The Industries That Grew In The 2008 Recession Are (Not Surprisingly) Doing Very Well Now

During the 2008 Great Recession, many industries suffered a decline in activity. Based on the information provided, here are some of the industries that were hit the hardest between 2009 and 2010:

Building Material and Supplies Dealers: This industry saw a sales % change of -3.28%. It was heavily impacted because of the downturn in construction projects. With fewer construction projects in progress, contractors purchased fewer supplies.

Home Furnishings Stores: Sales % change was -3.27% for this industry. People held off on making major purchases like furniture during an economic downturn. Additionally, the reduced number of new home builds during the recession contributed to this decline.

Lumber and Other Construction Materials Wholesalers: This industry, which includes establishments that sell plywood, bricks, and roofing materials, saw a sales % change of -3.07%. Like the building material and supplies dealers, it was dependent on ongoing construction projects, and the decrease in construction projects led to reduced revenue.

Other Motor Vehicle Dealers: Sales % change for this industry was -2.59%. It includes businesses that sell RVs, boats, motorcycles, and vehicles other than automobiles. Consumers delayed or passed on large-ticket items like these due to economic uncertainty.

Cement and Concrete Product Manufacturing: With a sales % change of -1.67%, this industry was one of the hardest-hit sectors during the recession. The halt in new construction projects and the slowing of existing ones had a domino effect that affected industries dependent on construction.

Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers: Sales % change was -1.57% for this industry, which includes the publication of periodicals, books, calendars, and greeting cards. The initial decrease in sales couldn't be easily explained, but the industry showed signs of recovery after 2009.

Furniture Stores: This industry had a sales % change of -0.54%. People postponed major purchases during the economic downturn, and reduced new home builds also played a role in declining sales.

Printing and Related Support Activities: With a sales % change of -0.49%, industries in this subsector, which print products like periodicals, books, and business cards, experienced a decline in sales, especially in 2009. Businesses tried to cut back on expenses like printing during the recession.

Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores: Sales % change was -0.40% for this industry. Retailers selling modestly priced necessities like stationery and office supplies saw a slight decline in average annual sales during 2009 and 2010 as businesses and consumers reduced purchases.

Traveler Accommodation: This industry experienced a sales % change of -0.23%. During the recession, consumers reduced travel budgets, leading to fewer people checking into hotels and motels. Business travelers also sought cheaper accommodations to save on expenses.

These industries were among the most affected by the economic downturn, as consumer spending and construction activity declined significantly during the Great Recession.