Friday, October 4, 2013

Our Used Merchandise Growth Industry

The following chart shows employees working at used merchandise stores divided by all retail trade employees.


Click to enlarge.

The "sure thing" parabolic trend has been replaced with the "sure thing" exponential trend.

The future's so bright I gotta buy used rose-colored glasses.

Source Data:
BLS: Employment
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4 comments:

  1. Mr SlipperyOctober 5, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    Is the idea that more people are buying used items instead of new?

    Or more people buying rose-colored glasses?

    I always liked the blue and red glasses of Dr. Jacoby. I was actually going to order some but my wife vetoed it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Stagflationary MarkOctober 5, 2013 at 1:11 PM

    Customer: Can you tell me about the history of these rose-colored glasses?

    Salesperson: They date back to 1929. The original owner believed in their mystical properties so much that not only did he put his life savings in the stock market but he also borrowed more to enhance his returns.

    Customer: How did that work out for him?

    Salesperson: The stock market has performed incredibly well from 1929 to present.

    Customer: Fantastic! I must have them! I'm worried I can't afford them though.

    Salesperson: You can afford them. We have our own financing department. I'll send you over there right now.

    Customer: Can I wear the glasses now?

    Salesperson: Absolutely. I don't think our financing department will mind if you are wearing them while you are signing the papers. In fact, they might even insist.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Stagflationary MarkOctober 5, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    Fringe was an awesome series by the way. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Stagflationary MarkOctober 5, 2013 at 6:05 PM

    Thought of the Day

    Pre-Recession Levels = Bubble Levels

    That's what pops into my head for what it is worth. It's been popping a lot lately as more and more headlines embrace the pre-recession mindset.

    ReplyDelete