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I don't think I can wrap my head around the contrarian point of view although I am admiring Neil's answer and wishing mine would come up to snuff!

Nevertheless, here are a few trends I'm seeing here in California and as I correspond with people all over the world, I speak from this perspective too.

1. Bartering services and goods might be one way people are weathering the 'downturn' or 'crisis'. This may be me, but I see a current of solidarity as well. Call that what you may, but the 'we're all in the same boat' is the motto here.

2. Discount grocery chains are doing a booming business here in California. I think families who are already accustomed to getting along without a lot of money are going to prevail and teach us all a few lessons. Chains like Winco, employee owned discount bag your own grocery chains are full to the brim. When I lived closer to one, I'd never buy canned goods full price. Costco, which requires a membership and that you buy in greater bulk, is doing well but I personally have stopped going there as it tended towards over consumption and less savings in the long run. Consignment stores and thrift stores should do well. Even the affluent communities are going to avail themselves of these services. (gee competition for the good stuff) I fervently hope that this will mean money will go to the charities they represent in the case of the thrift stores.
In the UK, you have such excellent charity shops that I'm told retail is really hard put to compete. I don't know too many of my friends who shop retail anymore.

3. Education trends. As finances become tight and student jobs may not be as plentiful, the community colleges in the USA may be full up and the universities may reduce admissions. They are already talking about it now here in California. Private institutions offering courses that directly channel students to jobs may do well in this mess.
Health professions are going to prevail according to my sources.

Gloomy though it may seem, sales in things that help people feel secure in the crisis are probably going to do well. Security devices and apparently guns are up in sales.
Upon thinking that one over, it does sound glum.

I'm enjoying a great used Toyota after battling with a New Beetle and its inexplicable electronic problems for a few years. I won't be buying a VW anytime soon. Great used cars are going to do well. The idea of going into a dealer and getting hit for financing details that won't go through is unpleasant. Mechanics who are customer service oriented like mine are going to do well. They take time to educate the customer on his or her options, offer discounts and a newsletter on car maintenance, have a shop you can eat your lunch off the floor it's so clean and just do their job well.

Temp agencies may be doing well, but I have found they tend to propose you if you fit into a very neat category.

Family care is still going to be a good bet. I'm exploring that avenue now. It's rewarding personally and you have proof each day that you're helping a family, children, or seniors. Tutoring comes in under that umbrella. Taking the pressure off of parents without doing their job for them, is a boon to the family.

Mary's answer is good too. Well, I have a friend who is going to have to be in the collections branch of finance and he says, 'well, I do it with compassion.'

posted 7 months ago

The market will favor those who provide a cheaper alternative to a popular but pricy product or service. Hyundai, Wal-Mart, McDonalds, etc. should all do well compared with Mercedes, Macy's and Starbucks.

Also look for bankruptcy law firms, forensic accounting firms, liquidators, vulture investors, security providers (broke people steal), etc. to all do well.

posted 7 months ago