According to federal data, 2008 represented the first decline in births since the beginning of the decade. There were approximately 4,247,000 births – down about 68,000 from 2007. Although more babies were born in 2007 than in any year in U.S. history, an almost 2% drop is significant because birth rates had been increasing for women in all age groups. The largest declines occurred in California and Florida – 2 states hardest hit by housing foreclosures. Add to that approximately 7 million jobs being lost nationwide since the recession started in 2007 and it seems the economy took the pop out of population.
In spite of the economy, baby boomers are history’s richest generation. Marketing experts knew boomers would spend less as they approached retirement, but none of them expected to suddenly lose customers they’d counted on for thirty years because of a recession. When 79 million Americans – almost one-third of the population – stop spending, the economic rebound is affected. Now many companies are trying to appeal to Generations X and Y. Vera Wang came out with a casual line aimed at twenty-and-thirty-somethings. Mercedes recruited a focus group of 500 people ages 23-32. The bad economic times stopped boomers from spending like they weren’t old enough to know better.
Historically speaking, jigsaw puzzles are a sign of bad economic times. The first jigsaw craze occurred during the Panic of 1907. As the stock market dropped 50%, businessmen – some on doctors’ orders – used jigsaw puzzles to settle their nerves. The second craze occurred during the Great Depression; but mass-produced, die-cut, cardboard jigsaw puzzles made them affordable for more people. During the 2009 recession the trade journal “Playthings” reported jigsaw puzzle sales up 13% in the first quarter despite an overall decline in traditional toy sales. Economically being able to make pieces fit together isn’t traditional.
According to the very traditional British Beer and Pub Association, an average of 52 pubs close weekly. This is attributed to changing consumer tastes; the 2-year-old smoking ban; the recession; and the tax on beer, which went up 20% in 2 years. In 2009 the traditional pint of beer costs about $6. This has limited pub business primarily to weekends. During the week people drink beer from supermarket chains that can undercut pub prices. As a result, pubs are having to adapt. The Black Lion Pub in West London has psychic night – obviously knowing it would attract customers.
In spite of the economy, baby boomers are history’s richest generation. Marketing experts knew boomers would spend less as they approached retirement, but none of them expected to suddenly lose customers they’d counted on for thirty years because of a recession. When 79 million Americans – almost one-third of the population – stop spending, the economic rebound is affected. Now many companies are trying to appeal to Generations X and Y. Vera Wang came out with a casual line aimed at twenty-and-thirty-somethings. Mercedes recruited a focus group of 500 people ages 23-32. The bad economic times stopped boomers from spending like they weren’t old enough to know better.
Historically speaking, jigsaw puzzles are a sign of bad economic times. The first jigsaw craze occurred during the Panic of 1907. As the stock market dropped 50%, businessmen – some on doctors’ orders – used jigsaw puzzles to settle their nerves. The second craze occurred during the Great Depression; but mass-produced, die-cut, cardboard jigsaw puzzles made them affordable for more people. During the 2009 recession the trade journal “Playthings” reported jigsaw puzzle sales up 13% in the first quarter despite an overall decline in traditional toy sales. Economically being able to make pieces fit together isn’t traditional.
According to the very traditional British Beer and Pub Association, an average of 52 pubs close weekly. This is attributed to changing consumer tastes; the 2-year-old smoking ban; the recession; and the tax on beer, which went up 20% in 2 years. In 2009 the traditional pint of beer costs about $6. This has limited pub business primarily to weekends. During the week people drink beer from supermarket chains that can undercut pub prices. As a result, pubs are having to adapt. The Black Lion Pub in West London has psychic night – obviously knowing it would attract customers.
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