depressed demand

The company's circumstances can be explained in part by the country's economic downturn, which has sharply depressed demand for most upscale goods.

Harry & David's sales have plunged 25% from their peak before the recession. But that pain has been compounded by debt that has made it harder for the company to make a profit.

Ingersoll-Rand PLC reported its third-quarter earnings slipped 5 percent as revenue tumbled 19 percent amid weak economic conditions that have depressed demand for its products and services that range from air conditioning to electronic security systems.

Cessna Aircraft Co., the nation's largest builder of corporate jets, said Friday it is laying off another 1,300 workers, raising the number of jobs eliminated to half of its work force since November as the recession has depressed demand for its planes.