Seeking Bang for Their Bucks

Larry Black of the Mt. Airy Bicycle High Wheel Society wows the crowd at the National Independence Day Parade in Washington. Vendors, merchants and restaurant owners worked to capitalize on the throng of holiday visitors, but in the tight economy many were watching their pocketbooks. (By Marvin Joseph -- The Washington Post)
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Many people also seemed happy to splurge on food. Charlie Palmer, across from the Capitol, maxed out reservations for its tony cookout, where for $39 a head guests could dine on roast suckling pig, Kobe beef sliders and cotton candy. Passers-by shelled out $8 for a Fourth of July barbecue sandwich and $4 for bottled root beer at the outdoor food stand at Occidental, near the White House.

It was not immediately clear what impact the traditional advertising blitz of Independence Day savings was having for oriental rug merchants, furniture stores and appliance warehouses that offered specials.

At Macy's, mattress salesman Robert Marzullo was doing his best to move merchandise, much of which was marked with red sale tags. A woman trying out one of the beds asked about a discount. Marzullo could only offer 15 percent off, he said politely, if she opened a charge account. It was the kind of request he had gotten more than once.

"Yesterday we had a wonderful day. The store did outstandingly," he said. "Today, everyone is ready to fight with you. Everyone is bargain hunting. Basically it's a different customer."

Another customer showed interest in a $1,500 mattress but wanted Marzullo to waive the $65 shipping fee. He couldn't unless she bought a box spring, he said.

"Well, it's not your fault," she said, then left.