Anyone who lives around Austin, TX knows our city has what seems like 5-10 billboards per mile. Or more. But what I have suddenly noticed this week is how many of them are empty or are advertising the billboard company itself. I'd say at least 50% are suddenly empty this week.
Although I have had my own fears for my husband's job in this economy, I have been relatively sheltered from the effects of the recession so far. I live in the country, don't shop at the big malls, and stick to the comfort of home (with my kiddos) more often than I am out.
The first "change" I noticed due to the economy was the closing of a Linen's and Things near my favorite grocery store. Then, a few weeks later, we were driving home from a day trip with the kids and promised them ice cream at their favorite "Cold Stone Creamery" - which was closed and empty of all furniture when we got there. Good old DQ worked as a substitute for the kiddos, but it was disappointing just the same.
But today was different. All of those billboards that are usually screaming "buy this" or "you need a new house" or "I'm your insurance guy" are all blank or toting the billboard's ability to "advertise." I would occasionally see one or two like that - but 15-20 of them? That made me take notice...
What obvious signs of bad times have you seen?