Beltmakers Really Are Tightening Their Belts

BOSTON — There’s a phrase that’s emerging as something of a refrain during this economic downturn. With each sign of new weakness in the economy, analysts have talked about a certain, necessary response:

Voice 1: We need to think about belt tightening through all sectors of the economy.
Voice 2: Consumers tightening their belts.
Voice 3: Retailers then have to tighten their belts.
Voice 4: Tighten their belts.
Voice 5: Tightening their belts.
Voice 6: Belt tightening.
Voice 7: Belt tightening.

With all this talk of belt tightening, reporter Sean Cole took a look at one industry sure to feel the squeeze.