Registers reflect crisis.(retail stores increase sales of items related to patriotism, religion, terrorism and prophecy)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Hot merchandise ranges from commodities to the occult

NATIONWIDE DSNRT REPORT -- Last month's terrorist attacks gave retailers across the country a wake-up call as they scrambled to meet the needs of a nation in crisis with a wide range of shopping demands, from patriotic items to guns and Bibles.

The tragedy caused dramatic shifts in consumer spending, with initial reaction ranging from pantry stocking to sustained demand for American flags and books on terrorism. Many retailers reported slow business the day of the attacks as well as the day after, while numerous malls shut their doors that particular Tuesday. By the weekend, however, consumer traffic had returned to normal levels for most.

"The day of the event, sales dropped like a rock throughout the day. The day after, people responded. A lot of them were coming into our store for flags. It has completely changed the mix of things they were interested in," …