In hard times, condoms hold up

A new Nielsen tracking survey hones in on the best-selling products during this recession. And what do you know, condoms are at the top of the list. Not just condoms, but over-the-counter female contraceptives too. For the first two months of the year, such sales were up 10.2 percent, according to TIME magazine.

TIME magazine http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1884149,00.html asked the Nielsen Co. to identify the best- and worst-performing product categories during this recession. Apparently, consumers aren't too eager to pro-create during an economic downturn. A child equals more expenses at a time when many are trying to conserve cash. Of course, there's another reason why condom and other contraceptive sales are up. More consumers are going out less and "entertaining" themselves at home more. Contraceptives are good protection from the consequences of that fun.

Among the other product beneficiaries of the recess? Food prepared at home, especially canned goods, as fewer people eat in restaurants. Among the casualties are home furnishings, considered discretionary items. Wine and liquor sales are also up; bottled water sales are down.

So, what products are you buying more of? Which are you now leaving on the shelf?