How Consumers Shop Differently Today


 The American shopper is dazed and confused. What do I really want, versus what do I really need Sure, I can afford the plasma television now, but should I save that $2,000, in case I get laid off tomorrow Can I really tell my snobby friends that I now shop at — egads — Walmart To gauge the mindset of the American consumer, and the state of shopping during this recession, TIME checked in with respected retail expert Paco Underhill, the CEO of Envirosell, a consulting firm, and author of Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping.
 Give us a snapshot of the American consumer landscape. 
We can divide the American consumer into thirds

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Chandra Levy’s mom says police have enough evidence to convict

Washington police told the mother of slain congressional intern Chandra Levy that an arrest is imminent in her daughter’s 2001 death, Susan Levy told CNN on Saturday. “I got a call from the Washington police department, just to give me a heads up that there’s a warrant out for the arrest,” Levy said. Police Chief Cathy Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department did not reveal the suspect’s name when she contacted the parents on Friday, Levy said.

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Richard Gere’s Scandalous Smooch

How can the country that gave the world the Kama Sutra be so prudish? It’s a longstanding cliché to note that India has produced both the world’s most famous guide to love and erotic pleasure and some of the most conservative social rules this side of Saudi Arabia on such questions as kissing in public. That paradox was on display once again this week in the firestorm that swept India following a seemingly innocuous — and obviously staged — celebrity kiss on the cheek at an AIDS-awareness event.

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An Airline’s Automated System Penalizes Flyers

Any experienced traveler knows it’s wise to buy airline tickets as far in advance as possible . But while buying tickets early may save you money, it also opens the door to unexpected screw-ups — as when airlines make sudden schedule adjustments that torpedo your plans. One New York family found this out the hard way

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First photos of Tiger Woods junior

The first photos of Tiger Woods cradling his new baby boy have been released amid speculation that the injured world number one could announce a return to competitive golf "any day now." Charlie Axel Woods was born on Sunday, February 8, and is the second child for Woods and his wife Elin. He’s pictured here with his 20-month-old sister Sam their dogs Yogi and Taz, who is seen planting a well-timed lick on Tiger’s face. Woods had been waiting for the birth of his second child before making public any decision about a return to the Tour in 2009

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Victim of chimp attack in ‘critical but stable’ condition

Seven hours of surgery and four teams of surgeons were needed to stabilize a Connecticut woman attacked by a pet chimpanzee, doctors at Stamford Hospital said Wednesday. Dr. Kevin Miller said Charla Nash, 55, remains in critical but stable condition after her friend’s pet chimp, once featured in TV commercials for Coca-Cola and Old Navy, attacked her Monday

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Woods close to golfing return says caddie

Tiger Woods is set to return "in the next few weeks" according to his long-time caddie Steve Williams. The date of the world number one’s return to competitive golf has been the subject of fevered speculation, but Williams has thrown some further light on his readiness in an interview with Television New Zealand

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