I figured things would be much worse than they are and that's largely because West Virginia has it's own economy. People try to keep their money in the state by spending it in the state when they can. Now I understand why. Despite being a constantly slow local economy, it remains relatively stable.
The custom gun and knife engraving has almost screeched to a halt but none of that really sells here locally anyway. Jewelry is still busy since picking up after a pathetic December but has predictably slowed for the 4th.
I can't get into the minds of customers but maybe they are moving what they can into tangibles of more intrinsic value. As John88 recalls some memories of the depression, I'm sure there are a lot that remember when owning gold was illegal.
Some jewelry stores in Charleston are going under. Economic fluctuations weed out the players that don't maintain high quality and reputation. I was lucky in choosing the best stores in town to contract to. Carl's earlier post about doing the best work you can is right.
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Bill, it pains me to hear about your town. I personally believe it is too late to fix what has been broken for so long. I hope I am wrong. We keep waiting for the next election over and over and over till another decade has come and gone and the net gain out of the worm hole remains negative.
As I modify this post again, I am trying to focus on the things keep spirits up. The timing was perfect to get the best issue of The Engraver that FEGA has produced to date. I hope it was as uplifting for everyone as it was for me.
Take care
Chris