With the economy still uncertain, JCK’s Big Picture Monday begins a
weekly summary of economic indicators impacting the jewelry industry.

– Deloitte predicts scant
2% increase in holiday spending this year. While another survey found a “record
amount” of shoppers will spend less
this year.

– Yet, in spite of this, big names like Macy’s are upping their
seasonal hiring.

– The National Bureau of Economic Research determines the recession
technically ended in June 2009. 
But 75% of the public surveyed by CNN disagree.

– Meanwhile, Forbes declares
 we won’t have a double dip
recession, but economist Nouriel Roubini fears we might.

JCK