geez things must be bad

Finance crisis hits world's oldest profession
http://money.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=661203

As the financial crisis continues to wreak havoc around the world, impacts are being felt far and wide and even the oldest profession on earth isn’t immune.

The Los Angeles Times reports that one of America’s oldest brothels, Donna’s Ranch in Nevada, is poised to see profits drop around 80 percent from last year.

Closer to home, A Touch of Class in Sydney’s Surry Hills closed in October citing increased competition, and local industry bodies say that it’s not an isolated case.

“In terms of the middle level sort of brothel, what we’re finding is they’re struggling,” says Chris Seage from the NSW Adult Business Association.

While he says the impact is being felt by top-end “boutique” establishments as well, the full brunt of lower consumer spending is hitting the working-class bordellos.

“The ordinary punters out in Struggle Street are finding it hard to balance their mortgage or rent repayments, the cost of living, petrol, groceries – let alone find $200 for a nookie. They’re going through a hard time at the moment,” Seage told ninemsn.

In some cases, Seage says owners are trying to entice customers with more elaborate promotions.

“Some have lowered their prices, some are trying to promote themselves differently by having special lingerie days where they get the ladies to dress up in lingerie or another fantasy, dressing up as nurses on the Friday.”

The local industry appears to be falling victim to a broader trend as Australian tighten their belts and reign in spending. Figures released this week showed that Aussies are spending less on discretionary items such as restaurant meals and clothing as the economic storm clouds gather.