SmallBusinessNewz

Monkey see, monkey do.  Or in the case of businesses, consumer see, consumer buy from.  And since rural small businesses are by definition rather out of the way, it appears that they are confronting especially tough conditions this holiday season.

The grim news comes from the Federation of Small Businesses.  In a statement, this entity reported, "In a survey of almost 500 FSB members whose businesses are based in rural areas, nearly 60 per cent said they were expecting their Christmas trade to be down on this time last year."

Also, "Confidence in the future is also at a low with more than eight in ten small businesses in rural areas saying they do not feel better placed to weather the downturn following November's Pre-Budget Report."

We'll try to point out a couple of bright spots, however.  First, at least gas prices have plummeted in recent weeks, making trips to rural small businesses a less expensive proposition for would-be shoppers.

Second, well, at least an absence of shoppers will let the owners and employees of rural small businesses have a peaceful holiday.  The hustle and bustle of aggressive customers is guaranteed to ruin merry states of mind.