No Skimping On Lingerie, Shoes

We may be in the midst of a national recession, but here in Missoula, retailers are experiencing a boom in one of the more modest departments of our economy. In fact, you could call it a bloomer and bust rally. Missoula women, retail sales tell us, are not skimping in the panty department. Intimate apparel sales in the Garden City are robust at all the major department stores and at specialty stores. At Macy’s, the lingerie department - followed by accessories and shoes - are giving the store’s numbers a significant lift. They are the bright spots in what is an otherwise sagging retail environment, said store manager Brian Murray/ Missoulian .

Question: Even in a tough economy, are there some nonessentials that you consider essential and continue to buy?