Retailers face a challenging market

All of us are looking for bargains.

I doubt that there's a one among us who doesn't want to save money. It's human nature. But retailers are currently facing what may be the toughest consumer climate ever as the nation threads its way through a numbing recession. Consumers have pulled back on their spending - bigtime. And if they're not spending, stores are hurting.

The economic downturn has already prompted the closure of some national retail chains like Mervyn's and Linens 'N Things, and it's forced others to re-think their marketing strategies and lower prices until ... well, until something gives.

It's a great time for us as consumers because we're still seeing really good deals. But many companies have slashed prices as much as they can. So they're resorting to layoffs, store closures and slimmer profit margins to try to keep shoppers coming in.

We're going to see a lot more of this in the coming months, so hang onto your hat. And if you have some extra money ... go out and buy something. If you don't need it you can always give it to me.