Reply #15: Nobody cares if us poor folks can't spend [View All]

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Luxury stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and small designer boutiques are enjoying robust sales of such items as $8,000 mink ponchos, $1,000 snakeskin handbags, $200 crystal-studded jeans and $25,000 bejeweled bangles as their well-heeled shoppers have benefited from a recovering economy.
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Contrast that with the results of discounters such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and midlevel stores such as Sears, Roebuck and Co. and May Department Stores Co. Inc., all of which have been struggling with tepid sales. Many are fighting hard with early bird specials on Saturdays, free gift cards and special coupons.
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Though the economy has been growing and the job market has improved recently, much of the wealth created has gone to already wealthy Americans. And with other factors this year pinching all but the richest, slow growth in the nonluxury retail market would not be surprising.
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Even high-end toys are selling well. American Girl, a unit of Mattel Inc., has sold out of such doll accessories as $70 miniature beds and $48 spa sets. And while FAO Schwarz's average selling price is $20, it is doing well with such big-ticket items as collector dolls and life-size plush animals, both of which sell for several thousand dollars.

More, if you can stomach it: http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/business/10443552.htm?1c