10 Hot Selling Items in a Recession By: Curtis Ophoven 10/23/2008 - 13 Comments At the brink of a recession, consumers are cutting back on everything they can and trying to save what little money they have left.  Your Ad Here The only problem is that consumers are 72% of the economy.  So, even a 1% pullback will have drastic implications for the entire world.  The retail industry is having trouble selling anything, but some things are moving very well.  Some businesses are experiencing an increase in demand for their products like never before.  My advice has been, Consumers are Broke and Inflation is Running Wild (although inflation has yet to show its true colors) Excluding seasonal items, here is my list of the 10 hottest selling items of the day: Gold, Silver and other precious metals – gold just made new highs in 5 currencies Guns, ammo and gun training – fear is driving need for personal protection Large home safe - for storing cash, guns and valuables Everything on the McDonalds dollar menu – restaurant food is no longer affordable Job search tools and services – unemployment is raising very fast Do it yourself healthcare products – healthcare is still a necessity E-Commerce continues to grow – Amazon.com just posted a 30% gain over last year, which can probably be attributed to increasing gas prices, costing consumers more to actually drive to the shore to make a purchase Solar energy products – high oil prices have pushed home energy costs to the limits Information products – ‘how to’ products related to living in a recession Cheap entertainment – to help people laugh and forget the reality of financial hardship This list was created by my intuition, with a little help from searching the Internet. Related Articles How to Take Advantage of the Risk Cycle Why We Should Put Our Hope Back In Capitalism, Not Socialism or Government Intervention Prepare For a Major Economic Downturn Avoiding the Most Common Financial Mistakes Why Investing in a 401k is a Bad Idea   Subscribe via RSS Copyright © 2010 PennyJobs.com. All rights reserved. << FREE >> Weekly Newsletter... Signup today and start receiving our free weekly newsletter! Reader Comments Comment 1 Kyle Says: on Thursday, October 23, 2008 9:40:19 AM You forgot booze! Maybe a good time to buy Brown-Forman stock? Comment 2 Curt Says: on Thursday, October 23, 2008 10:20:31 AM @Kyle - I thought about booze, but I think sales are more likely to continue as current levels, rather than drastically increase. But, maybe I'm wrong. Comment 3 paul Says: on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 1:42:29 AM Ah, "Cheap entertainment – to help people laugh and forget the reality of financial hardship" I had to laugh at that statement. How about teach people not to be morons, understand finances (educate before college), and laugh at funny movies instead. honestly, trying to be funny with finances and forget about them at the same time is something i haven't figured out yet. cheers Comment 4 GEORGE Says: on Saturday, February 07, 2009 6:35:22 AM I like the do it yourselv healthcare or more the Principal behind it something we still need but can make a saving by doing it ourselves can any one think of something else along those lines? Comment 5 frugal living Says: on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 5:48:42 AM What are the best selling retail items during recession time? Comment 6 Elaine McEwen Says: on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 3:25:51 PM I'm with you on #1. When the recession really became inevitable last fall I moved my RRSPs into Gold mutual funds. My timing was good and in the first quarter of 2009 I am up by 19%. The last quarter I was up 33% - but a good chunk of that was recouping what I had lost before I moved my investment. Comment 7 Elaine McEwen Says: on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 3:27:30 PM I forgot - you should add another one: grow your own garden this summer and pack a lunch instead of eating in restaurants. Comment 8 Milford MA Real Estate Says: on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:29:12 PM It is funny as I was just reading the other day that one of the better services that is doing well in this economy is the dating sites. Apparently when people are in financial trouble they flock to these sites as a fall back plan. Comment 9 Zie Says: on Monday, September 14, 2009 2:35:52 PM I think Netflix and Blockbuster will do well. People tend to go for the cheapest entertainment possible. So consequently cheap DVDs and music should do alright. Maybe home hobby crafts that people make to kill time while unemployed? Homemade food that sells door to door with all natural ingredients and cheaper than the restaurants will also do alright, since the overhead should be pretty low. Buy gold and silver now before the dollar plunge to its death...... Comment 10 Lawrence Says: on Sunday, October 11, 2009 7:53:26 AM While unfortunate to mention, the sale of recreational drugs also increase in time of recession. Just like the entertainment mentioned above, more and more people want to forget their problems and turn to drugs. Comment 12 Denver Real Estate Says: on Sunday, March 21, 2010 3:59:53 PM I still hear ads on the radio all the time for gold selling and I've read liquor sales are up. I would also think other DIY industries are up as well. Comment 13 flake Says: on Saturday, July 10, 2010 12:04:20 PM Blockbuster is dyin man Write a Comment Please keep comments civil and on-topic. 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