Is the uncertain economy driving you to drink?
Well, David Ozgo, chief economist for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, said it's an urban legend that alcohol sales are recession proof. "We're actually recession-resilient," he said, meaning that they bounce back faster than most of the economy. Overall, American sales neared $58 billion in 2010 and Ozgo said they will climb again in 2011.
"As people feel better about their jobs and feel more confident they're not going to get laid off, they get more willing to treat themselves to an affordable luxury," he said. "You don't have to be super-wealthy to enjoy a super-premium vodka or whiskey."
A wide range of businesses sure hope that's true, as they use alcohol to pump up interest in their new, booze-infused products or their existing retail plans.
Here's a look at how:
These small businesses were hit by a number of different scams. Here's what they had to say about their experiences.
