Interesting observations tony and i must say i agree with what you say . just one thing that sticks in my head that goes against one point you have made and that is regarding womens fashions (i include cosmetics in this ). my wife is a manager at a major upmarket retailer , she tells me that whilst a lot of departments struggle to make budget womens fashion section just keeps rocking on . i find it strange but she assures me that this is true , just goes to show women will remain vain regardless of economics . mind you this could change if things do get tighter .
