You know the economy is really bad when even the bastion of Americana and wholesomeness, the Girl Scouts, are feeling it. The girls are hurting in their pocket books as they face a decline in cookie sales.
Many regional Girl Scout councils are feeling the impact with declines as large as 19% in some pre-order sales for the month of January through early February. And, sadly, pre-order sales which take place mostly door-to-door or at workplaces make up about 70% of their cookie sales!
Michelle Tompkins, spokeswoman for the Girl Scouts of the USA, said they are still hopeful they might make up for the poor sales by setting up shopping center booths this early Spring.
Though if the economy continues to decline, will many people even be going to the malls?
Most of the proceeds from the cookie sales go to paying for trips, community projects, and scholarships.
One member council from Ohia said longtime customers are still buying, but in smaller quantities. Adding, “If a customer was purchasing six to eight boxes, now they’re purchasing three to four.”
Denise Pesich, vice president of communications for Girl Scouts of the USA, stays optimistic and adds, “We’re hopeful right now. The country, when in situations like this, goes back to what’s nostalgic and gives them pleasure.”
Let’s hope that’s the case.
We’re totaling feeling like having some thin mints soon. And we just found out they’ve made a new Dulce de Leche cookie for 2009.
Can’t wait to try those!
[Image via WENN.]