Consumers are wondering just how much damage was done during last week's Black Friday, but it's important to put all that shopping into perspective.

Retailers and luxury brands hoped shoppers would feel more comfortable in stores this season, as business seemed to be poised to pick up. But though Macy's and Saks have reported improvement, new statistics suggest that more is needed to show that this recession can be beat. November's luxury sales declined 7.3%, their first drop since August after gains in September and October, according to MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse.Continue reading...

We all walk in them, so it should come as no surprise that even in a recession, people are continuing to splurge on shoes. Price and quality, however, are still kept in mind, and searching for a bargain is still a priority. As The New York Times reported:

Jamie Boucher, a lawyer in Washington, snapped up a pair of Christian Louboutin heels recently for 70 percent off at a local Saks store. “I think about value much more than perhaps I did before,” said Ms. Boucher. “But you’ve still got to have your shoes.”Continue reading...