In this economy, shopping for new clothes has lowered students’ spending budgets, while others find no real difference in the way they shop now than before the economy was affected.
Casual pants or jeans at Macy’s range from $29 to $185, and shirts range from $14.98 (on sale) to $49. Samantha Newcombe, 19, psychology major, said she rarely goes shopping but when she does, she’d rather shop at Target than any stores at the mall. “It’s too expensive, and I would rather not spend $100 on a pair of jeans at the mall when I know I can get them cheaper at Target or other stores,” said Newcombe.
Target’s casual pants and jeans range from $9 to $32, and shirts range from $6 to $15. Besides Target’s cheaper prices on clothing, there are students who shop at Wal-Mart or even Goodwill. Danielle Moseley, 24, business administration major, said, “The economy is not really affecting the way I shop. I am a Goodwill shopper, and I shop wherever I can afford to. I’ve been doing that for a while now.”
Although the economy seems to be affecting some student’s budgets, there are others who aren’t affected by it and continue to shop at the mall or other stores. Francisco Valle, 20, undeclared, said, “I shop everywhere: It could be L.A., outlets, wherever and I really don’t pay attention to the economy, and I can’t tell the difference. I like to buy clothes.”
With online shopping being available to shoppers as well, many students are taking advantage of this way of shopping. Ethan Kennedy, 18, fire technology major, says he prefers shopping online because it’s easier than going out to the mall or other shopping centers.
“Sometimes it’s cheaper online, but the economy hasn’t affected me because I have never shopped expensive.”