It seems the American recession has really hit some people where it hurts, in their wallets! As of September 2011, the unemployment rate in the country was 9.1%. Due to this rate, people are constantly being laid off while others are unsuccessful in their attempt to obtain a job. Without a steady income, shopping, especially for clothing, might not be a person’s priority.

Yet, even for those who haven’t lost their jobs, the increase of prices on products and services has forced many to change their normal shopping habits. For example, gas, toll, and food prices have increased during the recession.

Since people have not been buying the way they used to, clothing store locations have been forced to close. These include location of famous ones such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Bebe and American Eagle Outfitters (to name a few.)

So just how much have people’s clothing shopping patterns been affected? A survey taken in October 2011 by people between 20-30 years old, proves that indeed many have changed their spending on clothes. When asked whether or not the economy has affected how often these people shop 45% said yes, while 31% said sometimes and only 21% said no.

48% of people surveyed said they only manage to shop every few months now. Before only 24% of these people went shopping that rarely while 28% went once a week and 31% went every other week. Now, 34% shop every other week while only 14% shop weekly. Also, 14% of people even used to shop more than once a week; a percentage that has now turned to 0.

Still, for most surveyed, the poll showed that the economy has not stopped the majority from shopping at their beloved clothing stores. Instead, it just has prevented them from going as often as they’d like, as mentioned above. Almost a quarter of these people, however, said that the economy definitely has changed where they shop while 31% said sometimes.

One thing that most surveyed had in common was their response to whether or not they were surprised that certain stores have closed. More than half, 55% said with this economy, no way! 28% said that they would be surprised depending on which stores closed. Interestingly, 7% said they were very surprised, but perhaps they haven’t been following the news.