SPEND OR SAVE? The ups and downs...

SPEND OR SAVE? The ups and downs of consumer confidence can be seen at the sales counters, says Lesly Martin, marketing director of Irvine-based Wet Seal Inc. . . . January sales of young women’s clothing were terrible, Martin says, but in February “a lot of people felt we had a handle on the war.” Last month and this one there’s been a “slight uptick” in sales.

Mixed Feelings

Orange County residents were asked if they feel better or worse off financially than one year ago.

November-December

Better Off: 39%

Same: 36%

Worse Off: 23%

Don’t Know: 2%

January-February

Better Off: 45%

Same: 25%

Worse Off: 29%

Don’t Know: 1%

Source: Times Marketing Research Dept.