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