That’s an interesting data point. makes me wonder what other unconventional metrics could be considered to get a temperature on our economy.
At least I'm not a "heavy user" at a fast food chain (also real).
"Cash Cows: Burger Joints Call Them 'Heavy Users' -- but Not to Their Faces"
By Jennifer Ordonez Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal
Jan. 12, 2000 12:20 am ET
Similarly nonexecutive tech talent recruiting firms are often referred to as "body shops".
Ironic terminology is pervasive in business. Recent trends toward sensitivity are shifting patterns somewhat, but the old terms still find use.
The warden buffet underwear thing being a prime example. Every Walmart merchandiser now knows that “rule of thumb” and prices underwear against that “common knowledge”
That requires richer data than strictly following sales volumes, of course.
But the basic principle is still one of supply and demand, and following both shifts. The ability of retailers to adjust prices in near-real-time to demand shifts changes the behaviour somewhat. It doesn't demolish the concept of market function.
Steve Cicala (2021)