+++++ Empty stores seeming to be becoming more common now! +++++  

Around me I've noticed entire downtown areas basically deserted, but at the same time, I've seen hundreds of new business constructions and extremely crowded shopping areas in different areas. Business has changed, but is not missing. Companies need to change to remain profitable, but several compananies are making VERY bad decisions driving alot of people to fear for the financial future. An unnecessary panic is starting, though people should be watching company leaders alot closer than they have been!

The flea market that my dad has his business in is majorly empty now. There are businesses that were there for 4-5+ years that just packed up and left this year. It was sad to see them go. The economy hit hard in Wichita, Kansas, because it is still very tight around the aircraft businesses. Cessna is looking to sell, all aircraft industries laid off a major 10-20k people. And no temp job agencies are available, they say they don't even know if they'll have spots available next year, even.

Here in colorado, where I live now, I haven't seen a major hit like Kansas, but there lots of houses for sale and lots of space for leasing. The malls seem to be holding strong, except for the desperate people in their kiosks.

I noticed a couple more buildings on lease and houses on sale or sold. I don't go out much except for grocery and weekends so I might miss out some things. Last year in spring and summer I went out quite often for fishing etc, but this year we are tightening our budget so I don't go out as much anymore. Hubby said he noticed empty parking lots too, in front of offices and factories.

Well I am in the central part of the USA (state Missouri). At least one of our malls here has closed two major department stores as well as over half of the stores in the mall. There was alot of gang activity at that mall so that is part of the blame as people feared shopping there. It is shocking isn't it?

I've pretty much seen the same thing you have. It's harder for businesses to thrive in this kind of economy. I remember I was visiting the mall near my home, and there were iron bars over many of the storefronts, save for the major department stores on the ends of the building. However, it seems that it's certain parts of the country that are getting hit, and Illinois is one of them, considering the amount of corruption in that state. What adds insult to injury is that no one is hiring anymore, so it's incredibly difficult to find work.

I had a rare occasion to drive around the big city near me and was astounded at how many businesses are gone, buildings now for rent. It does bring home how bad things are getting. I have just been focused on the amount of food we need to feed the hungry in our County.

In my local high street about six shops have closed down, including estate agents and a travel agency. I go shopping really often to Weston super Mare and at least ten shops have closed down there. I feel upset every time I walk past Woolworths because it has closed down and it used to be one of my favorite shops. Before Christmas I went shopping in Taunton and went into Woolworths. I had a delightful time shopping there because they were selling toys with a special deal: buy two and get another free. So I was able to get some lovely presents for my two nephews and my oldest niece. I used to go to a great shop in Weston super Mare that sold stationary but it closed down. I now have to go to Bristol to get the albums I use to store my postcards. I wonder which will be the next shops to close down. It is a scary situation and feel worried that this current recession is far worse than the one that happened in 1991.

I think this global crisis is giving everyone a hard time. And yes, closing down of establishments in different areas around the world is a normal thing nowadays. But of course we really need to work hard, as in very hard, to withstand this very challenging reality.

Happy MyLotting!

I am from Surrey and I notice that shops seem to be closing down week after week. A lot of retail outlets have been hit by the recession and credit crunch, and unfortunately a lot of stores have had to close. When these shops do close, they seem to stay empty for months.

I have been away at Hythe in kent and it is the same there.Lovely little shops shutting down and empty premises,Seaside towns rely on the little shops it is part of there charm ,had some lovely fish and chips there,still well worth a visit.Shops in our local town of maidstone are shutting down as well, here we go hold on tight.