Conversely, even wealthy shoppers are no longer ashamed to hit discount stores and outlet centers instead of department stores for certain items.

As a result, he said, attracting more businesses that appeal to wealthier shoppers appears to be much less likely.

But a spokeswoman for one mall operator, Westfield, said there was little need for concern with so many relatively wealthy shoppers nearby.

That signals that wealthy shoppers will spend heavily on high-end goods this holiday season.

Wal-Mart has aggressively pursued wealthier shoppers, who are less worried about fuel costs, by stocking more fashionable clothing and organic food.

Stern's fed the aspirations of these less wealthy shoppers, too.

Green Acres says it has tried to concentrate on its present customers rather than seeking wealthier shoppers.

Garfinckel's, which for decades was the department store of choice for wealthy shoppers in the nation's capital, today started its "going out of business" sale.

For decades it was the department store of choice for wealthy shoppers in the nation's capital.

But this floor also attracts a wealthier shopper who wants to pick and choose among the cheaper lines.