Where Are The Customers?

Just returned from a quick dinner at I-HOP, then on to Lowes and Office Depot to pick up a few things. The businesses were nearly empty. At I-HOP we were the only customers in the entire restaurant the whole time we were there. We ate alone. Two couples came in as we were getting in our car to leave. At Lowes, there were fewer than 10 cars in the parking lot. Christmas decorations are already reduced to 50% off and the selection was skimpy with lots of bare shelf space. At Office Depot there were 4 cutomers plus us. We did notice however, that the Burlington Coat Factory parking lot had quite a few cars. This doesn't look good for a retailing Christmas. What are you seeing?