Pets trumped shopping in a recent survey of what made women happy!  Retail sales continue to plummet and even the venerable Nordstrom July sale was down almost 7% over last year.  Part of the problem may be that intimidated retailers aren’t putting anything new and sexy out there because they’re playing it safe.  Another aspect may be the aging shoppers – don’t you have that déjà vu feeling when you pick up many “new” fashions and food products?  Prime shopping years are listed as age 35 to age 54.  Many of those who are tired of penny pinching still want the same things – new clothes, a vacationa night out, or a home remodel.  But the pleasure of buying and shopping is being outranked by other interests for women in 21 countries.  Here’s what made them “extremely happy:” pets, 42%; sex, 27%; food, 19%; shopping, 5%; and miscellaneous 7%.