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A different tack
Author: TriSec    Date: 11/26/2011 13:27:05

Good Morning.

If you were with us yesterday, you know about the carnage that ensued after many stores opened at stupid o'clock to kickoff the holiday greed shopping season.


Many folks were injured, some more seriously than others, and no doubt hundreds more came away bruised, scratched, or otherwise scarred and empty-handed. No doubt it's cynical of me, but I bet many retailers advertised massive 'doorbuster' deals, then understocked their merchandise by a factor of ten.

All to save $20 on Chinese-made goods.

You know me; I'm a student of history and an avowed newshound. We've seen scenes of such carnage and rioting before over goods and merchandise....but in other parts of the world it's over things like Food, water, and other basic needs. Only in America do we bloody our neighbor to save a dollar on toys or electronics.

So last night, I trooped my Cub Scout pack down to Waltham City Common to help with the city Christmas Tree lighting.

It was a brief part of the ceremony, but the local chamber of commerce practically begged the assembled crowd to not go to the mall, and to "shop local and support Main Street and Moody Street businesses". There was a smattering of applause, but for the most part the crowd ignored the remarks.

One of my leaders commented, "Local Saturday? That's probably a good idea." I don't know if there is such a thing, but bookended by Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it's an idea that sure makes an awful lot of sense.

And while you're at it...why not do your homework before you shop?
 

7 comments (Latest Comment: 11/26/2011 22:43:38 by Mondobubba)
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Comment by BobR on 11/26/2011 14:19:36
We buy local almost every day at the independently owned grocery store down the street. Their prices are better too. As for other stuff, most of the stores are expensive "boutiques" that peddle clothes we wouldn't wear anyway (we go to Goodwill to buy clothes, so in essence we are supporting the local people that way). There's also the hardware store that is stocked floor to ceiling with everything imaginable (except for plywood, sheet rock, appliances - big stuff).

Electronics are the tricky part. We don't buy them often, but when we do, I am going to go for the best quality, which tend to be made overseas. There are also no local stores selling that kind of stuff.

Comment by Scoopster on 11/26/2011 15:28:22
Mornin' all!

The only shopping I did yesterday was a quick trip to get supplies for a cheesecake. It's amazing how EMPTY the grocery store was.

Comment by BobR on 11/26/2011 15:30:12
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all!

The only shopping I did yesterday was a quick trip to get supplies for a cheesecake. It's amazing how EMPTY the grocery store was.

I had to go to Trader Joes for cereal and coffee (especially coffee), and they were pretty quiet. Driving by the plaza with Target, however, was another story. Every parking spot in front of the store was taken, and drivers were circling like sharks waiting for someone to pull out.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 11/26/2011 16:05:15
Morning all

My sister confirmed this morning my brother-in-law had a mild stroke yesterday. It doesn't appear that motor skills were affected apart from the initial drooping mouth, but there does appear to be some memory loss. He's having an MRI this morning to determine what to do next.

Comment by Raine on 11/26/2011 16:49:23
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Morning all

My sister confirmed this morning my brother-in-law had a mild stroke yesterday. It doesn't appear that motor skills were affected apart from the initial drooping mouth, but there does appear to be some memory loss. He's having an MRI this morning to determine what to do next.
Oh goodness, Rabbit. I'm so sorry.

you seem to be having one things after another these past few months.


Comment by livingonli on 11/26/2011 18:10:56
Good day folks. The only thing I probably will do before work is drop the laundry off but at least it is a local business.

Comment by Mondobubba on 11/26/2011 22:43:38
Since Jacksonville in the local Timaquan language means "Land of the large chain enterprise," I've not shopped today.