recession possible?, page-3

All retailers are reporting that sales are down. Some retail chains are going broke. Consumer confidence is dropping fast.

Buying on line is a growing trend. Apparently people are checking things out in the shops, then buying the same or similar item on line.

They are often paying less of course. But Australian retailers have to pay among other things:

Rent,
Wages
Taxes
Import duties
The wholesale cost of the goods

Who is surpised that retailers are doing it tough and putting off staff. This is all without the Gillard/Brown carbon tax in place.