Tech 3, retail

It is clear that books, music and newspapers have been drastically affected by the use of the Internet, but those are just the most visible.  Every kind of retail sales has been totally changed by technology. 

Yes, a few people go to the mall to hang-out and look at stuff, but I certainly don't expect any new malls to be built around here any more.  Many are in bankruptcy, and most have obvious vacancies.

I love my iPad, but I am sure I ma putting more people out of business.  These are jobs that will never come back.  Retail is being condensed into a few leaders in on-line sites, and other sites that tell you where to find the best prices.

Have you been in a Staples story recently.  You were probably one of three people wandering around the entire, huge, retail space.

I have had about six clients during the last year who have lost their jobs and began looking for work.  Four have found jobs making much less money.  Two are still looking, and they are skilled people who are looking very hard.  They are draining the money of their extended families.  Support for the unemployed has dried up with all of this "deficit" talk.  The deficit will never get paid if no one is working, and no one can pay taxes.

My daughter, who has a job and is very busy, needed diapers for my grand-daughter.  She went on-line at 5 PM and spend about three minutes clicking.  The next morning, before 10 AM the diapers were delivered.  I don't know what store she would have gone to, but it won't be there in five years.  The jobs of the people who work there, and the rent that is being paid, will all disappear from our economy.

For everyone else, life is easier, probably cheaper, faster and more convenient.