Mike Rainone
Hammertime
There is absolutely no doubt that as far as we may look back in our lives, as kids we always loved and begged to go shopping with our parents.
Whether we were at the stage of ‘quietly’ sitting in the cart or getting to push it all around the store picking up groceries, clothes, toys, and all the rest, we were always totally in awe of all the amazing items and treats along those miles of shelves and hangers and really hoped that there would be something there for us to take home.
When we finally entered into our teens we likely became quite bored with going on shopping trips and some other family excursions with our parents and saucy little brothers and sisters, and I don’t know if that has really changed much over the years? Whatever the case, we cannot help but notice that the grand old tradition of shopping has changed quite a bit, especially with the overwhelming resurgence of purchasing just about anything online which guarantees amazing speed and quick delivery to our front door or mail-box. Our grown children and their siblings have really gotten into this ‘on-line mania,’ which is great, but only speaking for my wife and I we have yet to catch this very popular and growing quick and easy shopping bug.
Of course online shopping is great for assuring that your purchases will reach long distances in a hurry as well as for seeking out and receiving unique articles and gifts from throughout the world, all for usually reasonable prices that include quick delivery. I guess that at the age of 75 you can call me ‘old school,’ and even though I have slowly but willingly adjusted to many of our exciting changes in technology on all fronts, but like many others I am sure that I still really enjoy being close and personal with what I am buying, whether it be for myself or someone else. For what it’s worth I just wanted to share some of the reasons why my wife and I love to get out and do most of our own shopping, as well as casually browsing through all the shops and businesses of our own choice and at our own pace.
• Shopping locally when and where ever possible is vitally important, as our local merchants are also our neighbours, friends, coaches, teammates, and proud citizens, who are constantly giving back to the community in so many special ways all year round. It’s also nice to personally know most of these owners and their staff, who we can always count on to give us a fair shake and great follow-up service, and that returns and repairs are never a problem.
• Shopping can also be casual daily exercise as well as a nice ‘social event’ if we are not in too much of a hurry. It can be an ideal opportunity to stop and chat with others, to relax for a snack along the way, to browse and search out the great bargains and sales, and to never be afraid to ask lots of questions about what we are looking for or can’t always find. In most cases your congenial local merchants are able to serve most of our needs, and if it isn’t it stock they will make every effort to get it for you ASAP.
• Among the neatest perks about doing your own shopping is the fact that if you find something you like in your color and style you can go into the fitting rooms to try it on and then get an extra opinion from others. It always nice to feel and touch the quality and you can take as much time as you want to make sure that it’s perfect for you. When we shop for the kids they love to squeeze and wind-up the toys, look at the books, and will for sure jump for joy when they have made their choice.
• It also is a shock for many of us that some of the traditional stores such as Sears, Loblaw’s, Fields, and others have closed their doors or are having serious financial problems. Of course it has and always will and should be our choice as to where we shop, and this will be where we get the best services and products, which is usually from your own home town team.
They often tell me that I don’t know how to act my age, but my excuse is that I’ve never been this old before. On the other hand our age is merely the number of years that the world has been enjoying our company. It’s so nice to get a good old Chinook once in a while, so enjoy the warm wind and have a great week, all of you.