The economic climate is twisting and turning the financial weathervane, giving some businesses and industries a sunny outlook while others see a stormy future. Here’s a look at some of them around here.

Sunny

McDonalds

McDonalds’ same-stores sales were up 7.1 percent in January, according to a report from Forbes.com. The logical assumption is that consumers are looking for lower-priced dining alternatives. When it comes to the value menu, cash-strapped people are lovin’ it.

Thrift stores

Everyone is looking for a bargain these days, even if it means buying hip hand-me-downs. The trend spells profits for thrift stores like Goodwill and Plato’s Closet.

“We’re a tremendous asset for resource-stretched families,” said John Cosser, owner of the Plato’s Closet franchise in Bellevue. “We help the kid that otherwise couldn’t.”

Plato’s Closet sells popular brands at 60 to 80 percent off retail value, focusing mainly on the teen and young-adult markets. The store is seeing double-digit sales increases every month.

“Things are good,” Cosser said. “When the economy goes south, our business goes north.”

Partly Sunny

Crafts stores

A survey from retailer Michaels indicates that interest in artisanship is high these days, with 84 percent of 500 respondents saying they would like to spend more time on arts and crafts activities in light of the economic downturn.

“Our customers are telling us that they’re not just saving money, but they are truly enjoying the time spent working on homemade projects as an inexpensive form of entertainment,” said Michaels’ Chief Marketing Officer Stuart Aitken in a release.

What customers say and what they do can be two different things, as recent financial reports show.

Sales for Jo-Ann Stores decreased nearly 3 percent in the fourth quarter ending in January versus a same-store sales increase of 3.3 percent last year.

Michaels reported that its sales dropped 3 percent in the third quarter of 2008 as compared with the same period a year earlier.

Time will tell whether consumers finally act on that desire to bring out their inner Martha Stewart.

Overcast

Real Estate

Figures from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service indicate that Eastside home sales for January dropped almost 47 percent from the same month a year ago. The median home price also fell 14 percent from that period last year.

“Things are slower than usual for us,” said Bellevue realtor Thadine Bak of Windermere. “The overall economy has made our customers and clients hold back a bit with their decisions to buy.”

If there’s a silver lining, it’s that the market is ripe for first-time home buyers, who can capitalize on falling home values to snag a nice starter home.

“Once we get that segment rolling, it’ll push along the next one, which is people looking to move up,” said Bak.

Additional help could come from President Obama’s housing “affordability and stability plan,” which the White House announced Feb. 18. The proposal would provide $75 billion for at-risk homeowners, help up to 5 million homeowners with refinancing, and support low mortgage rates through increased funding for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Auto dealerships

Sales aren’t exactly abysmal with Bellevue’s dealerships, but national sales figures for all major car manufacturers have dipped in recent months.

General Motors saw the largest drop in January at almost 49 percent, while Honda’s decline was the least severe at 28 percent.

Ford of Bellevue Sales Manager Bill Tapscott said overall sales at his dealership were down 10 percent in January, although that’s still higher than a year ago.

Used-cars have kept the business afloat, as pre-owned vehicles are selling at a rate of five to one over new products.

Ford of Bellevue moved 115 pre-owned vehicles in January, and is buying around 15 per week to keep up with demand.

Used vehicles haven’t been as much help at a nearby dealership that sells Chevrolets, Cadillacs, and Hummers, as the market has fallen on older products from those brands.

Cadillac is keeping General Motors alive almost single-handedly with its top-selling CTS, and the popular Chevy Malibu is providing a boost, but the Bellevue dealership still reports flat sales as compared to the steady growth of years past.

Charlie Blaney, a sales consultant for the dealer, says things are beginning to look up as banks provide financing again and GM works on a brand restructuring that is expected to yield positive results.

Stormy

Electronics stores

Best Buy is hanging tough, but the sagging economy sank its main competitor, Circuit City.

“People don’t have disposable income any more to buy consumer electronics, and there’s a lot of competition out there, especially with the internet,” said Bellevue Circuit City manager Nelson Arce.

Sales for the Bellevue Circuit City were down 20 percent from a year ago before the chain went bankrupt, according to Arce.

Every item at the store is now priced to move before the doors close permanently at all Circuit City retailers in under a week. Discounts include 60 percent off accessories, 30 percent off televisions, and 10 percent off computers.

Best Buy could actually come out stronger from the recession, since there will be one less competitor to worry about.

Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at jhicks@bellevuereporter.com or 425.453.4290.