LIPSTICK, LIQUOR AND OTHER VITAL ECONOMIC SIGNS

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

In these days of Wall Street Weirdness, everybody looks at the Dow Jones Industry Average (DJIA) or S&P 500 to see which way business seems headed. But there are a few other “interesting” ways to monitor our economy.

Take liquor and beer. You’ll probably say, “Booze! Of course! People drink more when times are bad!” Actually, we always drink the same amount (apparently, we can’t help ourselves!) – the only thing that changes is that we stay home and drink, instead of going out to get lubricated. Guess we save on bar nuts and bartender tips that way.

Then there’s movies. During five out of the last seven recessions in America, the box office has boomed. Especially when gas prices started skyrocketing early this year and “stay-cations” were suddenly all the rage, people still had to find opportunities to get out of the house for a few hours – and the newest special effects extravaganza was certainly a great way to do it. Apparently, some stay – cations – might actually cause “cabin fever”.

We here at Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club wrote about one of the most unusual economic signs in our recent article, “How Haircuts Help in Hard Times.” It’s called The Lipstick Indicator Theory, first noted by Leonard Lauder, chairman of the Estée Lauder cosmetics company. Believe it or not, lipstick sales generally spike during bad economic times. Lauder noticed it happening after the post 9/11 stock market slide. When money gets tight, people splurge on affordable luxuries when they can’t afford the more expensive ones.

As we noted in the article, The Lipstick Indicator Theory has brought a boom to our barbershop business. Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club, if you’re unaware, is a new franchise that caters to “distinguished gentlemen” looking for a relaxing sanctuary from everyday woes and worries – as well as a place to get great haircuts and terrific hot lather, straight-razor shave administered by an expert, licensed barber. It’s definitely an affordable luxury for guys, just as buying lipstick is for women – so, as the Dow dives, our barber chairs just keep filling up.

Obviously, we can’t be happy about the Worldwide Market Madness. We are happy that people are discovering what’s unique and cool about Kennedy’s, though. All of our Kennedy’s franchises feature a lot of great grooming products and extra services in a classic barbershop atmosphere that makes a guy feel like a guy – and we think that’s the real reason for our success. You can check out our locations and franchise opportunities at http://www.kennedysbarberclub.com.

And, by the way – we don’t sell lipstick. And we Guarantee we never will.

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