Photo: Digital Vision

Yippee ladies! Deals site LivingSocial is adding goods to its usual menu of vacation/spa/dining deals.

Starting today, LivingSocial deals will also include collections of items, many reasonably priced in the $40 to $50 range (though prices vary). The first selection of items falls under the category of “Beach Bound” and includes $9 portable chairs and a tent canopy for $79.

And eBay is joining the ranks of H&M, Target, and Macy’s by launching a number of designer collaborations that will be available starting November 12. The list of designers taking part include Steve Alan, Jonathan Adler, and Chris Benz. The 40 included items will be priced between $50 and $100.

But for every gain, there is a great loss. Daffy’s, the department store chain known for its discount designer duds, is shutting down its 19 stores over the next couple of months. The company blames the weak economy and stiff competition for the closures, which will result in the loss of 1,300 jobs. The store first opened its doors in 1961.

The retail industry as a whole has been on shaky ground lately, with June numbers showing that retail sales fell for the third month in a row, this time by . 5 percent. An analyst tells Reuters that this is more evidence that the economy is slowing down. Further evidence came from companies themselves. In a separate survey, American companies say they’re scaling back their hiring plans in the face of economic concerns, including the impact of overseas financial problems.

So while it’s great news that there are more discounts coming directly to your inbox, be prudent. No one needs a portable chair that badly.