Beeb Business: retail sales UP!!! Why?

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 19 Jun 2008, 13:15

This bit probably isn't visible!

Miss Madam · Post by **Miss Madam** » 24 Jun 2008, 10:59

I saw that story too. I'm guessing its cos the proles have decided despite the economic doom and gloom 'that they're worth it' and have gone out to spend money they don't have, on tat they don't need, to make themselves feel better about the state of the economy / house price falls. A total illogical behaviour set, but that's my guess.

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 24 Jun 2008, 11:18

Wouldn't it be great if it turned out they'd all gone out and bought fruit trees, spades, coldframes, woolies, boots, solar hot water kit...you get the idea!

There's a fascinating thing in The Independent by some US geezer about how the advertising industry etc collectively are trying to make people behave like children throughout their lives because 1. they're more pliable that way and 2. said industries can use the same sales pitch for kids and adults alike.

rushdy · Post by **rushdy** » 24 Jun 2008, 12:13

I can believe that. When it comes down to it, very few products are worthwhile. I'm thinking of the mobile phones and playstations here.

I think some of the problem could be that many people actually behave like children. There's good evidence to suggest that the rubbish food people are eating is leading to damaged brain development by lack of nutrition. A large percentage of criminals and less mentally able persons show the dento-facial deformities associated with poor nutrition during their early life. Fascinating stuff.

Post by **adam2** » 24 Jun 2008, 14:07

Perhaps it was prudent powerswitchers stocking up ready for the second great deppresion ? or at least for a winter of discontent.

Kieran · Post by **Kieran** » 24 Jun 2008, 14:47

This was asked on R4's Any Questions? and one pensioner phoned up later and pointed out that it was just people stocking up while they could. She noticed the same behaviour just before WW2.

I also think people are seriously addicted to buying stuff and are having a splurge because they know they won't be able to get their fix in the near future.

rs · Post by rs » 24 Jun 2008, 14:51

Kieran wrote:This was asked on R4's Any Questions? and one pensioner phoned up later and pointed out that it was just people stocking up while they could. She noticed the same behaviour just before WW2.

I also think people are seriously addicted to buying stuff and are having a splurge because they know they won't be able to get their fix in the near future.

Stocking up seems plausible. I have noticed recently in the local Tesco's (several in my area) that as you enter the store they now have a dedicated aisle with special offers. It has a certain bulk-buy feel to it.

Mitch · Post by **Mitch** » 24 Jun 2008, 16:40

There may well be something in that...... I have just taken every penny I had and bought 11 grands worth of solar P.V. - because I didn't think I would have the money to do it later on, so did it now, while I still had the chance!

biffvernon · Post by **biffvernon** » 24 Jun 2008, 16:55

At the moment of Peak Oil (now-ish?) there should be maximum use of oil, heating, driving, making stuff and, yes, buying stuff. Peak Oil and maximum activity in the shops should about coincide.

peaky2 · Post by **peaky2** » 24 Jun 2008, 17:20

RenewableCandy wrote:There's a fascinating thing in The Independent by some US geezer about how the advertising industry etc collectively are trying to make people behave like children throughout their lives because 1. they're more pliable that way and 2. said industries can use the same sales pitch for kids and adults alike.

When I gave a PO talk about a year ago I said that PO isn't really an energy issue, it's a spiritual and philospohical issue. It's about how we relate to each other and to the planet. I added that (sweeping generalisation) society in the West is basically like a load of 13 year olds that want everything, won't be denied and will scream and throw the toys out of the pram if they don't get them. The media are complicit in, in fact I believe are crucial to, making people think of nothing of any depth for very long, to make no connections and see no patterns in events happening around us and to seek instant gratification all the time. Top 10 on the BBC iPlayer:

1 Top Gear
2 Eastenders
3 Snog marry avoid?
4 Dr Who
5 Panorama
6 Money Programme
7 Mary queen of shops
8 My family
9 Top Gear
10 Eastenders

The time now is about Mother Nature saying to her unruly children "OK. I've had enough of your ridiculous behaviour! Grow up and behave and act responsibly will you? If not, Mum's kicking you out of the house and you can go and find somewhere else to live."

skeptik · Post by **skeptik** » 24 Jun 2008, 19:36

Kieran wrote:This was asked on R4's Any Questions? and one pensioner phoned up later and pointed out that it was just people stocking up while they could. She noticed the same behaviour just before WW2.

If you have any cash it's a logical reaction to the perception that inflation is high and going to get higher. Buy for future needs now rather than wait for inflation to whittle your cash's purchasing power away.

Iron ore price up 96.5% (no, not a mistake!)
http://uk.reuters.com/article/governmen ... 8720080624

Is there such a word as hyperstagflation?

Mitch wrote: I have just taken every penny I had and bought 11 grands worth of solar P.V.

I'm inclined to think you've made a good bet.

skeptik · Post by **skeptik** » 24 Jun 2008, 19:48

peaky2 wrote: Top 10 on the BBC iPlayer:

1 Top Gear
2 Eastenders

10 Eastenders

um.. I know it's popular but ..duh?

Andy Hunt · Post by **Andy Hunt** » 24 Jun 2008, 19:49

Top Gear was in there twice too.

Vortex · Post by **Vortex** » 24 Jun 2008, 20:06

Mitch wrote:There may well be something in that...... I have just taken every penny I had and bought 11 grands worth of solar P.V. - because I didn't think I would have the money to do it later on, so did it now, while I still had the chance!

Why now, specifically?

skeptik · Post by **skeptik** » 24 Jun 2008, 20:11

Andy Hunt wrote:Top Gear was in there twice too.

Ah! another programme I'm doubly happy to do without in TV free Espa?a... actually I dumped it years ago while still living in London. I find Radios 4 and 7 over the internet more than adequate to keep up with goings on in the UK.