Before new Federal Reserve regulations were put into effect in 2010, companies could begin dinging outstanding gift cards for a monthly fee, eroding their value rapidly and terminating them quickly.

FORBES: Escape The Trap Of Gift Cards By Reselling

During its monthly sales calls, GM has said it has found no evidence that gas prices had any effect whatsoever on shrinking large SUV sales.

FORBES: Magazine Article

"It's had the effect of freezing spending at all levels, " said James Ogilvy, publisher of Luxury Briefing, a monthly report that monitors the luxury industry.

CNN: As economy worsens, high-end feels a chill