Shopaholics in Jersey

Magnet #253 - Sense of Living is Joy Enough

Economists might say we're going into a recession and that the Middle Class is dying, but they should take a peek into the big box stores and malls of New Jersey.

Having now spent two Saturdays there straight, it becomes apparent that people aren't having as much trouble spending money as Washington or Wall Street think.

Based on these two shopping days, some random observations:

• The sales are insane.
• The lines are even worse.
• Sales people are being outnumbered almost everywhere.
• The higher-end and non-essentials stores aren't enjoying as much of the crowds.
• Ikea dinners are cheap and awesome. The meatballs even awesomer. But the Daim torte is awesomest.
  
• Christmas has come too early - in every store. I'm surprised Santa's not already hanging out in the center.
  
• Joy seems to have been extricated from Christmas, as evidenced by the lack of items with my name on it. (Mind you, that doesn't have a thing to do with the economy, but tragic, nonetheless.)

Anyway, fun days, shopping. Or rather, watching other people shop.