What follows is anecdotal evidence.
I live in Houston, Texas where a big chopping center is called the Galleria. It's a giant mall with a ton of stores.. Here's a link for more information. It's pretty much centrally located in the Houston area, so it's pretty central to the area.
My dad was in town for the holidays and he stayed at a hotel in the area. My first thought was, "great. tons of traffic." But that wasn't the case. I went into town on Sunday morning and Sunday night. Getting through the area was no problem. In fact, it was less busy than rush hour.
On Monday -- Christmas Eve -- same thing. Traffic was incredibly manageable.
In previous years shopping seasons, this area of town has been a literal madhouse -- almost impossible to get through.
Again -- this is anecdotal information. For all I know, what appears to be fewer shoppers could have been buying up a storm. But the lack of traffic was pretty revealing.
Monday Watch
38 minutes ago
3 comments:
Traffic seemed lighter to me as well.
Its anecdotal, sure, and I did 90% of my shopping online
Yep, the newer WalMart here in Conway AR on the night of Sat the 22nd was moderately busy, but no more so than on any particular Saturday.
mapaghimagsik has a point. Online shopping is growing rapidly, especially with the more affluent. And the less affluent can't afford the gas to get to the mall. I had to rescue a young couple who had run out of gas at the Doctor's office one day in early Dec. They couldn't afford to put more in than they immediately needed, and that day they just cut it too close.
I was in Target here in Ann Arbor on Sunday the 23rd. While it was reasonably busy, by no means was it the madhouse I've encountered in other years. Didn't have to wait one second for an open register, which is a first.
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