Consumers voices were heard above the din of raging hurricanes as they reeled in discretionary spending to feed the gas pump. Confidence fell as the waters rose across the gulfcoast shoreline and levees were breached flooding whole cities and creating American refugees. Consumer Electronics was the clearest barometer of this phenomenen as their typically big ticket items were left in favor of sprucing up wardrobes right down to their shoes in an effort to welcome a new season and look to better tomorrows. Drug Stores continue to be locked in competition with Super Markets as each registers higher presciption, health and beauty aid sales. Mass Merchants garnered a stronger showing as they continue to stress value, which is the consumer's battle cry. All in all the retail sector vies for customer traffic as consumers question the merit of gulping gallons when a clear destination is not mandated...no more let's just go for a drive. The consumer comprises the majority of the GNP and keeping them wanting is key to our economic future. We await the extent of their "spree" this upcoming Holiday season, which is for many retailers the determinant of how well this year will turn out.