+++++ Empty stores seeming to be becoming more common now! +++++

Yes, I would concur with what you're saying here. In the UK, probably in the US too, the bigger businesses, particularly supermarkets, are still increasing their profits, though adjusting their 'offer' to today's more bargain conscious consumer. Overall, there is a downturn, but the businesses that can stay flexible and adjust quickly to the changing markets, will manage to keep going - providing their in the right market segments! Hope that makes some kinda sense! And yes, people at times do unnecessarily panic, though in the uncertain times we're in, it can be quite forgiveable! Will we get deflation or inflation or even hyper-inflation? With the amount of public debt the US and UK governments have, it's anyone's guess! Thanks for a thoughtful response...

Yes, it seemed like "Woolies" has been around for ever. Unfortunately it has just not kept up with the times, the present economic climate has just delivered the "knock out punch". In recent years the supermarkets have all greatly expanded their non-food lines, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda (owned by Walmart) especially, seem to sell many of the things that Woolworths used to sell, and at greater convenience and lower prices! Another area where Woolworths have suffered is recorded music. With so many people downloading tracks and albums from the internet, this has really decimated Woolies trade. I think shops like Boots and W H Smiths have also been struggling. Of course something that has been happening for many years is the decline of independent shops, as the "squeeze" has increased from more and bigger supermarkets opening, new shopping centres/ malls opening with mainly 'chain' stores. I think that this current recession/ depression will be worse than in 1991, but I refused to be scared by it and will just learn to adapt to the more challenging times that all of us, have ahead of us. In some ways things could improve; as we get materially poorer, people will turn to each other for help more and so a greater sense of community should arise. When "peak oil" really kicks in, we will probably see quite a bit of "the end of the world as we know it" stuff from the media. If anything, I think that the times will definitely get more interesting.

Everyone seems to have put in really interesting responses, too many to reply individually to each one, though they have all got + markings! I'm wondering what your gender is kiss_me2070? With you being from Surrey, I guess the county has been badly hit by the financial slowdown in the 'city', as I think you have a lot of "stockbroker" country close to you! Thanks for your response.

As well as working hard, we also need to work smart. More than ever, we need flexibility and initiative to adjust to the increasing pace of change and be prepared to change our ways of working, what we produce or provide as a service. Maybe it is an idea to do some extra training, stop making or providing a part of our product range or service which is not so financially rewarding. Sometime tough decisions are called for... but in the long run, these decisions could be life savers! You're certainly right, that most of us are in a very challenging reality! Thanks... CMTS