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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – I have a friend who works in retail. He was telling me about his work schedule tomorrow, the day before Thanksgiving. The store will be closed Thursday. But before shutting down the shelves and aisles have to be stacked with all the stuff that goes on sale on Black Friday.
He is less enthusiastic about Christmas these days. The work hours are grueling. The materialism is put-offing.
And then comes a news story from yesterday about the psychology of retailing today.
On Black Friday when stores keep palates of stuff under a tarp only to “reveal” it to customers; that’s messing with your mind. Creating the concept of scarcity plays with your mind. The impression that the store has a limited supply is designed to get you to buy – sometimes buy things you don’t need or want.
The same thing with buy-one get-one. Do you really need two of whatever it is?
Oh, the shopping web site has your credit card already on-file? So you can just point and click and check out? You don’t even have to get out of your chair to get your wallet or purse.
Now I’m fully aware that holiday shopping is a big part of our economy. This is the time of year when stores make their profits. But buying things we don’t need? With money we don’t have? That can’t be what holiday giving is about. You and I are being manipulated.
Even if you’re not religious, we give gifts at Christmastime because of God’s gift – his son Jesus Christ. If that means nothing to you, please, shop wisely and don’t squander your money. Let’s keep our heads about us.
Chris Conley
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