Drowning Pool

The most vivid scene in my own life from the tanking economy: store closings.  Yesterday, I walked around Union Station in Washington, DC.  Over the years, the station has developed a bevy of shops and eating options.  Though not nearly on the same level as National Airport's transformation, the station has become a shopping destination in and of itself.  But lately, it seems that every time I've walked through over the past 6 months, a store has closed its doors...and in many cases, the store hasn't been replaced.  I've begun to wonder what will be gone next. 

Most of these are in the food court.  This lever used to be packed with choices; now there are fewer and fewer.  The survivors probably get more business, but it's shocking how quickly things have changed in such a short time.  Rising commodities prices combined with already-high rents have made business untenable for many.  This is especially surprising because in DC, people tend not to be as dramatically affected by economic shocks; during lean times, most government and non-profit employees get to keep their jobs.  This makes the housing market and the retail market thrive...usually.  But now it seems that DC's immunity is wearing off. 

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