Now that I'm back in the office — after burning up the road to D.C. for a trip that didn't go exactly as planned (read about it here: Straight From D.C. to the Q.C.) — I can take the time again to peruse random fashion and shopping blogs. What were people saying about fashion on Inauguration Day? It's a tired story now: What did Michelle Obama wear? The pretty greenish-goldish-yellowish ensemble from lesser known Isabel Toledo for the swearing-in ceremony and a one-shouldered, off-white gown from Jason Wu for the evening extravagancies. Blah, blah, blah.

Then of course there was Aretha Franklin's hat. I have to admit, it did kind of steal the show.

But what about the millions of people who crowded the Mall and the city's streets, though? What were they wearing?

I'll tell you what they were wearing: Anything to keep them warm, and anything with Obama on it.

If you look on the back cover of this week's Creative Loafing, you'll see a full-page ad for American Apparel. Everyone seems to love American Apparel. In fact, that is so much the case that while its competitors were reporting double-digit declines in sales, AA actually managed to pull out a gain of 3 percent, which is pretty unheard of right now with the recession. In fact, U.S. retailers are expected to begin a wave of post-holiday bankruptcy filings.

But I digress.

Why is it that American Apparel was able to make money last year when many retailers dropped in sales? Why is it that this retail chain was able to open up 81 more stores last year? Is it because of the simplistic-styled clothing choices offered in every basic solid color you can imagine? Is it because the clothing is all produced domestically in Los Angeles? Is it because the ads are easy on the eyes?

Hmm. What do you think?

American Apparel

SouthPark: 4400 Sharon Road, Unit R3 (By Dillard's). 704-365-4344

SouthEnd: 1504 Camden Road, Ste. 300. 704-342-6040

With people losing jobs left and right, a big purchase might not seem like a good idea. What if you buy a brand-new car, then end up losing your job and rendered unable to make the payments?

Well, with Hyundai's new return policy, you don't have to worry about that.

In a bid to woo skittish consumers, the South Korea-based automaker will cover the depreciation on any returned leased or financed vehicle for the first 12 months to those who find themselves unable to make their car payments.

The "Hyundai Assurance Program" only applies to customers stricken by misfortune outside of their control, such as losing their job, becoming disabled or losing their driver's license for medical reasons.

How refreshing. An automaker that cares about its customers.

Hyundai of Charlotte is located at 8525 South Blvd.

Here's the ad.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the country's largest retail trade association, the National Retail Federation — why do I think of wrestling when I say that aloud? — is trying to get in on Obama's upcoming economic stimulus package. They have asked that a series of sales tax-exempt shopping days be added to the stimulus package to boost consumer confidence and spending.

The National Retail Federation called for three periods of sales tax-free shopping that would last 10 days each in March, July and October 2009. The trade group estimates that it would save consumers about $20 billion, or $175 per family.

I personally think it's a good idea. People just aren't spending the money needed to boost the economy back up. With tax holidays, people are more likely to get out and make those big purchases — after all, everyone loves saving money. In fact, many people will buy merchandise at a lower cost JUST BECAUSE it's offered at a lower price. How many times have you heard someone, or even yourself, say, "I just had to buy it. It was 50 percent off!"

We interrupt this blog about local stuff to bring you this message:

iPhones on sale for $99 until Dec. 31!

Sorry, had to tell you that. I'm a big iPhone person — currently on my second. The first one I, well, my boyfriend at the time paid more than $300. I can't give you an exact number because I'm trying to block out that high of a price for a phone. The second one cost me $199 plus tax.

Of course, there's a catch. $99 gets you a refurbished iPhone. But hey, don't you want the Internet, your iPod, touchscreen and visual voice mail all in the palm of your hand?

The day after Christmas is a pretty big day for shoppers, as retailers have often marked down the merchandise that didn't make the cut before Christmas to get it out of the store. Well, according to this story on CNN, you may want to wait a little longer before perusing the sales racks.

You may get some bargains after Christmas, but if you want really rock-bottom prices, wait until January 5. Retailers are going to be stuck with massive amounts of goods and those will be reduced to fire sale prices. If you have money that you can afford to part with, get out there the first full week of the New Year. Everything from electronics to clothing to appliances to furniture will be a deal.

Be careful if you shop from December 26 through January 4. The bargains are mostly fake ones during those 10 days because patterns are completely disrupted by gift cards. Most people are off from work between Christmas and New Years, have the time to shop and have the gift cards burning a hole in their wallets

With the economy slipping, we’ve all been suffering both directly and indirectly, having to make some changes like tightening budgets or even cutting down on things. We hear about big businesses struggling to stay up and running as an effect of the recent falls of the economy, but what about the little guys?

Creative Loafing took the time to see how some of the smaller local businesses have been doing during these tough times, and they too have had to adjust. City Supply, a furniture store in Charlotte, has been feeling the pressure of the inflation in our economy, and has had to put in a great effort to keep up.

“Sales are definitely very, very down,” said Robert Boyd, manager of City Supply. “It affected sales quite a bit. It hurt.” In fact, they’re only selling about half of what they did last year for the month of December. They haven’t raised any of their prices, but because the prices of gas were so high, prices went up on them for freights. City Supply has managed to stay afloat, but it’s been tough.

Some other businesses though, are luckier than others and are still prospering.

“I had to change my practices, like what I bring in, nothing really extreme though. I’ve managed to stay up but I’ve had to try harder,” said Scott Wifhart, manager of Lunchbox Records. Sales for Lunchbox Records have actually gone up compared to the year before, and although times are tough, he’s managed to keep things rolling.

Calls to some other locally owned spots, including Civilian in Phillips Place and Envy in Plaza Midwood, went unanswered. We're hoping they were too busy with customers.

So the next time you drop in to your favorite little boutique, give ’em props for being able to stay open in such a dog-eat-dog business world.

— Robyn Banez