Shopping During the Holiday Season

Article first published as Shopping During the Holiday Season on Technorati.

This is the time of year when people flocked to retail stores in search of presents for family, friends, and co-workers.   Tokens of appreciation are bought for individuals who have aided or provided us with service.   Malls and major retailers attract the largest number of shoppers.  This causes the workers in these stores to move at a never ending pace.  What is surprising is how exasperated customers become when they aren’t instantly waited on or checked out. Waiting 5 to 10 minutes suddenly becomes an eternity.   In a world of instant gratification,the retail worker cannot keep up.

I decided to do some shopping on Monday.   I thought this would be better than shopping on the weekend.   Even though it was early,the stores where already crowded.   My first stop was ToysRus.  Luckily I didn’t have to purchase any electronics because this area was bombarded.   They had 4 staff members working exclusively in this section.   Adults were shouting out what video games they needed behind the locked displays.   Who was first and who had been waiting the longest was constantly stated. Of course these people didn’t know if certain games worked on certain systems.   I have to credit the staff with being patient and knowledgeable.

When I got to the checkout, one line was open.   The young woman ringing people up was moving as fast as she could. Questions about price and what the circular promised kept coming up.   When it was my turn I could see that the cashier was already harried and sweating.   It was only 9:45 AM. I told her to slow down.   That she wasn’t going to make it through the day.   She smiled and gave a little laugh.   The register next to her finally opened providing some much needed help.

In the mall, the situation repeatedly played itself out.   The smaller stores weren’t overwhelmed, but Sears, Macy’s, etc. had larger crowds and longer lines.   People were talking out loud on how ridiculous it was that the line was going so slow.   There was little regard for the person who was doing the best they could.   On top of sales, they dealt with returns and questions about stock.   They also have to give the obligatory plea to open an account today and save 20%.

My guess is that these retailers probably staff the stores heavily on the weekend when shoppers are out in force, and then cut back early in the week.   What we have to remember is that many of these workers and enduring long hours for minimal pay.   They are doing their best they under the circumstance and are trying to earn a paycheck.   Once in a blue moon you may encounter someone who is discourteous, but for the most part they are polite and helpful.  Smile when you get to the checkout.   Say something nice and you may get better service.    A thank you and wishing them Happy Holidays might bring a moment of relief.

The Hype of Black Friday

Let me see if I can understand the thrill of shopping on Black Friday.  I can stay up and go shopping for bargains at midnight, or I can get a few hours of sleep, and shop at stores that open anytime between 4:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M.   I will have to stand in line for hours in the dark and cold with a few hundred other people waiting for the doors to open.  Once they do, a mad rush will begin for the 3 televisions or computers that are incredibly discounted.  Of course I won’t get one of those deals, but now that I am in the store, let’s see what else I can find.  This is the hype of Black Friday.  It is a day I don’t shop.

I appreciate a bargain as much as anyone.  I like deals and coupons.  I rarely pay full price for anything, and usually wait for sales.  Sales are going to offered from now until the holidays.  They will continue after the holidays as well.  Why people are willing to camp out days ahead of time is baffling.  To wade among crowds on what should be a restful weekend is surprising.   To force people to work on what once was a day that stores were closed is unfair.  The retailers claim that it is the public that want these hours, but if they weren’t offered, they wouldn’t be outside waiting in those lines.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  It is a day that family and friends gather and share a nice meal.  It is a time to reflect on our blessings.  This has been a hard year for many American families.   For every advertisement for a store sale, there is a story about food pantries that are trying to meet the demand of a Thanksgiving dinner.  The focus of the day should be on what we have, not what we can get.   Health, family, food, a job, and happiness, cannot be taken over by thoughts of materialism.  Let us remember the meaning of the day as it was meant to be.  Gather with group of people, maybe watch the  parade, and have a nice meal together.  Enjoy what money can’t buy and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

The Effect of Big Box Stores on Retail

Article first published as The Effect of Big Box Stores on Retail on Technorati.

Borders book stores have announced that they are going out of business.  Best Buy has decided to reduce the size of their buildings.  Both claim that other businesses and the internet have dramatically curtailed sales.  The economic downturn has also played a significant role in their demise.  What many big box retailers seem to have forgotten is that they did exactly the same to thousands of independent business owners years ago.

I remember when Home Depot was opening in the small cities and suburbs.  The immediate concern was that they would put all the small hardware stores out of business.  They were told not to worry.  That competition would improve business for all, and that what they carried would not affect the small stores.  In a matter of a few years, all the independent hardware stores in the area where out of business.  They could not compete with inventory, price, and store hours. 

Large stores and malls also had an effect on the downtown areas of many towns and cities.  It became more convenient to drive to large stores rather that walk up and down a street to shop.  Small clothing, book, toy, video, and drug stores slowly disappeared from the landscape.  Instead the country has become more and more generic in retail choices.

The loss of these large stores has left a void in many cities and towns.   Huge buildings sit vacant for years with signs advertising leasing opportunities.  Given the current economic climate, the small store owner cannot start up a business as easily before retail was dominated by big business.  The small store knew their customers, employed a steady group of workers, and provided a level of service that went unmatched.

The public is upset to see the demise of Borders.  There is a feeling that literacy in America has suffered a blow.  There may some truth in the sentiment, but wouldn’t it be nice if small stores could make a comeback. It would improve the economy and the retail experience many of us miss.