Things We Want, and Don't, in Odd Recession

The current economic crisis is breaking the recessionary mold, Time reports, with American purchases running counter to expectations. A few surprises:

• Soup isn’t selling. Typically, the cheap, decent food is a recession staple, but health concerns and rising prices may be driving us away from it.
• Organic food sales are growing. Despite the costs, consumers want to do right by their bodies “perhaps to feel better about themselves,” writes Dan Kadlec.

• Everybody’s going to the movies. Audiences have climbed 9%. Maybe it’s because a film can be a cheap night out, or maybe the crop of flicks is just good this year.
• Nail salons are breaking. They’re usually a “recession stalwart”—but this year, revenues have plummeted 25%.
• Sex isn’t so hot, it seems. Contraceptive sales are down and the birth rate’s flat or down. Could it be too much stress?

(More recession stories.)