Gotten better this year.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

1 Airfare bargains

2 Bank services

3 Blogs and blogging

4 Carbohydrate weight control information

5 Convenience packaging

6 Department store service and merchandise

7 Do-not-call list

8 Fruit bowls in supermarkets (fresh cuts)

9 Google keeps getting better

10 Lifestyle choices (acceptance of)

11 More help where it's needed

12 New Trader Joe's or Wegman's

13 Organics more widely available

14 Portable phone numbers

15 Salads in fast food restaurants

16 Self checkout systems in supermarkets

17 Smoke free buildings and restaurants

18 Shopping experience at many stores

Comments On What Got Better:

* "Jewel-Osco has improved their customer service. They put in easy to use self-serve checkouts and the other checkouts have larger screens and show a running total. I think this is great!"

* "In our area, there is more sampling than I've ever seen. Shopping at those stores really is more fun."

* "I like squeeze packages and easy-open cans."

* "Stores and restaurants are trying harder, but staff cuts prevent us from noticing as much."

* "I'm glad they passed the do-not-call list but I don't think they went far enough."

* "I see more acceptance of different lifestyle choices, even in the stores."

* "Clerks are asking: 'Did you find everything you needed today?' This is a big plus."

* "Trader Joe's is actually fun to shop."

* "Shopping at Home Depot has become a pleasure again. There is more help and they are paying more attention to customers."

* "Our grocery stores continue to provide improved service as do our restaurants."

* "Wegman's is telling the truth when they say that good meals are easier to come by."