Beer Sales, Doughnut Sales up in Recession

A majority of economists now believe the end to the recession is in sight.
A new report finds the nation’s longest recession since World War II may be over by the end of the year. 
A panel of 45 business economists predicts economic growth will rebound in the second half of 2009. 
But even as the markets stabilize, the panelists say they believe the recovery will be more rocky than is typical after a severe downturn.
In this tight economy, many folks are scaling back on eating out and buying expensive items.
But they are splurging on the cheap things.

A recent study done by Information Resources says beer sales are up 5.6 percent this year.
The manager at B Merrell’s in Columbus says that’s true at his restaurant.
Matthew Tyson says beer sales are up, especially domestic beers.

The study also found that sales for junk food, like chips, are up close to 10 percent.
Sales for doughnuts are up 4.3 percent.
Krispy Kreme in Columbus has seen a 10 percent increase in sales this year.

The study also found that more Americans are watching television.
The average American now watches more than five hours of TV a day; that’s up 1.2 percent
from last year.