Retailers were keeping their fingers crossed as they pushed to clear out summer merchandise with sales to make room for back-to-school merchandise. Recent reports by CBS reveal that they were left disappointed, to say the least, with a slow June month.
It appear as though consumers are being more cautious than ever as highly discounted merchandise is barely dragging in shoppers. Retailers are nervous about the slow kick off of back-to-school shopping as well, and are hoping for last minute shoppers to pull them through the season.
Some analysis's are also forecasting a slow holiday shopping season ahead.
What is causing consumers to refrain from spending? Some would argue that it is not simply a matter of consumers refraining from spending, but rather consumers don't have the money to be spending due to the struggling economy. Others are saying that consumers do have the money, but that they are holding on tight due to fear of the recent talk of a possible double-dip recession in our near future.
Others have been saying that there is no forecast of a double-dip recession and that if we want to keep from bring more financial trouble to our economy, we need to keep buying as we need and desire.
There are reports showing that the job market is beginning to show a healthy improvement, and perhaps even a steady recovery; though, despite the improvement, many are still occasionally falling onto difficult times and finding short-term solutions helpful while they get back on their feet.
Whatever the cause of weak consumer spending is, there is one thing for sure; because of weak summer sales, retailers are letting merchandise go with incredible sales, and now may just be a good time for consumers to get the deals that they have been waiting for. Perhaps if consumers take advantage for the great deals happening around them, they can give the economy a good boost and finally put an end to all of the "slow economy" talk.
And if you are wanting some extra money for that back-to-school shopping, now would be a great time to sell some of the unwanted scrap gold you have laying around since the gold market is at an all time high. Check City pays three to five times as much as other gold buyers and are known for their great customer care.