To understand what's happening with the dollar right now, you need only walk around the shopping centers of cities like New York and San Francisco. At first glance you'd think that Americans were busy blowing their dollars on whatever they please, but given a closer listen, you'll find these shoppers aren't American at all — they're European.
The New York Times examined the reactions of some Manhattanites who have come down with a collective case of Euro-envy this Summer, as they jealously watch European shoppers have at the city. The dollar's weakness compared to some currencies abroad has allowed travelers earning even modest incomes to enjoy all New York has to offer.
One 30-year-old New Yorker explained his feelings about his purchasing power: "It’s Psych 101 — jealousy. I’m jealous that I can’t go to Italy and buy 12 Prada bags, but they can come here and buy 18 of them." Another woman said her European friends visit New York and treat it like it's Candyland. While some New Yorkers are apparently a little bitter, all of the international traffic can only be good for the economy and for business owners who are able to profit.
Gianvito Rossi
Paul Smith
Golden Goose
While it's good for the American economy, it's bad for the european economy.
1However, it's nice to know there's a place in this world where you actually get something for your Euros while in Europe itself... the money's faster gone than you can earn it. *sighs*
i heard about this starting a few months back, and it's really interesting to see how it's really manifested itself here. i have always seen european shoppers come to NYC and buy up a storm since they could afford more with their dollar, but now it's certainly gaining momentum. i guess as long as the economy is being helped, we should be happy right?
2They can't buy 12 Prada bags, but Europeans can buy 18? That might be the saddest thing I've heard in, well, NEVER.
There are people out there who are worried about how they're going to afford to feed their families. That 30-year-old New Yorker who made that comment needs to get some perspective.
3I suppose this might be how the people in Mexico or other 3rd world countries have felt about Americans for eons now. This has become so prevalent, some shops here accept Euros now.
4I agree with brown. Good for the Europeans. So freaking what. Go to Chinatown and buy 100 fake Prada bags for all I care.
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