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The economy may have you cutting back on the fun extras in your life. But some people are finding a way to hold onto those luxuries as well as their money.
Businesses want to help you indulge. Some, like the Utah College of Massage Therapy, have had deals for years that many people are trying for the first time. And others, like ski resorts, are offering big discounts for the first time ever.
For Tyler Cloward, skiing is a necessity, not a luxury. And since he's guaranteed to be on the mountain, the deals he's getting are just icing on the cake.
"A lot of resorts are doing two for ones; bring in a can of food and we'll give you a discount," he explained.
Jared Ishkanian, spokesman for Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, said, "Across the nation we're seeing resorts doing all they can to bring in skiers."
Deer Valley says it's created ski-and-stay packages specifically in response to the economy. Snowbird is extending early-season skiing prices until January. It's also slashing prices on certain season passes by hundreds of dollars and offering discounts on lodging, hoping to raise numbers that so far are down.
"We realize these are tough economic times for people," Ishkanian said.
For years, the Utah College of Massage Therapy has offered massages for $25 so students can hone their skills. Recently it's seen a spike in business.
Matthew Rodgers with the Steiner Education Group said, "This last weekend was a great weekend for us. We saw almost 30 percent more from 2007 to 2008."
They believe that's due in part to the economy; people are not willing to give up massages but wanting a cheaper price and have more reason than ever to be stressed.
"People looking at their 401(k)s, their investments, and massage is the perfect way to deal with that stress," Rodgers said.
Luxury shopping stores are also slashing their prices to attract customers and move merchandise. One fashion director was quoted calling the price cuts "painful."
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
