Consumers Keeping Stuff Longer

[jeffrey]

Throw away the cellphone after two years? Not so fast. Ditch the flat-panel TV for an even thinner model? Maybe next year. Replace the blouse with the hole? Darn it!

Consumer spending has picked up, but for some Americans the recession has left something behind: a greater interest in making stuff last...

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/26/business/26upgrade.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

[MrPolarZero]

Actually, this trend started during the recession, when folks found it much better to repair stuff than buy new ones. Which is kind of a good development really.

[bjl584]

I've always been one to keep things for way too long. Even when something gets broken or worn I am still reluctant to replace it. Everything from socks to my car falls into this catagory.

[Maxwell]

I got a warranty for my car-what a deal. I can probably get another 8-10 years out of it now.
New car was way out of my price range. Cars in the newspaper were junk. I'll keep mine.

[Frugal]

I agree, this is certainly the case. I am not buying a new TV for the same exact reasons! Everyone is trying to stretch thigns, and make them last!

[couchrobt]

For some stuff I do hold on to them for a longer time than the usual. Though I have also learned to let go of them, I make it a point that they are already totally unrepairable.

[NolaP]

Definitely a good development for the American consumer psyche, and better for the earth. Wear it out til it can't be used and then repurpose or recycle if possible. We don't need stuff to make us happy, we need community, friends and family.

[shanecurran]

Makes the "cash for clunkers" seem like a bad idea.

[SteveBlissLaw]

This sounds like me lol. I never throw anything away. Save everything. Drives my wife crazy, but sometimes she loves me for it lol