Stay Away From Busy Areas
and guys, stop your shoe buying fetish...
So this past weekend my wife and I decided to take our kids (older teens) on a short road trip to a fairly large outlet mall to shop. They both had gotten a lot of gift cards for Christmas (cause what else do you get kids who really have no needs) so they wanted to go shopping for clothes. This is out of our normal adventures so it isn’t something we do often so the kids were excited to go shopping (I guess it isn’t too different from kids whose big trip to the general store in years past was filled with wonders and a chance to get things that they may not otherwise have a chance to get). Plus it was an opportunity to get out period.
It was a 2 hour road trip and within the first 15 minutes at our destination my wife and I regretted the decision to go.
First off, the perceived discounts are a ruse. Most discounts worth anything are on the clearance racks with few sizes/styles left. Basically a trick to get you to walk in. Better deals are found online.
Second, every name brand store basically sells the same thing with a different logo. So if you have seen one then you have seen them all.
Third, the majority of people suck. They’re ill mannered, lack any spatial awareness, and are self absorbed. I don’t “people” well because of this (among other reasons).
Fourth, outlets (any mall or big population space for that matter) are a predator’s playground. I spotted numerous, fighting age foreign males, looking for opportunities. Never let your wife or kids out of your sight. These predators will notice you and steer clear. Better yet, just stay away from these places.
Lastly, customer service sucks and cashiers take WAY too long to ring you out. They try to get you on their mailing list, ask for your phone #, ask if you want to sign up for their credit card to get an extra 10% off and all of this before even ringing you up. I am there for a simple business transaction, I want to buy a product you have so ring it up, take my money, and thank you very much. It really should be that simple.
Oh, and one more thing…. Guys, quite with your shoe fetish. Dudes have gotten worse then women when it comes to shoes today. The shoe departments at Nike and Adidas were filled with not only white guys but hispanic and middle eastern men as well clamoring over shoes. Buying box after box of shoes. I looked at my son in one store and he was thinking the same as me and said to me that he can look later at home for new shoes. But my point here isn’t necessarily that the shoe departments were crowded but rather the utter focus that men seem to have today over shoes. The latest pair of Air Jordans or the vintage/throwback styles and color matching to outfits. There is a ton of money being wasted by men with shoes.
Anyways, maybe I’m venting or maybe I’m simply giving a warning from my observations from this little adventure. Regardless, manage your priorities and keep your family safe.
I'm a guy so 99% of the time I go "shopping" I have a specific list and I try to get in and out as quickly as possible. That said, there are a few times where I'm going to actually take the time to compare items and spend more time in the store ( if they even have the items I'm looking for). Unfortunately most of the stores are on the "convenient" south side of town (I live north of town) so I have to deal with traffic before I even get there. I have walked out of stores several times due to rude people/staff.
I agree with you. The malls and restaurants are not what they used to be. I have noticed the same thing the last couple of years. Service is terrible and people don't seem to care for others. The times are getting worse and worse. As I traverse this life, I realize that, as a Christian that this life is temporary.