Just as a trip to Starbucks has been removed from the routines of many people, so has a stop at a shoeshine shop, the New York Times reported on Friday.

In another sign that people are watching what they spend as the economy continues to slide, the five shoeshine stands in Grand Terminal Station in New York City report a drop from some 700 customers a day to 600.

"They tell me, 'maybe tomorrow,' " said Eddie Ardaix, 49, who owns all five stands. "The ones who said yes every day, now it's one day yes, one day no."

When the Wall Street crowd starts getting nervous about a $4 shoeshine, something has to be wrong. I've only had my shoes shined a few times, but it is relaxing and better than having to do it yourself.

"Getting your shoes shined -- it's a little cathartic," Randall Devere, an investment banker, told the Times. Devere said he comes to get his shoes shined a little less often than he once did, just as he now keeps an eye on the price of sandwiches he buys for lunch. "I think it's in the back of a lot of people's minds," he said.

But the shoeshine stands' owner, Ardaix, reported an upside to the drop in business: More people are coming in for shoe repairs and trying to salvage a pair of shoes that might have otherwise simply been replaced. Repair business is up 20 to 25%, Ardaix said.

Aaron Crowe is an unemployed journalist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Read about his job hunt at www.talesofanunemployeddad.blogspot.com

Perhaps it's a bit early for some of us to get out on the links, but that's no reason why golfers can't start thinking about gearing up for the coming turf chunking season. Do you need a new driver to replace the one you wrapped around that tree? Should you stock up on balls to replace the ones still at the bottom of that pond? How about your shoes? Is this the year you'll buy real golf shoes to improve your game or are you going to go out putting in that same old, worn out pair of cross-trainers?

I found a great closeout deal on Etonic G>SOK GT, golf shoes at DiscountGolfShoes.com . DGS is asking just $60 plus about $15 shipping for these golf shoes. These Etonic golf shoes regularly sell in the $100 price range. They feature classic styling in high grade, soft leather uppers, high density foot support and an in-shoe moisture control system. The shoes stand firm on high quality Goodyear rubber outsoles which provide turf grip for the athlete without the use of cleats.

For shopping comparison, I located the same shoes being sold at innovativeGOLFgear.com . IGG is currently selling the same shoes for $109.95. IGG is only charging a base shipping rate of $5.95 for the shoes which closes the price gap a little but roughly speaking, these shoes from DGS will cost $75, while they'll cost $115.90 from IGG.

Take note that this is a closeout offer from DiscountGolfShoes.com, so your individual size may not be available. Note also that although these are advertised as men's shoes, I'd say some of the ladies might find these golf shoes quite suitable for wearing while whacking some golf balls around.