Purely anecdotal—but impressive nonetheless (2)

About two months ago I posted some very optimistic comments from a friend who runs a well-known construction and remodelling business in the Inland Empire, and who had seen an impressive upturn in new business in recent months. Now comes this from my son who has been working in a store in the heart of Waikiki Beach for the past several years. He's been very down on the state of business for well over a year, but suddenly things have improved:

Just wanted to let you know that the past week has been amazing out here in Waikiki. Tons of people from all over the world (Japan, Australia, South America, Canadians, and strangely, Americans) have been spending $ as if it were burning a hole in their pockets. We haven't seen it like this in two years, maybe three. Sales have quadrupled. People are saying that it should continue at least through mid- January. It's amazing.