News

Elvis Thrives

Yes, at times it does feel nerve-stretchingly like we’re on the brink of complete economic collapse. But not every industry is struggling in the recession. Hollywood is hopping. Wal-Mart is wowing.

Some more surprising businesses are thriving, too—or at least claim to be. If you’re seeking a growth industry in which to plant the seeds of your next career, it might be time to pull out that sequined jumpsuit. We know you have one.

Tattooing
According to artists at the Salt Lake City international tattoo convention in February, the downturn isn’t keeping people from spending on skin.

Infomercials
Competition for ad time is down, and so are rates, a boon for direct-sales companies. At last, we have something to blame for the Snuggie.

Nuclear Engineering
According to the University of Missouri, Kansas City, the navy is putting an increasing emphasis on recruiting “nuclear propulsion employees.”

Shoe Repair
Instead of buying new shoes, people are fixing their old ones. Same is proving to be true for clothes and, in some cases, cars.

Internet Dating
Matchmakers both real and virtual say numbers are up. The online services are seeing lots of traffic because they’re relatively cheap and these days people have more time on their hands for…interacting.

Elvis
Fewer people came to Graceland in 2008 than in 2007, says the C.E.O. of Elvis Presley Enterprises’ parent company, but that’s in part because 2007 was the 30th anniversary of the King’s death. Otherwise, business is rock and rolling along.

Tags: business, Elvis, relationships