The Slump is Subsiding

by David Hachmeister

February was a little dreary for stamps. Sales fell about five and a half percent. Our long- term moving average seems to be stabilizing at levels representing about 75 percent of where sales were 10 years ago. Given that there are about half the shops there were 10 years ago, and that most of the ones that disappeared were smaller shops, we think the industry is just about one-half of its peak size.
    Other products have consistently risen and did so by 7.33 percent this month. We are pleased to note the adaptability of our surviving shops.

Click each graph for a larger view.