10 Things We're Still Buying

We might be in a recession but that doesn't mean we have stopped spending. 

Here are 10 things we, as Americans, are still buying:

1. Smart Phones - Smart phone sales went up 53% over last year. iPhones, Blackberrys and G1 phones are still flying off the shelves.
2. Video Games - Madden NFL 2009 and Wii Fit alone sold 5 million copies last year. Guitar Hero and Rock Band were other popular video games of 2008. 
3. Gym Memberships - Just because you were let go from your job doesn't mean you are going to let your appearance go! Gym memberships are expected to rise 4% in the coming year as more people have more time to exercise.
4. Personal Care Items - Paired with the increase in gym memberships, it seems people are really starting to care about their appearance! There was an average 15% increase in the sales of shaving cream, toothpaste, perfume and skin care over the last year.
5. Toy Building Blocks - LEGO and other building block sales increased 30% in 2008.
6. Car Maintenance - Car sales may be down but we're taking good care of the cars we have! Over the last year there were double digit increases in the sales of wiper blades, spark plugs, ceramic brake pads and fuel system cleaners.
7. Casual Dress Shoes - Shoes that can be worn both to work and on the weekends saved the shoe industry last year. The casual dress shoe created versatility like never before and provided a one-solution approach to footwear.
8. Restaurants - While four and five star restaurants are suffering due to the recession, fast food sales are on the rise. It is estimated that Americans will spend $566 billion at convenient, cheap eateries in 2009.
9. Movie Tickets - Ticket prices may be above $10 in some areas, but going to the movies is still one of the most affordable methods of entertainment.
10. Netbooks - These mini-laptops cost just $300 and offer the same internet access and word processing software as more expensive computers. Netbooks are the affordable, more portable alternative to laptops and they're catching on.