Does Anyone Else Want to Go Shopping?
You know things are dull when a trip to the mall seems like an exciting adventure. But in the midst of Covid-19, there are just some things we aren’t doing. And shopping at your favorite retailer is probably one of them. Perhaps that explains the flood of recent bankruptcies. Sure, we all knew that Sears was holding on by their fingertips. But Steinmart, Lord & Taylor, Pier 1? It seems there’s no end to the number of stores closing their doors. And though I’m not much of a shopper, I don’t like the idea that the retail landscape is changing. And I bet I’m not the only one who feels that way.
Gimbels
My concern really started years ago when Gimbels announced it was going out. If you grew up in New York City, Gimbels was a mainstay. True, Gimbels never sponsored the Thanksgiving Day Parade. That was always Macy’s claim to fame. But Gimbels is mentioned in the Christmas holiday movie Miracle on 34th Street. Which means Gimbels was a big deal. And as the years rolled by, other stores sadly bit the dust. Think Gertz and Abraham & Strauss. As someone who has lived in many cities, I took notice. Mays (Buffalo), Famous-Barr (St. Louis), Carson Pirie Scott (Chicago), Hudson’s (Detroit), and Gump’s (San Francisco). Just shout out one of your favorite lost retailers and you’ll see that I’m right. Things are changing. And, fast.
Retail Consultant
I’ve been discussing my concerns lately with a retail consultant that lives nearby. Actually, he’s in the next room (my husband, Jeff). I’ve asked him all sorts of questions. He’s assured me that this is to be expected. There’s been a boom in online shopping and Jeff Bezos is rolling in cash. So, people are still shopping, just not in person. A few years back, Jeff explained the concept of “experiential” retail as offered by Restoration Hardware. That’s when you step into a store, check out the merchandise, and instead of leaving with the item, they deliver it to your home. The store becomes the front of the warehouse. I didn’t like the idea. And now, with Amazon, I like shopping even less. But wait! That’s one of the sites where I sell books. Lots of books. Okay—maybe Amazon isn’t so bad. But can anyone really compare an online shopping experience with an in-store visit? And now, as if things couldn’t get worse, there are whispers that shopping malls may be a thing of the past. Say it ain’t so, Joe. I mean Jeff. Say it ain’t so.
The Experience
So we’re just going to have to accept that life is changing. Groceries can be ordered online. Movies can be streamed at home. Take-out has replaced dine-in. I get it. I may not like it, but the future doesn’t ask our permission. I’ll just have to find other things to do. Like taking long walks. Riding a bicycle. Gardening. Wow. I’m in trouble. I don’t do any of those things. But then, that’s a post for another day. Here’s hoping that you’re finding a lot of alternative activities that you enjoy. And most importantly, that you’re staying healthy. Your health is precious and so are you!
Big News
What’s That Growing in My Sour Cream? has won a Bronze from Readers’ Favorite and 1st prize in humor from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. Here’s a 3-minute sample of the audiobook which is available on Audible. If you’d prefer the paperback, here’s the Amazon link. I hear it’s an enjoyable read and the paperback is beautifully designed. A little birdie told me.
