[Zeltar]

I went to the mall the other day (in Washington State) and was struck by how many stores went out of business. Some of them were mom and pop independants, but others were franchises. Even the historically busy McDonalds in the food court was boarded up with the standard mall advertisement wall to potential future leasee.

I know of the economic situation and the Bush denied recession. I see it first hand. Do you? Are the businesses in your area closing their doors?

[smartchild]

probably the larger stores like WalMart and stuff are taking over all over the place and people go there for everythign they want.

[the archer]

Yes, and it is so sad.

[kwflamingo]

Since I live in an area where the economy is tourist-driven, yes - we are seeing a lot of places close. With the economy the way it is people are not traveling like they did and if they do, they are not spending money like they did.