I am only too happy to do "shopping" stories...as I have no problem admitting that shopping is my only real vice in life. I am not a frivolous spender...but I do like the touch and the smell of new clothes, whether for myself or my kids. I adore the rush that comes from making a purchase and the joy of hanging it in my closet. It doesn't really matter what the item is. What does matter and always has is price. When I buy something it's almost always on sale...either marked down or with a promotional coupon. You see I am a patient and careful shopper. When I find something that I really want (beyond commodity items) I will and can wait. Not always, but usually, it goes on sale. Do I ever pay full-price? Yes. I made one such purchase just last night. And, while I won't tell you what I bought, I will tell you that I have coveted it for six months.

I think it will be a long time before Americans become full-price shoppers again. Not just because we are so worried about the future. But, because we have gotten a big taste of deep discounting and we've learned that it can pay to be patient.