 |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tough economic times have many seeing red -- and not just in their wallets. Jeremy Hobson reports on another economic indicator that's on a lot of people's lips.
Woman applying lipstick (iStockPhoto)
More on Arts - Culture
sponsor
"We tend to forget that debt is another form of slavery. So, they are selling our debt to others? Hmmm, what happens if we can't pay? Hmmm, our credibility starts to wane. Why the heck, if we are to be seen as leaders in this vast world, would another country listen to us? Get ready people -- the beastly game is in full effect. Remember how back in the day, the mob would extend debt to those who couldn't get it? Remember? What happens if that person couldn't pay up? Good luck, Fannie and Freddie! . . . "
sponsor
Leadership PACs are the main fund-raising tool for most lawmakers. Find out how they raise and spend all that money.
Environmental professionals scrutinize eco-friendly claims by businesses, governments and groups. Check out their reports.
Are the candidates addressing issues that matter to you? Help us report on the campaigns. Share your thoughts.
No region outside the U.S. affects our pocketbooks, politics and portfolios more. See our special coverage from Cairo and Dubai.
Marketplace goes one-on-one with CEOs, company founders, head honchos...
Marketplace is on Apple's online education platform, iTunesU. Get free downloads in subjects like History, Science, Business and more. Study up
We want your insights to help us in our reporting in these areas. Share what you know:
Comments
Comment | Refresh
From Brookline, MA, 08/08/2008
Interesting that lipstick sales could be correlated with the economy.
To me, the clearest indicator of an economic downturn is when getting a JOB is hard. For example, in 2002, when I was laid off, it took me TEN MONTHS to get a job, and that was as a "temp"; it wasn't until 2005 that I landed a full-time, permanent job with benefits.
From Charlotte, NC, 06/18/2008
Sarah,
I can’t help but yield the fact you do have a very decent point and case. That being said, I believe the story was referencing that “historically” when the economy is in a slump, lipstick sales are “up”. Take it for what it is worth, but for the ones who have invested in lipstick manufacturing and sales, they are seeing a decent return on their investment. Cheers.
From Durham, NC, 06/18/2008
I just wanted to tell you that I was not impressed with your segment on the cosmetics counter. Women (or people) with enough disposable income to purchase expensive cosmetics aren't really the people hurting in this recession. It's the people who don't have, and never had, any extra money for luxuries who are really suffering. Go ask the woman who is struggling to keep her utilities turned on and feed her family if she just can't do without that new shade of lipstick.
Then again, maybe the women you interviewed really don't have the disposable income either. You neglected to ask the buyers if they were purchasing on credit--and if so, if they were planning on paying the balance off this month or any time soon.
Finally, the idea that cosmetics are something a woman just can't do without no matter how tough times are is sexist and offensive. I expected more from Marketplace than the same old stereotype, that those silly women always lose their head for economics when it comes to fashion.
I expect more from you in the future!
Post a Comment: Please be civil, brief and relevant.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. All comments are moderated. Marketplace reserves the right to edit any comments on this site and to read them on the air if they are extra-interesting. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting.
You must be 13 or over to submit information to American Public Media. The information entered into this form will not be used to send unsolicited email and will not be sold to a third party. For more information see Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.