A Recession!

[XISMZERO]

It's been a few months since I, and a few others in the "retail circle" have updated our pages. One member sent me a message, thinking I'm dead -- like Malls of America's Keith Milford, who disappeared from the scene late last Summer. Truth be told, I've been finding it hard to garner news or produce significant updates in the midst of school and work.  

What's going on?!

It would appear our "community" as a whole is in a deep recession. No real updates -- and that includes here I've been noticing. Some of our regulars have disappeared including Dan Fife, who used to keep this board alive.

Assuming everyone is being pinched by the near $4 gas prices, Summer is near which means most of us might have more time to get out.

So I ask, what's the state of everyone? Has this made you guys focus on other things?

[NJxxJon]

Originally posted by XISMZERO
It's been a few months since I, and a few others in the "retail circle" have updated our pages. One member sent me a message, thinking I'm dead -- like Malls of America's Keith Milford, who disappeared from the scene late last Summer. Truth be told, I've been finding it hard to garner news or produce significant updates in the midst of school and work.  

What's going on?!

It would appear our "community" as a whole is in a deep recession. No real updates -- and that includes here I've been noticing. Some of our regulars have disappeared including Dan Fife, who used to keep this board alive.

Assuming everyone is being pinched by the near $4 gas prices, Summer is near which means most of us might have more time to get out.

So I ask, what's the state of everyone? Has this made you guys focus on other things?

Cant take pics due to Job, Gas Prices, Car Project Im working on, New girlfriend, Gas Prices,  :insane:

[C. Fontaine]

I agree.  Although my girlfriend thinks the sites are great, gas prices have definitely affected any road trips.

I just got out of school, which was killing my progress the past few years, and now gas is high and good jobs are hard to come by, even with a degree.:(  With no real dead retail news going on I guess I've been experimenting with new things for the site such as the google maps locator thing.

Actually I'll be moving out to western Mass.(Westfield) in a month or so, so I might be able to get to more out there.

[amesman]

I don't know if anyone was familiar with my retail blog retailstories.blogspot.com. That lasted about a year. I took it down a couple weeks ago just because I felt it wasn't really worth keeping. I work on www.deadmalls.com now, and that takes up the majority of my retail work. I do take roadtrips here and there, but yes, gas is taking its toll.

You will be all happy to know, on a side note, that the Toys R Us in Clay, NY is still soldiering on. Heading to Middletown, NY and Scranton, PA this weekend. We'll see what happens.

[GothicPrincess]

Waiting for new stuff to happen around here. It's kind of dull now that everything is done being built...oh except in Latrobe, PA, they are bulldozing a blank spot and building a Walgreens...with RiteAid (ex-Eckerd) right up the road about a minute, plus Walmart and Giant Eagle pharmacies yet another minute away...GE not a comparison to Walgreens...but as far as pharmacies go...I'd rather go to Walmart. Other than that, I am planning on starting to go to flea market on Sundays again after I deliver my papers. Might find some cool things that people clean out of their houses...Oh, got a new tag too, gonna find the proper thread for it. Check out my flickr account...found a Meijer and Hills tags on some books I bought off e-bay...woot!!!!

[NJxxJon]

Originally posted by amesman
I don't know if anyone was familiar with my retail blog retailstories.blogspot.com. That lasted about a year. I took it down a couple weeks ago just because I felt it wasn't really worth keeping. I work on www.deadmalls.com now, and that takes up the majority of my retail work. I do take roadtrips here and there, but yes, gas is taking its toll.

You will be all happy to know, on a side note, that the Toys R Us in Clay, NY is still soldiering on. Heading to Middletown, NY and Scranton, PA this weekend. We'll see what happens.

\

I like the update setup on the site (if you work on the part!) NJ is listed in a few areas.

[Zayre88]

I'm happy to drive my Pontiac Vibe these days, it is quite fuel efficient compared to my former car. I made a smart decision in 2005.  Nothing new is happening.  Retailers are not closing stores or going out of business.  Wendy's and Arby's merged.  In northern New England, most major retail project are done.  Target opened in march in Augusta. Gas prices at Gulf, Jackman ME (april 19)

[NJxxJon]

Originally posted by Zayre88
I'm happy to drive my Pontiac Vibe these days, it is quite fuel efficient compared to my former car. I made a smart decision in 2005.  Nothing new is happening.  Retailers are not closing stores or going out of business.  Wendy's and Arby's merged.  In northern New England, most major retail project are done.  Target opened in march in Augusta.

Yeah theres going to be a fast food TAX in Jersey. FECKING LAME. June should not be as warm as last year either according to a website I get info from..... :cool:

[d_fife]

Originally posted by XISMZERO
It's been a few months since I, and a few others in the "retail circle" have updated our pages. One member sent me a message, thinking I'm dead -- like Malls of America's Keith Milford, who disappeared from the scene late last Summer. Truth be told, I've been finding it hard to garner news or produce significant updates in the midst of school and work.  

What's going on?!

It would appear our "community" as a whole is in a deep recession. No real updates -- and that includes here I've been noticing. Some of our regulars have disappeared including Dan Fife, who used to keep this board alive.

Assuming everyone is being pinched by the near $4 gas prices, Summer is near which means most of us might have more time to get out.

So I ask, what's the state of everyone? Has this made you guys focus on other things?

I havent disappeared. I have just been a little lazy and will post more. OH I hate the annoying gas prices a lot! and at many places its 3.50 a gallon and may hit 4 this summer.

[amesman]

it's 3.73 where I am.. NY sucks..

[GothicPrincess]

still at 3.59 at Sunoco and Sheetz here...BP is 3.65, full service station for those lazy butts that can't remove their butt from the seat for 5 minutes to pump it and want to pay that extra money per gallon...makes me laugh...

[dmx10101]

yea I've been real busy lately, haven't seen much to take pics of or update on. Plus gas has definetly kept me from going out as much.

[powersbt]

My Habits haven't changed too much. Actually I have been working 7 days a week since the beginning of the year, so that has added a bit more to the Gas Bill. The money from the 2nd job supplements my income nicely, and gives me for money to play with. My regular job still can and does pay the bills.

I haven't made too many Roadtrips in the past few years, so that won't change too much.

[AmesNewington]

I'm trying to get a part time job at a local supermarket. I've tried A&P in Berlin, Shaw's in Newington and now Stop and Shop in Berlin, but haven't heard anything. I'm sure if someone quits in one of the stores will give me a ring. Other than that, I sit at home and help my parents with their home based businesses. I'm trying to get in to being a TV/film extra with the help of a family member who does that work.

With all of that lined up for my future, I stop by here several times a day but miss the discussions on the boards. I hardly see new posts, which is sad, but I guess the current phase of development in retail has taken a break.

If you are in the Hartford area, come by the Berlin Turnpike. Aldi is currently being built, and so is the new Sam's Club next to Stew Leonard's in Newington. Also, once Sam's opens, Home Depot in Berlin will expand to the former Sam's space, so I'm sure a major update will happen on the facade. In the Newington town center, A&P/FoodMart is still vacant, and I'm sure soon another store will move in. Finally, in Berlin, across from the A&P/Ocean State plaza on Webster Square, there are plans for another shopping center, so things haven't slowed down here.

Just like this so called recession thing, this site will soon get back to normal and stabilize. I have hope.

[momof3]

Ames Newington-Did you try Stews???They offer Moms hours and with summer comming they may be hiring for people to work the hours moms can't in the summer.

[AmesNewington]

Originally posted by momof3
Ames Newington-Did you try Stews???They offer Moms hours and with summer comming they may be hiring for people to work the hours moms can't in the summer.

Well that place is so hectic. I was under the impression they were set for employees as they mass hired when they opened and then let go a portion of the help after seeing what worked. I need something so I won't go crazy sitting at home!! I was really hoping Foodmart would call, but they just got a new manager and they aren't hiring new people due to economics. I'm hoping a position becomes available if someone leaves the store.

[momof3]

I hope they call you, The other manager was there for ever, I think he went to West hartford, and alot of the Foodmart employees have been there for a while, some a long while.

[AmesNewington]

Thank you momof3. Yes, Mr. Galotti was there forever. My mom had him for a manager from about 1987 to 1993 when she had to quit. Also, my mom worked with Cheryl and Maxine in the bakery and they are still there, and then one of the service desk workers is still there. It is one loyal store and group of employees.  I was just over at Foodmart today and was so sad that I wasn't able to work there. I sure hope I get a call. I'll keep bugging the manager.

momof3: sorry to keep talking of Foodmart, but it's nice to talk to someone that also likes the store!

[momof3]

Yes Mr. Galotti, He was so nice, Got a kick out of seeing my kids running around the store.  Theres employees in alot of the depts that have been there along time.  And one of the girls that bags (Is her name Marsha maybe) has been there a long long time.  
Jean (cashier ) has been there along time too.

[beachgal26]

I'm just trying to hand in there like everyone else.  Since I was alive and well in the 70's and 80's for the last attempts to strangle us with gas prices, I would fully recommend that we go to gas rationing to reserve what we have and try to drive the prices back down a bit.  

Now, I know that it would not be fun for anyone, but wouldn't you be willing to go and sit in a line to save 50 cents or more a gallon??  It was not fun to get up at 3 am and go sit in a line in the hopes that they would not run out before it was your turn in line, but something has to change and I surely don't see our lame President doing anything to help the situation.

OK, I'm done and have stepped down off my soap box!

 :flaming:    :flaming:

[C. Fontaine]

I agree, it would be nice to have a non oil-baron president.  I haven't bought a gallon of Exxon or Mobil since their former CEO retired in 2005, with a package of over $400 million.  You've got to be kidding me.

[Marc82]

One of the main routes through Southington, CT which is where I live is Route 10. It comes into Town as Queen Street at the Plainville townline. Changes to North Main just before Stop and Shop and Changes to Main somewhere I'm no sure where. :D Anyway it's amazing how the gas prices vary from one end of 10 o the other.

The other day the Shell and Citgo Stations downtown near the library were $3.749. The Hess station further up 10 also was $3.749. The Mobil Station next to Rita's Water Ice was $3.749. The Sunoco Station next to Price Chopper was $3.859 (tho they give you 10 cents off per gallon for every $50 you spend at Price Chopper). The Shell station next to Denny's was $3.859. The Exxon Station next to the Shaw's Plaza was $3.839 and The Cumberland Farms near The Ames Plaza was $3.769. And that's what I paid. $3.769. I'm glad I got it on Monday. Tuesday it was up to $3.799.

My guess is that the reason The Shell, Sunoco, and Exxon Stations are so high is because they're very close to the Exit 32 Off Ramp to I-84.

[momof3]

Did anyone see on the news that they had gas for ..99 a gal down in I think West Haven CT?????People waited in line since last night. It was sponsored by a radio station.

[C. Fontaine]

Wow, I wish I was there!  I did read that many mom and pop gas stations have old gas pumps that are unable to go over $3.99 a gallon!

[Marc82]

Well Sunoco next to Price Chopper in Southington is gonna be the first gas station in my area to go over $4. As of 3PM they were $3.999

[NJxxJon]

Originally posted by Marc82
Well Sunoco next to Price Chopper in Southington is gonna be the first gas station in my area to go over $4. As of 3PM they were $3.999

Yeah thats nuts. Less people will be driving this summer. Which can be a good thing if I wanted to do random night driving.... :cool:   I dont know yet. Sucks cause I havent made tooooooo many plans for the summer due to working a lot!

[Marc82]

Try buying gas when you don't have a job and have to borrow money from The Bank of Mom or The Bank of Dad.

[NJxxJon]

Originally posted by Marc82
Try buying gas when you don't have a job and have to borrow money from The Bank of Mom or The Bank of Dad.

Hey man. I live with the parents but work full time ...where did that comment come from?

[Marc82]

Nothing dude. I was just commenting about what I have to do. Chill.

[momof3]

With Memorial day comming up i can only imagine what the price of gas will be.  They always try to jack it up around a holiday.