Remaining focused on our core business is difficult with the distractions of the media's hysteria regarding consumer frugality and its effects on all of our businesses. The Hartman group, Inc. recently released a voice-of-reason overview of the new consumer frugality. Having studied the issue with a trending, ethnographic and cultural longitudinal analysis filter, Hartman brings reason to the hype. Are consumers going to quit buying or simply buy less? Will consumers shop differently and how? Will consumers modify their habits and will any of these changes be permanent as the economy recovers?

There is no doubt that in the short term our guests will spend less, but spending less doesn't represent a change of intent. Our guests will still take vacations and spa visits, and in doing so they will look for better value and promotions, even from their favorite brands.

The bottom line advice is not to jump to conclusions and make regrettable mistakes, but instead, listen to our own consumers and listen to them through direct communication, not through what others tell us. Learn first-hand what is important to current consumers so simplifying operations is prudent and the 'baby' is not thrown out with the 'bathwater'. The very essence of ...