On the road

Is the economy really on the rocks? We packed our bags and canvassed the country - seven cities in seven days - to find out how America's business owners see it. Photographs by Jessica Dimmock.

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City: Cincinnati
Name: Larry Ashford
Occupation: Owner of Smitty's, a men's clothing store and check-cashing center
His take: The past couple of years have been lean and Christmas was slow, but people have adjusted. "I don't believe there'll be a recession," he says. "Things are a little better lately." What bothers one merchant? "people are making no extra money, but costs are going up - it's as simple as that."

Last updated February 08 2008: 8:04 AM ET

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On the road

Is the economy really on the rocks? We packed our bags and canvassed the country - seven cities in seven days - to find out how America's business owners see it. Photographs by Jessica Dimmock.