I wandered into a Harvey Norman store today and spent just over...

I wandered into a Harvey Norman store today and spent just over 10k on household whitegoods and electrical items to fit out my "during the weeker" holiday house (us retired types like to go away during the week when it is cheaper and quieter to do so and stay in the city at weekends.

I was very impressed by the sales person who was far more informed about modern technology such as practical advice on cables for using blueray technology with my HDTV than any previous "expert" installer I've met.

I was told business in stores in the western part of Sydney are feeling it but it seems other babyboomers are also out there snapping up the bargains in the sales in the northern suburbs.

Once he realised I was a serious customer he discounted prices to very competitive eliminating any need for me to browse and shop around and for someone like me who makes or loses far more than that in any hour of trading, and for whom time is important in retirement, I appreciated cutting to the chase in this way. I also particularly valued the way the salesperson patiently advised me through each selection - and recognised upfront that the cost of an item was not an issue to me but getting value or wasting money is.

I'm staying long the stock.