Here is evidence of the economy doing well

[iris lily]

While intellectually I know that the U.S. economy is struggling, when out shopping I've run into these situations that make me think Hoohey, things are fine. They are:


1)Joann's Craft and Fabrics are selling sticks from bushes. STICKS! I kid you not, sticks that you can go out into the Park or neighborhood and find and snap them off before someone comes along to prune them.

2) I was making a run through the ghetto Goodwill and saw a complete set of fushia bedsheets for a full size bed. I thought "I'll come back around and get those" 'cause I like fushia a LOT but when I did, someone had snapped them up. Crazy.

3) saw an antique walnut gateleg table for $125 at an antique mall and, as I usually do, I walked away from it to "think" about it. Went back 4 weeks later with confidence that it would be there and I would buy it but noipe, it's gone. Also, another showy amazing piece for $700 that I loved was gone. whoah, they are doing business.

4) At an antique store, going out of business, I saw a Duncan Phyfe table marked down to $145. I told myself I'd buy it that day, but DH needed to swing by to view it. Went back in the afternoon and someone had purchased it. It's not rare, it's not unusual, and it had a big stain on it but it was GONE!

So what do ya'll see?

[Float On]

I'm starting to get a few bigger orders from some of our galleries.

A few......not like it once was where if you didn't have your orders in with us for the whole year by the 2nd day of the Buyers Market of American Craft wholesale show in Philly in February....we wouldn't be able to fit you into the schedule.

[sweetana3]

My mother in law's house in a small town in NY has just sold in one week for a full price as-is no contingency sale. Makes me wonder...... Our fingers are crossed that it all goes thru.

It could just be luck but sure happened at the right time and to the right person.

Should be 60 days from decision to move to fully moved.

[Mrs-M]

What a shame Re: the walnut gateleg table. I've wanted an antique walnut gateleg table, for forever.

New vehicles is what I'm seeing. Everyone seems to be driving new vehicles.

And, the construction/development of new homes/subdivisions.

I honestly am not putting all this down to the economy doing well, more so, than people in debt. Seems every penny is spoken for (long in advance) in many, many households.

To add, I do think the moving (selling) of antiques and collectibles is the result of people, true honest-to-goodness buyers (with saved money). True connoisseurs of past creations of time.

[sweetana3]

I am looking into "antiques" to furnish my mominlaw's new apartment. A lot cheaper in cost and more well made in condition than new furniture. The furniture store prices have me in shock. I have not looked in over 10+ years and cannot believe the costs for poorly made stuff.

[pinkytoe]

I saw a cute Pottery Barn cabinet at the thrift store yesterday for $25; went back 30 minutes later - gone! Everything here is booming with a capital B. Personally, I don't like it at all.

[DarkStar]

Well, I have a fairly decent offer on my house after about two months in a really crappy housing market (metro Atlanta). Not a wonderful offer, but more than one agent thought we'd get. And my real estate agent is pretty sure we'll be getting another offer from the people she's showing it to today - and possibly a third from another buyer this week. So yeah, I think the economy is getting a little better. But still not wonderful.

[Bronxboy]

My mother in law's house in a small town in NY has just sold in one week for a full price as-is no contingency sale.
Actually, I'm hearing that the economy is good in parts of New York State. For the first time since the late 80s in places.

[Bronxboy]

From what I'm seeing, property prices are up about 5% in our community this spring. This is happening even though the maintenance demands of older houses on large lots and poor shopping/neighborhoods nearby mean that it usually is a tough place to sell.

[Gregg]

Houses at the more modest price points (under $250K here) are selling pretty well. Above that you can't give them away.

[freein05]

I feel the economy is turning around in our area. We went out to dinner on the patio of a local restaurant Saturday and our little town was packed with tourist all three local motels were full. We don't have any chain motels in our little resort town about a 4 hours drive due east from San Francisco.

In the state park I volunteer at (Calaveras Big Trees) the gift shop has been having record sells all spring. When I worked last week in it I meet tourist from all over the US a lot from the mid-west wanting to see Giant Sequoias. That tells me it is not just happening in Northern California.

[ljevtich]

I have definitely seen it looking better, especially since being here at Grand Canyon NP. We are seeing more folks coming out earlier and buying more stuff in the gift shops and stores. More people on vacation, taking longer vacations, eating in restaurants, less complaining about the economy, etc.