There is a high likelihood of lower prices, ... The department store segment is a supplier's worst nightmare. Department stores demand more allowances from vendors, they want to be able to return inventory if it doesn't sell well. A Federated-May merger could be an even worse scenario for the suppliers.

Kmart said it closed its worst performing stores because it couldn't maintain inventory once its vendors cut themselves off. Now that the stores are shuttered and inventory is up, Kmart is still doing less business than before. The company is still losing money and market share. I'm not sure the company can get past Christmas.

Lower prices are likely to stimulate increased demand, but to what degree is unknown.

I am struck that there is some demand destruction related to both high prices and logistic constraints.

I am struck that there is some demand destruction related to both high prices and logistic constraints,

It was at the department store where people got away from provincialism.