i heard an analyst talking about the recent hardship placed on Circuit City because they stopped selling large appliances. When a refrigerator or a washer or a dryer or dishwasher goes out, you need to get a new one. so now they don't get that 'need' purchase, they only get the video games, t.v.'s, DVD's, computers, etc which are largely discresionary purchases. and during the recent economic downturn, they don't get that 'need' purchase anymore.

and i thought about how a LBS gets business. keeps business. did i need that new cage i bought today? did i need that skullcap i bought? my wife has already told me that i sure as hell don't need another bike....i saw that lightspeed tuscany today.....