At the very least I’d say it’s a strong indicator of discretionary spending amongst lower to upper middle class men. Probably in line with things like steakhouse profits on work nights.
You know what’s another interesting indicator? Paperbackswap.com. How many times has the packaging your book comes in been reused?
New packaging? Economy’s going great!
Been reused once? Okay, maybe they’re just frugal.
Twice? Belt-tightening ahoy.
Me (Stripping off three layers of labels to find a fourth written directly on the envelope below and barely scratched out by a dying marker.) Aw nuts…..
