Retail Therapy

Last week I had a conversation with a friend about how much retail has altered and the impact online and big supermarket consumerism is having on small business. There is no doubt that many people in small business believe online shopping and huge superstore facilities are creating a scenario that is difficult to compete with and therefore endangering not only the economy but also the variety of products available to customers. In addition to this could it be that our desire for instant retail gratification and convenience consumerism is causing us to miss out on a large chunk of the whole shopping experience that used to be the most enjoyable part. I think it is.

It's true that it certainly is much less time consuming using the internet to buy things, and it's definitely more convenient to buy everything you need in one supermarket. However, what about choice. And what about customer service. And if we really think it through, what about being made to feel good about what you're about to buy (or have just bought). Is there as much enjoyment in the clinical process of purchasing online as there is in going to a small boutique shop where you can peruse and discuss, try on, touch, smell or even taste before you buy and as a result discover wonderful gems that surprise and delight, which you may never otherwise have encountered.

I believe that in trying to persue convenience we are doing ourselves out of the most enjoyable part of shopping, the part that personalises shopping and makes it about you and not just about extracting money from your wallet for mass profit!

Just one more thing........we are fast approaching that time again when we are supposed to reflect on the past year and attempt to look ahead with a positive attitude. Well, one might find it hard at the moment given the state of economic affairs and the usual turmoil in various areas of the globe to be positive. However, the way I see it is that there has always been economic strife and general unrest, so I say continue to "fight the good fight" and have another dram, then suddenly the outlook for the future looks a lot more palatable.