I just wanted to ask the many AR members out there this important question as many Americans are cutting back due to economic downturn. Do you think more Americans are shopping at Macy's or Walmart? Are you seeing more affluent people at WalMart? Are they cutting back to save money?
WalMart Facts:
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at more than 7,900 retail units under 55 different banners in 15 countries. With fiscal year 2009 sales of $401 billion, Wal-Mart employs almost 2.2 million associates worldwide.
Macy's Facts:
Macy's sales down more than 9 percent for 2009.
Other Retail Facts:
Here is how other retailers performed:
• Dillard's (NYSE: DDS) said sales fell 12 percent, worse than the 8 percent decline analysts expected.
• J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP) posted a sales drop of 8.2 percent, while analysts expected negative 9.6 percent.
• Saks Inc. (NYSE: SKS) reported a 26.6 percent fall, due in part to the rescheduling of a sales event to June.
• Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) said its same-store sales were down by 6.1 percent, short of predictions of a 4.3 percent decline.
• Kohls (NYSE: KSS) posted a 0.4 percent slip on sales, beating expectations of a 3.8 percent decline.
• Limited Brands (NYSE: LTD) reported a 7 percent decline, in line with projections.
• The Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) said its same-store sales fell by 6 percent, compared with expectations of a 5 percent fall.
cited http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2009/06/01/daily44.html
CONCLUSION: YOU TELL ME!
Make the Call, Set the Plan, Do the Deal$!
Feel free to listen to my Radio Show to learn more about the phoenix real estate market, new trends, and the latest opportunities. The Real Estate and Beyond Radio Show Airs every Saturday from Noon-2:00pm on Conservative Newstalk KKNT 960am in Phoenix, Arizona. You can listent to past shows, or stream on-line.
Phoenix Real Estate Resource Center
Follow Me On: 
Yes indeed. I was frugal to begin with, thank goodness, but absolutely have cut back. Got rid of the Blackberry, cut back on Health Insurance, asked for an internet discount (they cut it $15 bucks a month), have basic land line for a designated fax. No caller ID, Call Waiting, etc. All these things help tremendously.
Camilla M. Ferguson
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES, TRC
ST AUGUSTINE REAL ESTATE INC
2692 US 1 South, Suite 204
St. Augustine, FL 32086
"I am here for you!"
904.540.6262
www.CamillaFerguson.com
Thanks for input Camilla. Americans are cutting back today
I shop at Walmart. Count me in
Depends on what I am looking for--groceries like canned goods and dairy are always better at Walmart, I do have to say if I'm looking for a quality piece for work or special occaision its definitely Kohls and Macy's. I have to say in this economy, I will pay just a little more for better clothes than go cheap--overall I wind up paying less than buying to replace an inferior item.
In terms of real estate--alot of my clients are wanting a house, very few a second, but most are having a hard time making the commitment to buy.
I think most of us are counting our dollars and saving where we can. So Walmart is in.
Very interesting post and statistics, thanks for sharing!
I've started buying more of the store brand foods at the grocery store, my kids are so young they have no idea! I have shopped around at Walmart and a new second hand children's clothing store in town to save on clothes for my kids rather than buy them at the mall or Babies R Us. We're cutting back on our cable, we don't need 300 channels, we have Netflix and don't have time for much tv anyways. Print advertising...a BIG no no! We've taken away lead generators that haven't been paying for themselves. We don't take as many road trips around just to sight see.
On the other hand, we've added more of our lead generating that has been successful and picked up a new website. Rather than paying for direct mail, we've been hand delivering feature sheets and postcards to neighborhoods surrounding our listings to get the word out.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
I think more and more people are cutting back in other ways. I agree that I do not advertise with print. I spend money on radio ahd Internet for lead generation.
Pat Says Walmart is in. They are growing world wide