce is traveling less which means we will not be staying in hotels, eating out in restaurants or entertaining for the rest of the year. I have already told family it will be a lean Christmas. We are very fortunate because we have no personal or company debt but I feel very bad for the young families that are struggling
Unfortunately, things are nowhere near good in my area (Thurston County WA). Milk is just under $4 per gallon, gasoline is well over (and the morons here voted for tax on it to go up by another $.46 per gallon starting January 1, 2023). The closest school to us is now at 100% of kids on subsidized meals, requesting food for weekend backpacks. The clearance shelf in the produce section, never optimal, often has moldy items (fresh produce here can be sketchy). Shelves are empty and sections are being closed / removed.
The food bank offers items years out of code (I volunteered for a while) and often runs out of primaries. Sadly, in this deep blue area, the frequent comment is that they can’t wait for things to return to normal and prices to go back down. The local media is pathetic. But progress is being made on “equity”…
I’m just up the road from you in Pierce county.
Milk close to $4 a gallon.
Still see gas stations with $4.99 gal.
Fresh produce not really so fresh.
Good for you, but thats not how it is where I live. Gas is still well above $5, milk is about $3.50 a gallon and gas for heating homes has gone through the roof. I may not be able to take my annual trip back to see my family for Thanksgiving either. I’m not complaining because things could be much worse, aND many are hungry and homeless. But what’s sad is that this is all being done deliberately by malicious actors. God help us.
MNN Breaking News….
The White House announced that we will defend Taiwan and the Pandemic is over.
In other news, the White House announced we will not defend Taiwan and the Pandemic is not over.
Developing…
Also, not Developing…
Notice- they didn’t touch the everything is fine comment…
This just in….
Women are treated unfairly in Western society.
In other news, no one can define what women are. In fact, defining what women are would be violence against women who were not born women, whatever that means, which we do not know, because women who were not born women are women, even though women who are born women are not women by default, because we do not know what women are.
Women are women and men are men. I shall not join in the insanity.
Me niether, but I CAN laugh at it!
Ridicule, the best medicine!
If you’re XY, you’re a guy. Nuff said.
Can’t change it either!
Nope – not even with a DNA or RNA shot.
Girls will be boys and boys will be girls
It’s a mixed up, muggled up, shook up world
Except for Lola
L – O – L – A – Lola
Lo- lo- lo- lo – Lola
TGL is this off topic?
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Calm down, IHYN. we do not need another hall monitor.
So that’s how they’ll solve the container ship problem.
No, it didn’t go away. Never did. Just moved beyond the horizon off Long Beach. So that’s one f*ck-up that’s down, forty zillion to go.
Out of sight, out of mind?
And in international waters? I found this generalization courtesy of googledeegoo:
International Waters: Once a vessel is in waters that are more than 24 miles off the coast of a country, they are considered to be on the high seas and in international waters. The laws used to govern in these waters are based on the country where the ship is registered and the flag it is flying.
That said…Thank you Ronald Reagan:
https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/publications/docs/shore-and-sea-boundaries/volume-3/cse-library-shalowitz-territorial-sea.pdf
When I was in the USN anytime we were more than 3 MILES off the coast of any nation it was considered INTERNATIONAL WATERS……only time we added miles was when we were off Vietnam because they were being squirrely at the time and it was only 12 miles for them
eez and international waters are entirely different legal definitions. It’s actually quite complex as you indicated depending on nation state and international maritime law.
(USCG vet here, doing drug interdiction..smugglers would often flee to EEZ’s to avoid boarding…it’s a common strategy still in use today. Most have MOU’s that allow us to pursue but actual boarding and seizure was subject to lots of delays…smugglers knew this. flying a false flag was also common)
God Bless America
in my years of big ass deepwater corporate oilfield diving.. it was Pirate Law.. ..the law was whatever the dive supervisor says it is..
Yes , Texian , I Really Like
the Sound of That :
*Pirate Law*
Love the Meaning Your Dive Supervisor assigned to it also !
Pirate Law says it is OK for me to Use At Will 😜
Thank You for Sharing , Texian 💐😊👍
Out where they can burn the cheaper and dirtier bunker diesel, I wager.
Mitchs in-laws would insist on it.
Maybe that is why orders are cancelled? Last year’s Christmas orders are just arriving now. /s but not really
I’ve often heard that back to school sales predict how Christmas sales will go. Judging by the amount of lunchboxes and backpacks leftover at my local BJs, back to school sales must have been atrocious.
“In some cases, it meant working with vendor partners to reduce our fall receipts in light of our updated expectations. It also meant quickly building compelling promotional plans to drive unit velocity for product we already owned, all with a focus on providing great value and generating excitement for our guests.”
I watch almost no NFL games nowadays, but when I do I take note of the ads for analytical purposes. NFL games remains the best time to do this, because their audiences remain the largest and most important to retailers.
The first thing I noticed was a large Target sale. I have to admit I generally don’t keep track of these things well enough to draw comparisons, but my gut told me the sale was something beyond a typical late summer inventory clearance. Certainly came across as a “compelling promotional plan” to “drive unit velocity.”
Domino’s Pizza also advertised a big discount on deliveries, I think somewhere in the neighborhood of 75%, and directly referred to inflation as the motivation. Domino’s franchise owners must be getting hammered right now.
On another pizza note, Marco’s began advertising cauliflower crust pizza recently. I’m sure this has nothing to do with the rising costs of wheat and grain, which are about to explode again in few weeks, and everything to do with being avant garde while “providing great value and generating excitement.”
Cricket crust cannot be far behind.
Cauliflower crust is often for people who are gluten free. Still doesn’t taste good to me but I have no problems with gluten.
I made it once: It made the cauliflower better and the crust worse.
And nearly zero carbs.
On the Domino’s front… This past weekend wifey and I splurged a tiny bit. We decided to order Domino’s delivery. We got a medium 2 topping pizza, a philly steak sub, and an order of cheese bread. Used a payment service to pay bill ( a pal of pay), without noticing total (my bonehead fault), and a 15% tip to driver, total was $54 bucks. Let just say I slept on couch for a few days as my wifey glared at me for 3 days. Never again Domino’s, never…
Same, but with Jet’s Pizza for us ordering directly from them. We are now trying frozen pizzas that are at least hot out of the oven and not lukewarm from a delivery bag.
home made breakfast in bed cures lots of things.
Good Luck
God Bless America
Crumbs aren’t too comfortable.
Actually, the cauliflower crust might be aimed at customers who have celiac disease. My son, who has it, eats them all the time. He would die for real pizza, though.
A couple of posters have pointed out that Marco’s may be marketing to those with dietary restrictions.
This had occurred to me as well, and it is possible that is at least partially why we are seeing ads for cauliflower crust. However, there are two points working against this possibility.
First, of course, is the timing. I have never seen cauliflower or any other non-wheat pizza crust advertised, ever. The fact I am seeing wheat-alternative crusts when the wheat supply is low and the price of wheat is increasing rapidly seems to be more than a coincidence, though it is of course that is possible.
Secondly, one would assume that if Marco’s marketing was targeted towards those with food allergies, the marketing would be more explicit on this point. It is not brought up at all, at least in the marketing I have seen.
Well, low carb is popular right now too. Cauliflower is used a lot in a low carb diet.
Again, it wasn’t advertised as low carb. I have yet to see the phrase “low carb” in any of these commercials. If the marketing campaign was built around health consciousness, the commercials would emphasize that.
After looking into the issue a little further, the cauliflower is apparently the new gluten free option offered by Marcos. Meaning the company has retired an established gluten free option, which customers seem to have preferred over this new one.
So perhaps everyone is correct. The cauliflower option is the gluten-free offering, but it has replaced an existing alternative due inflation costs and a tight wheat market.
I agree this is a way to try to deflect from the upcoming wheat shortage, but I don’t know how this is more cost effective than wheat as we have been told produce prices will explode as well.
It is confirmed the economic outlook is going to be bad. Now how to plan for how bad?
Bad enough for citizens to beg the WEF for the great reset. Don’t worry the law is already been passed for our central bank to plan out the digital currency implementation. I recall reading that their proposal is due in December. Amazing how everything is falling into place right before our eyes.
In my area, TJ Maxx, Home Goods, Michaels, At Home, Kirkland’s, Plow and Hearth, Big Lots, Kohls etc. are all full and doing well. Over the weekend like Petzmom said above, the stores were raided and the shelves are now bare. All of the fall decorations are almost sold out. We asked the worker at At Home about a particular item that said it was in but was not, and she said they are still getting Fall inventory in and will be putting it out even while they are putting up Christmas.
I will add that I stopped going there and go to Wawa for coffee, but I noticed that all the Starbucks in this area closed recently for re-modeling. Of course they also raised their coffee prices.
Maybe it is those particular stores that went completely woke that are having problems.
Like Target with all the LGBTQ themed items that nobody wants.
WeThePeople…: Starbucks has been remodeling to create more counter space for customers who order online and drop in simply to pick up their pre-paid orders, which sit out on the counter. Starbucks also seems to be reducing indoor loitering space, to cut down on crazy people and druggies hanging out. Plus, I am finding more bathrooms with coded locks that require customers to ask a staff member for an unlock code.
Another example of going “woke” and learning the hard way.
Painted the house as my summer project. Re-sealed all windows, filled the cracks, replaced dry-rot, etc. Spent a great deal of time looking for specialty items [that I didn’t have the foresight to mail order earlier] like spray-tips, many cans of bondo, etc. 2 Home Depot’s were already sold out, bought the last ones when I could find them, shelves NOT restocked after my purchases.
Did get tons of gratitude from the wife, so I got that going for me, which is nice.
When you say “ in my area,” will you please tell us where your area is…even if generally.
Many of us are really trying to understand what’s going on in different parts of our country.
This information would be most helpful.
Always nice when folks give some sort of an indication of their “where abouts”. Not so anyone can “hone in”, but a general area so that folks can compare to their own situation & neighborhoods.
Note that my “member name” has “MN” in it. Not so much where I am at, “in MN”, but at least it gives an idea of some sort of “locale” for folks to compare to with their own area. ( S.E. MN 😉 )
P.S. saying “Texas”, “Alaska” ,or “California” is not much of a help , as the ares of land are “regional” on their own , “in-state”, let alone just a State usage like TN, or VA or GA.
In the bigger states, even a “North Cali”, “Coastal Alaska”, or “Big Woods” or “Panhandle” Texas helps folks get an idea of the region/state.
Thanks if you can help out the next time for the rest of us.
🙂
GOD Bless ~!
Well, I was typing & trying to edit & it did not work, but “CHooseamreica” comment would have sufficed instead of mine.
GOd Bless ya’ll~!!
I am thinking that the fat inventories may be the in ventories intended for closed stores.
Our big retailers in Central Michigan are boarding up. Strip Malls are becoming large u store facilities. Enclosed malls are just shutting down and looking for any kinda buyer
Wawa… so you are either in PA, NJ, VA or FL.
Wawa very big in Delaware.
or MD!
“…significant progress toward rationalizing absolute levels and mix, which will enable our stores to be well positioned ahead of the holiday season.”
Rationalizing? Does he mean “ration”?
My Wally World is overwhelmed with fall decorations and Halloween candy. Weren’t we going to have a shortage of that candy?
They have hidden all the battery displays that used to be at the front of the store by the kiosks near the manned registers.
All I can say is Bribem had better be careful…and not have disappointed kids this Christmas. Even libs will be angry.
I think that is industrial jargon for balancing inventory types and volumes. Which, as sundance said, in practical terms means replacing electronics with food. Not rationing, but shifting what the stores sell based on changes in consumer demand.
The entire article is full of technical slang typical of the incompetent administrative type trying to speak around the truth.
The New Black – YouTube
Somebody sampled that whole monologue REALLY well for their music…
The level of service out there is on a major decline, gubt and public/private.
I was helping a client get vital records today and was told by a State Health Dept that they are currently processing July 2022 requests. These are allegedly our public servants. I could never get away with this at a real bz.
Same thing at the bank. Other than me, for well over a half hour I was almost the only customer in the bank. One other person came in. I don’t even remember anyone coming through the drive thru. 3 people standing around pretty much doing nothing. Hours of business are cut way down at banks and the same applies to services.
And everything they do and the way they do it is archaic. Honestly, haven’t some of these people heard of computers yet?
45 interviews not really 46
Priceless.
Fewer people will put up Christmas lights outside their homes this December to acknowledge and celebrate what is supposed to be a joyous season. The thought of a looming electric bill coming in January will darken many a holiday celebration inside and out. . Democrats don’t care. They want YOU to use less energy. If not through an exorbitant electric bill, then by force if necessary.
Retired Magistrate here: During the Carter years you were not supposed to put up Christmas lights due to the energy crisis. The Lazarus store in downtown Columbus, didn’t put up any lights that year and the rest of downtown Columbus followed. It was a dark and dreary Christmas plus we had lines to purchase gas. Depending on your last name you could only get gas on certain days. Unfortunately, by the time I got to the pump, many times the pumps were empty!
President Carter told us to put on sweaters because we all had to sacrifice. It was not a pleasant time but we got through it.
In my opinion certain areas will be hit harder than others. If you are in a red state, city, county or township life will be less difficult than those living in a blue state, city, county or township.
My parents told me what it was like living through the Depression, the rationing of World War II and losing friends and relatives in the War and then the continued rationing and employment problems after the War ended. I lived through the Korean War, atomic bomb drills, the Cuban missile crisis, Viet Nam War, financial downturns, Gulf War, various inept Presidents (except for Regan and President Trump), health crises and family members dying. So LORD willing, my husband and I will survive this. If not, we go to a better place prepared for us by JESUS CHRIST: Heaven.
For those that don’t know, Lazarus was what is now Macy’s. I grew up going to the downtown Dayton, OH Lazarus store at Christmas for their huge Christmas window displays. They also had a shop for kids to get items under $5 for presents for their families and ended with a visit with Santa. It was a big deal back then, and not a wokefest.
I remember those gas lines thanks to Jimmy Carter.
I was living in the hot hot Az desert.
There is nothing like waiting in line on your “Day” for gas, finally getting up to the pump and then having the station owner come out and put a “Out of Gas” sign on the pumps.
No gas for me that day unless I wanted to drive all over town and wait in line once more.
I rode my bike in the hot AZ summer sun just about everywhere back then because trying to obtain and afford gas for my car was so much trouble that I only used it if I was driving out of town for a long distance.
Every time I went to the grocery store every thing had gone up in price noticably back then also.
We did not know if we were going to survive the Carter Years or not.
What my grandparents talked about during the depression years sounded worse.
I am not trying to downplay the misery that Biden is bringing upon us, this must end.
But we can and will make it through and we will make those who caused this pay and pay big time.
I’m happy I’m not a parent of a child that is hopefully too young to understand and is still expecting lots of things for Christmas or Hanukkah.
My son-in-law works for Target maintaining various systems at stores. Selfishly, I hope nothing happens to his job.
I hope the same, for everyone. That’s not selfish, just plain decent.
It is, Mims. And a quality this country at times seems very short of regretfully.
I’m concerned about all mine as well, Mari. There is nothing selfish about it.
Most all of the garbage people buy for Christmas comes from China anyway and it’s all crap.
It’s time we get back to what Christmas is about and kids learn
I posted something similar.
Maybe more people will start making gifts for others again. I remember happily receiving knit/crocheted blankets, a jar of home canned peaches or fruit, homemade cookies or breads, homemade Christmas tree decorations, etc…
My Family has always tried to make Christmas a Religious Holiday not a consumer Holiday.
We had a few home made presents and some that were store bought but the main reason was always Religious and Family.
We had a lot of fun playing games and spending time with each other.
When we had our own family my husband and I kept up the traditions and our kids talk a lot about this doing much the same with their kids now.
I am not sure we will miss all of the things these retailers sell that much.
Hi ColoradoChloe,
I was related to a very wealthy family who had 4 children. Could have bought whatever they wanted.
I always remember the Matriarch of that family saying the 3 wise men brought 3 gifts to baby Jesus, so she instilled that in her gift giving to those 4 children, which I loved.
Each child received 3 gifts at Christmas. I thought it was genius!
Every year I make afghans, soap and candles as gifts.
I include a basket with homemade bread and some homemade jams and jellies.
I think it’s more personal than some innocuous trinket from a store.
Innocuous. Should have been impersonal.
Charlie Brown knew what he was talking about.
Just curious- do you have any young children?
As devout Catholics, my family understands that Christmas is the celebration of our Redeemer’s birth.
But it still would be nice to let children be children and have a few little things to open .
It will be a real struggle this year… and I’m guessing, going forward…
Over the years we had severe financial ups and downs so we learned to have a sense of abundance by buying a number of small gifts. I would hunt for used books and items in thrift stores for months that my husband or son might like. It’s the unwrapping ritual under the tree that’s fun not how expensive the gift is I think.
Recent statements by Ford, Scott’s Miracle Gro, Fed Ex, Target, and others indicate to me things are going to get very, very bad. The uniparty is deliberately suppressing food and energy and has the Fed trying to crush consumer demand. No way to predict how bad, but probably worse than anything we’ve seen in our lifetimes.
If these retailers are worried about Christmas, consumers should be worried about January. Let’s see the national petroleum reserve will be dry, gas, oil and natural gas will double. The impacts of hyper-priced food and other basics will triple and we’ll still have 2 more years of the criminally corrupt kenyan running things
6 months ago UPS trucks would pass my house every day, somedays a noon truck and then a late afternoon, Fedex three four times a week, I know this because my dogs start barking when they hear the rattling over a mile away. This week so far, one UPS truck no Fedex. Last week I don’t remember exactly but have been noticing a while now that dogs are quiet
Mark, the same thing happening here in SE AZ. I could’ve written your comment, including the part about my dogs barking before the trucks arrive. You’re right — much less barking lately!
Yes, and that Sherwin Williams paint you couldn’t find months ago, is now having 40 percent off coupons again.
Inflation is a lot higher than the phony CPI.
Inflation is well above 40%. The price of everything from
food to gasoline is constantly going up.
Price is no longer Stable.
Democrat politicians will economically destroy the USA.
And RINO politicians like Mitch, Kevin, Marco, Ted, Mitt, and Lindsey will silently, but complicitly, cheer them on.
I’m thinking there might be real shortages of consumer products this Christmas and that a lot of retailers are going to go out of business in early 2023.
If you have people – like kids – that you plan to buy gifts for this year, I’m thinking it’s best to grab the toy(s) early.
I expect to see a lot more restaurant closures too.
A good gift for adult family members – if you have the funds and plan to buy – might be gift cards to grocery stores or other necessities.
Jiffy Lube gift cards anyone?
I have been doing that for years. My dad lives simply and doesn’t want us spending money on him for things he doesn’t need or won’t use. My sister lives close to him and makes him his favorite treats or meal. I send him candy and gift cards to the grocery store.
Just make sure they shop there before giving these cards.
Restaurants are good as well.
Maybe a Visa or MC gift card might be better.
I’m afraid stores or restaurants could be closed one day without any warning. It’s happened plenty of times without this sort of economy.
And once a store goes into liquidation they do not take gift cards.
Make cookies!
This is true. We used to cookie swaps with friends- nice way for everyone to get a variety of holiday cookies. Time to get back to the basics.
Totally agree! I’ve been stuck with gift cards for failed local restaurants.
This societal construct no longer excites me. The bright side is maybe we can remember what Christmas is all about instead of a material bonanza.
You could be right Conspiracy Reality.
And so much of what our consumer Christmas is made of comes from China, so maybe cutting back on some of this is not such a bad idea.
Christmas becoming a Religious Holiday once again might be good.
Click on the Retail Wire link, and at the bottom of the page links to earnings call transcripts for:
Scroll through the prepared remarks to the analyst Q&A sections. That is where the pretending takes place. For instance, a Goldman Sachs analysts asked Walmart execs about markdowns for the second half of 2022. Not one addressed the question.
I also saw where LIFO accounting is being used by one or more of the US units to calculate cost of goods sold. This means that higher-cost inventory items (recently purchased, reflecting inflation) are written off against current sales. That policy lowers current profits and income taxes. Walmart is taking every advantage to conserve cash.
Lastly, reading carefully, the canceled orders are NOT for the Christmas season, but for the new year. That tells me Walmart has a bleak outlook for 2023 and beyond. Walmart’s data crunching ability is top shelf. I’m guessing they don’t like what they’re seeing in their data.
Thanks.
“This means that higher-cost inventory items (recently purchased, reflecting inflation) are written off against current sales. That policy lowers current profits and income taxes. Walmart is taking every advantage to conserve cash.”
Please explain to a plebe!!!
I think it means this:
Let’s say Walmart is selling radios it purchased last year at 25USD and selling them for 50USD, a earning of 25USD per unit.
However, Walmart is purchasing the same radios for sale next year and now they cost 35USD per unit.
Rather than report an earning of 25USD (50USD-25USD) per current radio sale, WalMart can report a profit of 15USD (50 USD-35USD) by using the higher price it is currently paying for radios it will sell a year from now. This reduces any taxes on earnings even though WalMart will maintain the 25USD profit by raising the price of the 35USD radios to 60 USD next year.
Sales – Cost of Sales (including inventory) = profit
LIFO accounting (last in first out) was IIRC originally intended to allow manufacturers to essentially inflate its Cost of Sales by including the unit value of the most recently purchased raw materials, which were typically more expensive than previously received units. Even if the manufacturer used the older, lower cost materials, it could use the higher cost to reduce profits, and the taxes on those profits.
Apparently, it’s OK for a retailer to do the same with its inventory. I’ve only worked in manufacturing, so I found it interesting that retailers could do the same thing. It makes sense in this environment, but the taxes avoided will be payable at a later date.
It was a long time ago that I got my accounting degree, and I’ve been retired for almost 11 years. Hope this helped.
Doing a major downsizing / move.
Putting a lot of stuff on the sidewalk.
Amazed at how fast it is taken.
Even more interesting will be how much gets put up for sale in the various online forums for that.
Perhaps not. Now that the online threshold is a mere $600 instead of the previous $20,000 (not a typo), many have stopped selling online rather than fuss with justifying to the IRS why the $2.36 paid out by eBay is not a profit but rather a loss. And of course, to prove the loss, one needs the original receipt for the item. I only know this because, yeah, I was an eBay seller, “was” being the operative word:)
Does FB marketplace have to do that?
Honestly don’t know. FB should have, on its home page, info about taxes.
FB Marketplace only allows the ads to be placed, the transactions are from buyer to seller. Technically should be declared if over $600 but realistically probably won’t be. That is one of the reasons the Gov’t wants to eliminate cash, they want to tax you on every penny! Yet, they give away our tax $$ to every illegal & to foreign countries without an accounting!
Lol – my sister put out the crappiest metal file drawer cabinet you’ve ever seen – solidly covered in three layers of different contact paper dating back to the ’70’s.
She peeked out her front window 20 minutes later and the darned thing was g-o-n-e!
I see a few people drive around early before the garbage man comes looking for stuff to take for scrap.
Well, given the effort that takes, I really hope they make more than just a few bucks. I’m all for American enterprise. No sarc.
Do a YouTube search for garbage day scrappers. There are people that do this for a living. Anything metal will be gone quickly. They are not getting rich but they are not starving either.
https://search.brave.com/videos?q=garbage%20scrappers
OR, more than likely, to sell. Lots of U-Tubes on the art of dumpster diving etc.
Around here, if ya want to get rid of something but don’t want any $$ for it, Ya put it out in the curb for about what 30% of the new cost would be & it will be gone in a few hours or overnight.
If ya put, “Free”, on it, it will sit there for a few days to a week with no takers.
I live in a small rural town in MN. It might work different in other places, but it has worked here for over 25 years…
😉
GOD Bless ya’ll~!
You mean someone actually pays you for the item, rather than just making off with it? May not be a NY-friendly process…
I should have been more specific. I will try once more & hopefully more clearly explained.
e
Items marked with a price will, many times, be gone in hours or overnite if ya put a price on it, because some folks will steal it, thinking since it has a stated value, discounted or not, that the item(s) is/are worth stealing, rather than pay for it.
I think they just have that “urge”, or get some thrill, to take without paying and they perhaps feel as though they are better for doing it, since “they got away with it”..
While the “Free” items will usually sit much longer, because while the item(s) likely has value (or it would have gone in the trash), & that it is “Free” for the taking. apparently it lowers the value to zero since it does not have an indicated price of any kind other than being “free” for the taking.
I do not know why things like that happen here in this small town of 4K folks, for sure, but it speaks , to me anyway, as to the low morals & ethics of some who live here in/around this area, or travel thru. (< Note – I live South of the Twin Cities metro in MN near a “main corridor” road, so it may just be some who travel thru & not necessarily residents.)
IMO, it is not that there are a lot of bad folks here in this town, but that there are certainly those of “lower standards for themselves” around, or coming thru here than one would expect.
” A few bad apples can spoil the barrel”, is a saying that comes to mind.
I hope that clears things up a bit. I could elaborate more & give examples, but I am hoping the above will suffice.
🙂
Someone took that as a project and I hope they had fun with it.
I once put out a couch that cats had scratched up pretty badly on the ends but it was still very comfortable. A couple stopped within 30 minutes while I was outside with neighbors. They said it would be perfect for the garage where his friends hung out on Saturday tinkering on their motorcycles while watching sports and drinking beer and they would be excited to have a comfortable seat.
I looked around my living room and the majority of the contents were second-hand (mostly purchased at our local furniture consignment stores…thankfully we’re in a good area), some hand-me down antiques from family or bought like-new from frens. There’s hardly anything “new” in my home…including my clothes, the vehicles (includes hubs motorcycle). 😉
Straight to the recycler.
On moving from one state to another, we had a futon that wouldn’t fit in the truck. I put in the yard with a sign that said free. It sat there for a couple days…….my dad came by and said you’ll never get rid of it like that. He flipped the sign over and wrote 10$ knock on the door……….it was gone in an hour……and no they didn’t pay for it.
For those of you saying you aren’t seeing these increases, wait until you get your health insurance increases. My Part D cost me $13 and change in 2020, $18 something in 2021 and $22.70 this year, all for the cheapest plan, Humana, that I could find since I take no prescription medications. The new premium notice came today and it’s $40 in 2023, up 76.2% from this year and more than triple what it was when I started. I’ll so around but doubt any others will be better.
I can’t wait to see the Part B and supplement prices.
Mari, that’s not a surprise.
The minute I saw the cost of living adjustment predicted for Social Security, it occurred to me that the government would line up to take it right back.
Remember, you will have nothing and you will be happy.
They have this all mapped out.
Humana is a private company but yes, I’m sure insurance will eat up a lot of the SS increase.
I wouldn’t mind so much if I actually used it.
That usually takes up the raise or more.
Seniors on fixed incomes should be sure to check their state for Medicare Part B help if their income qualifies. There are programs out there to assist with or pay the Part B premiums as well as take care of deductibles and co-pays. IIRC there is also help with Part A for those who didn’t work the necessary quarters but it varies by state. Part B is the most common assistance, along with drug coverage.
If there was ever a time to be healthy, now’s it. Harsh world out there.
But money for Ukraine Jordan PR UN HBCs ya know.
Biden may have cancelled Christmas, but the Kroeger stores haven’t.
My local Fred Meyer (part of the Kroeger chain) had completely full aisles of Christmas merchandise for sale at least two weeks ago. Lights, ornaments, wrap, boxes, and other assorted holiday gizmos. The items were not ON sale, simply FOR sale.
I sighed and walked past the displays to get my overpriced half-gallon of milk.
I wonder who buys all this new stuff each and every year.
I use the same Christmas stuff I have had for many many years and do not buy anything new.
Our society seems to throw away so much now.
I suppose that is because so much of it is designed to break after only a few years of use.
My parents had house hold things that lasted for decades while I buy the same type of things like towels and sheets and toasters and blenders that last only a few years if I am lucky.
Then into the trash and off to the store to get a new one from China.
I have treasured Christmas ornaments that came from my Grandparents that I have just passed on to my kids since I do not put up a big tree anymore.
Lovely beautiful Tree Ornaments from the 1940s and 1950s that they love and will care for.
Also gave away several table ornaments from the same era.
All have been carefully cared for by first my grandmothers then my mother then myself.
we still have hand blown bulbs and most of the Christmas ornaments made by everybody still go on the tree.
Your a mean one mister Grinch
There is nothing new Under the Sun!
Growing up, my father was a manufacturer’s rep for artificial Christmas trees, made in America lights and ornaments (Shiney Bright) and other holiday decorations. He was a hard worker and provided well for his family. In 1973, at the height of the First Energy crisis, politicians across the US told people not put up Christmas lights in order to save electricity and it decimated my father’s business! I remember a couple of Christmases that were very dark indeed for our family and by the end of the ’70s, a lot of the factories in the central Ohio and Pennsylvania valleys, which had once been the Hub of manufacturing, were shuttered, as all the business went to China, because they could force slave labor to produce Christmas lights…
As much as I miss my father every day I am thankful that he is not here to see what the country he fought for and was so proud of his entire life, has become!
Have to agree. Very happy my Dad is not around to see this. Not just him though, older uncles and cousins who fought in WW2 and Korea. Those guys hated Billy with the evil hag wife and joked about what a joke Carter was. If anything, I’d like to hear them talk about the kenyan & the Demented Fraud
I miss the old school Christmas lights from the mid seventies. Dang things lasted until the early eighties when I was a kiddo!
bubble lights and angel hair. we strung popcorn and cranberries and raisens for the birds
“If demand gets any higher, we’ll just have to shut down our businesses, entirely as we can’t sell enough product to stay in business!”
Sounds a lot like “Sure, we lose $1 on every product we sell, but we have orders for MILLIONS,…we’ll make it up in VOLUME!”
You really can’t spin reality, its not amenable.
Once worked for a CEO who was fond of saying
“If we were selling hotdogs that we could only sell for a 1$ but each one is costing us $1.50 we’re not going to be in the hotdog business very long”. Many US businesses are at that point
Well, I always thought Christmas should be exclusively for the celebration of Jesus Christ and not the celebration of accumulating more Chinese junk.
That’s what it really is about; thanks for the reminder.
Amen.
Amen. Solemn Advent with the purple candles followed by Hark the Herald Angles the tiny child in the manger three wise men. Family together laughter worship. No body cancels Christmas for me. We never were much for presents other than the Christ. As far as inflation goes, supply chains stuff well, we have all we need and we use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.
Hope people have already purchased their Thanksgiving items. My Wal-Nut did not have any bread at all in the deli section. So much getting a baguette, loaf bread was on the shelves, but limited.
Leave, forever I have bought from their deli section an Italian loaf. And forever it has been $1. It is delicious. I can cut it for sandwiches or toast at whatever thickness I want. I simply buy two loaves at a time and out one in the freezer.
Tonight I reached for the loaf in the fridge and staring at me was the price sticker, something I haven’t looked at in a long time…$1.47.
Whoa! Still cheap enough but nearly 50% increase. I’m still reeling. I suspect that will not be the last increase.
(It’s tastier than the sliced)
Noticed the jump two weeks ago and thought the same thing!
We have all the ingredients for our Thanksgiving as well as Christmas dinners.
Hmmm, considering the reports that I have seen recently about many poultry flocks being destroyed in the U.S. (avian flu or whatever) I probably should buy my turkey breast next month instead of waiting until mid – November.
I am seriously just scraping by right now.
This economy has done nothing for me.
Ever since PDJT was usurped, it’s beeen downhill.
The best money making of my life occurred under PDJT.
No kidding.
Christmas is not cancelled. Christmas is already manufactured, sitting in warehouses and containers. This nonsense about a demand driven recession is coming home to roost. I travel and the number of 1,000,000 sf warehouses that have been contstructed the last 36 months is jaw dropping. Hint…They aren’t empty…
But what happens if people have to tighten their purse strings so to speak and don’t spend as much this year? What happens to all of that inventory?
What is their story going to be this year for Thanksgiving?? You know the pretending will be Oscar worthy.
Walmart already has Christmas decorations out. I think they’re trying to earn what they can on Christmas stuff, because it’s going to be brutal this year.
And I actually ordered some Christmas ornaments from Target, I had bought a couple last year but I wanted more and they ran out, I was shocked to see them on their web site this early.
Doin’ my part. 🙂
I went into a popular drug store last week. Every pharmacy item had it’s price increased by 50 percent, and half off the second item.
They really do think we are dumb.
That’s one way to move inventory.
Ifitwerenotso: Walgreens has been pushing the “Buy One at Regular Price, Get 50% off Second Item” nonsense for at least several years, now. Really annoying. And yes, the regular prices have been rising frequently.
Recessions are bad for business. So why are big companies supporting the ruinous Build Back Better policies that are causing the recession? Makes no sense.
Many of the people running big companies are ideologues first and foremost, and businessmen a very distant second. They are social justice and climate zealots prepared to accept any means which will justify the ends, regardless of the cost.
One aspect is, compared to the era that Sundance referenced with his ‘Network’ graphic, corporations run more on debt today than in my memory. If things go sideways, just walk away and leave the government and banks holding the bag.
I noticed the trend more in the 90’s because I ran my business as asset-based, owning the real estate and production equipment and inventory. There was none of that just in time stuff. Customers had materials and parts stocked for them because breakdowns could happen at any time of day or night and downtime was in the thousands to tens of thousands per hour.
Anyway, once bean counters and lawyers took over and, ala ‘Gekko’, greed became good, and using OPM (other people’s money) became normalized, things changed. I saw it with the big customers I serviced. That was my experience.
I worked in ag and oil during the 70’s/early 80’s recession. Ag had it tough. Borrowing production money was horrendously expensive at the time. Still, markets were robust. I never got the sense the recession was a weapon though, nothing like the Covid operation. Nuts.
Truth!
Actually the worst part of this is glossed over…they are storing inventory for next year. I’m reading it as: we have the space to hold onto items and not take a bath on them so your prices stay elevated.
Just like how the banks don’t put foreclosure properties on the market like they used to…
This is how cartels operate.
Why work hard to make an honest buck subject to the whims of the market and competition? Consider the vagaries of millions or billions of individual consumers and their shifting needs and wants.
Much easier to control the majority of the market for every sort of widget and commodity to maximize the profits on both ends, by managing both supply and demand. After all, trillions are at stake.
My family is made up of Democrats, elitist, green energy rich Democrats. I figure they have stolen enough from me in the last two years and will tell them that that is my gift to them.
I remember ‘Network’ mainly because a few short months after we saw it in the theater a close friend lost three family members, including his parents, in the Tenerife incident. Why were they headed to the Canary Islands? They were going on a cruise. Were they ‘rich’? Nope, just ordinary farmers with a family of six kids taking a well deserved break from the grind.
Life for us who were working at the time was pretty normal; nothing like things are now.
Sure, gas had been rationed and gone up and we’d seen a lot of violence going on in the big cities and the returning veterans got shyte about the war but everyday life was like a vacation compared to now.
Stores were stocked, the then relatively new ‘malls’ were busy and Christmas for we working stiffs was as it had been in years past. I know because I lived it and have picture albums full of stuff from that period.
What’s going on now is unlike anything I’ve experienced in my nearly seven decades as an ordinary guy, one of those grunts who helped make the country go over the decades. FUBAR.
SPEAK THE TRUTH, EVEN IF YOUR VOICE IS SHAKING!
A world wide depression looks to be on the way, but hey, no more mean tweets.
We will all be purchasing ESG items from the multi-National corporation’s global-warming, COVID, aisles. All our meat will be replaced by vegetable and fat goo. Our “milk” will be squeezed from almonds … almonds that take the greatest single amount of scarce CA irrigation water. So much for ESG … it’s an illusion … a vehicle of power and cash … dressed up as Gaia worship. We are being bought and sold down the river.
I’ve always said nothing will change in this country until the fat and lazy loose their cars, big screen TV’s and oversized sofas.
Embrace the suck, maybe we’ll finally get over the impending cliff!
Bidinh wants to brutalize all of us like some crazed Japanese captors during WWII …
But hey! Biden said on 60 minutes they created 10 million jobs and that unemployment was down to a whopping 3.7%. So what is anybody complaining about!! Sarc.