Good news: Shoppers are cautious, but spending, this holiday season

It isn't the end of the troubles being caused by the recent economic slowdown.

And one really good Christmas season is not going to completely erase the tough years local businesses and others have faced.

But news that Black Friday was profitable -- and that more Americans are buying this year -- combined with the really good news from Cyber Monday sales means that there is reason to be a bit optimistic when it comes to retail futures.

Also good news is that most Americans are using cash for their holiday purchases this year -- and they are very keen on getting the most bang for their holiday bucks.

All those factors are a sign that consumers are smarter this year than they have ever been.

So what does that mean for Wayne County?

Simple really. This might be the Christmas season local businesses need to get a bit of a start getting back on track.

Economic analysts are predicting that even though sales are stronger, that we are not out of the woods yet and that there is still more danger ahead.

And it is good that the projections are mixed with a little reality. Americans are paying more attention to not only their money, but to what they can buy and earn with those dollars. They are thinking ahead and making wiser decisions.

And that is a good thing in the long run.

Businesses are feeling the pinch and thinking smarter, too. They understand that shoppers are looking for value, not trends -- and they are reacting accordingly.

So in the midst of all the other bad news that seems to swirl around talk of budgets and the future, today's shopping forecast is a hopeful sign.

Now, all we have to do is to make sure Washington stays focused on budget cutting and tax codes. That way they can't possibly mess this mini-boost up.

Published in Editorials on December 2, 2010 11:14 AM