four americans goes to work. retail supply jobs to 42 million americans. but according to the bureau of labor statistics, the typical retail salesperson earned $20,990 last year. that's below the official government poverty threshold of $22,113 for a family of four. it has been that way for some time. during the five years through october 2011, average weekly earnings for private sector workers have increased by a mere 12 cents. although american consumers have been the engine of the u.s., not to mention global economy for decades, when 25% of american wage earners are making a pittance, confident or not, the consumer may not be able to bear the brunt of our economic future. but can consumer confidence fix the economy? that question next. but lately she's been coming in with less gray than usual. what's she up to? [ female announcer ] root touch-up by nice'n easy