Since the economy is really in the dumps right now, like most people you’re probably planning to spend less this year. Unfortunately some of that thriftiness might be unintentional. From Lane Bryant to Circuit City to Starbucks, pretty much every angle of retail is being affected by the economic downturn and more than a few shopping hot spots are closing and/or going bankrupt in 2009. Most are just downsizing (as opposed to going completely under) but that doesn’t help the closings suck any less if it happens to be one of your local favorites that goes out of business.

(Photo courtesy of timetrax23 on Flickr)