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Interesting though short National Public Radio segment regarding gaming.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=121841016

I think the numbers are somewhat reflected in BoardGameGeek's website stats:
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/474721/2009-end-of-year-stats

Not a huge deal, but it does help affirm the postulation of the entertainment industry being somewhat untouched by tough economic times.

Sadly, FLGS's are still struggling a bit in this area, but sales during august and september were the best ones yet for a recently opened shop here in the twin cities (whose stock is made of 30% boardgames with the rest comprising miniature wargames, RPG's and CCG's.). Perhaps this reflects the entertainment industry gaining while the economy takes a further dive? Just a guess.

The Great Depression showed how movie studios made massive amounts of profit due to the populaces willingness for paths of egress, or escapism if you prefer.

An indication that we might not be nearly out of the funk as financial analysts want you to beleive?

FLGS were struggling a bit anyway, I think. It's the inevitable need for stores to move from 'providing a commodity' (which will almost always be better served on the internet) to 'providing a service.' Note that by 'providing a service' I include everything from pay-for-play quality gaming area to what the d6 Generation's buddy, Dan from Myriad Games, claims to provide: a quality shopping experience where the salespeople are willing to actively suggest products (but, presumably, willing to go away if the customer wants some peace and quiet).