Here we go full steam into the Christmas season with the economy in the tank. That’s OK, it just means more folks at the flea market looking for the hot new items at bargain prices. One thing for sure this Christmas season is that the shopper is going to be a bit wiser in the spending of their money. An educated shopper is good news for the flea market dealer who has bought his merchandise right.

A couple of really hot items right now is anything with Miley Cyrus on it, doesn’t seem to matter what it is, it’s good if she’s on it. Also the Guitar Hero game is certainly hot right now. Along those same lines all of the rock merchandise, games, t-shirts, etc, are doing quite nicely if they are fairly priced. The way consumers are right now they are not going to be buying any overpriced merchandise this year.

Of course don’t forget imprinted sportswear. It is doing quite nicely right now as well as electronics of all types - especially games, music and telephone items. We live in a weird world these days. I often wonder if people are really going so many places that they need a direction finder on their cars dashboard. I certainly don’t need one of those direction finders! Georgia is usually with me in the car and she certainly knows how to tell me where to go and how to get there! Of course, I also wonder if people really have all these friends or business associates to talk to on their cell phone that the TV commercials would have us believe? Seems like they’re always talking. Does anyone with a cell phone, blackberry or electronic do-dad ever get anything done these days or is it all about the "talk". Maybe that is why the economy tanked. Too much talk and not enough action. Just a thought.

I must add that stores that won’t allow the Salvation Army’s bell ringers at their doors do not get any money from me. Also, if a store can’t say "Merry Christmas", doesn’t have any "Christmas" decorations and can only offer up the politically challenged "Happy Holidays" in their correctness of inclusion, I can’t and won’t do any business with them. If you can’t support Christmas don’t be out looking for Christmas money from me! Wait around - your holiday will come.

I wonder what has happened to Chapter 7, as in Bankruptcy? Seems to me that these large banking and mortgage companies are getting quite a generous deal with our money. I haven’t seen any "bailout" talk for those of us who have to work for our income. Well one thing you can feel good about each time you go into a bank and take a look at the employees there, especially the "suits", you will know that they are living off of government welfare!

Sure like the price of gas these days. I bought some gas this week for $1.34.9. That’s the lowest I have paid for gas in many a year. If you have stock in oil companies, might want to think twice about it, as oil companies are in for some tough sledding. Drill baby Drill!

For those of you who book shows way ahead, especially the fairs, we will have an all new Events Guide which will be available the first of January, 2009. The book is looking really nice, has very complete listings, and is just packed with page after page of events.

Just be careful about booking into overpriced shows this coming spring. The economy is not going to be fixed overnight. It will take a few months for things to start coming around with prices being adjusted for the conditions. Although I do feel that gas and road expenses will be somewhat relaxed this coming spring.

Let’s all say goodbye to George W. And welcome in our new President, Barack Obama. He has a pretty tough job ahead, so let’s wish him well and the very best as he tries to set America back on a good economic path.

Not all that long until spring and we will all be back outside selling and making good money.

Here's to great sales and may the sun shine on every spot that you set up at.

Jim and Georgia Goodridge