;)
All I really want
June 13, 2008 at 06:18 When I lived in Belgium, I missed the ease of shopping in America. I didn't enjoy shopping in Belgium at all, and in some ways, that was a very good thing.
Moving back to America, I couldn't wait to have shopping be easy again, but I was concerned that I'd fall back into the American consumer mindset. Shopping is not a form of recreation for most of the people I met in Europe, something to do for fun or to fill time on a holiday. The quest for bargains and the sale mentality are different as well. Big sales in Belgium come at specified times twice a year and that's it.
Since arriving here in March, I've definitely enjoyed being able to buy whatever I need when I need it, and I love the customer service. However, I've been single-minded in making a shopping list and sticking to it, even in places like Target, Wal-Mart, and the mall where there are so many happy distractions and low prices trying to loosen my grip on my wallet. I've stuck to my "Find it, buy it, and leave" philosophy. No strolling, no browsing, no checking out the big sale at Macy's. No clothes, decorative objects, candles, books, CDs, or scented lotions unless they're on my list--and they don't make it on my list unless I need them.
When it comes to shopping, I'm in, I'm out. I'm so proud.
Except when it comes to arts and crafts stores. I had not gone into them at all since moving back in March, but then the painting classes I signed up for meant I recently had to venture into these Retail Dens of Iniquity to get painting supplies. These are the places where EVERYTHING tempts me and I can (and do) browse forever.
I linger long over the rubber stamping displays, carefully checking out all the images and imagining their possibilities. I have a weakness for nature-themed stamps--birds and leaves--as well as rustic or vintage backgrounds and interesting elements that can used a lot of different ways (clocks, compasses, scrolls). Paper with subtle patterns featuring shades of brown, green, indigo, plum, or mustard wow me. Then there are all the art-themed magazines. Did you know there's a periodical called Artful Blogging? I bought my first issue in the craft store last week. So much inspiration!
Ink has never been a particular weakness, but now I find myself interested in all the colors and formulas, the textures, and effects. I wonder about Staz-On, the Tim Holtz alcohol inks, chalk ink, and the spectrum pads. I want to see how they work, what you can do with them. And what about the metallic inks and those cool pearl things that can be added to other media and sponged or spritzed on surfaces? Ooh. Aah. I'm curious about all the ways to mix paints and/or inks and create special effects through different techniques or cool tools.
I'm not into embellishments or rub-ons or stickers. I like my designs to be simple, and I only occasionally use ribbon, twine, or brads. I can pass quickly through those aisles. I love printed tape though and wish there were more designs. I'm thinking of making my own by dyeing First Aid tape.
So much to see, so much to consider, so many items in the art store that set my imagination ablaze with possibility.
What stores do that for you? Which ones make you forget your list and wrestle with your spending resolutions? Which stores are a true destination for you, not a just a necessary stop on your way somewhere better?
June 13, 2008
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Reader Comments (20)
Bookstores are awesome, too.
Record stores used to do it for me, but now they all seem to have the same stuff, so they're not as interesting as they used to be. Or perhaps I'm just older now. Don't know.
Antwerp does have American-style shopping malls (http://www.wijnegemshoppingcenter.be with 5,000 parking spaces as American as they come), but in general I prefer the cozy historic downtown shops, offering personal service and supplies that are often quite unique.
It's a pleasure to read you're back in the US, where the arts and crafts stores offer a much larger selection. Strangely, you probably noticed most Belgians don't seem to be into arts and crafts supplies.
I never went to the mall in Antwerp, but I've been to the one in Woluwe St. Lambert and the Galleria in Bruxelles. Not into malls unless I'm shopping for something tough to fit--like shoes, lingerie, or jeans--and need a huge selection..
Next time I'm in Antwerp, we have to go the perfume shop. : )
I have never minded shopping. After living here in Belgium, I agree, that shopping here is not fun. I have realized that I really don't miss it and if I really need something, I buy it online. But interestingly enough, I was just back in the US for a whirlwind trip. I was really looking forward to going back to Target, Barnes and Noble, etc -- but when I got there...it was TOO much. It seemed excessive. I was in sensory overload. I did shop, but it was quick and to the point. There were way too many choices. It was an unnerving feeling -- I was almost embarrassed by it all. I'm still processing my feelings/thoughts after this trip.
Thanks for stepping out and commenting. I know just what you mean by the stores being overwhelming. I used to like to comparison shop and now I just can't bear to go to multiple stores and check prices. Forget it. It's all I can do to keep from being overwhelmed in a single department store. Even after being back for months, it's still a bit too much.
There is customer service here, but you have to be a 'regular' for while. I guess the shopkeepers reserve the friendly treatment for their loyals only.
As to the question re: in what kind of store do you lose control? books, regular and second-hand, and the big brocante markets. oy
They have transportation...bikes, skis,kayaks and snowshoes
They have clothing...fleece, wool, feather-filled, and cotton
They have housing...tents and tarps
They have food..freeze-dried meals and jerky
They have tools..GPS, compassess, and ice axes, plus packs to carry it all.
When the big earthquake comes to San Francisco, your best hope is to be near one of their stores. Not that I need to because my Subaru is near capacity with their products already.
I worry about the Boss's earthquake readiness. She's become an REI convert however. Just last month she took the plunge and the store outfitted her with a Gregory custom women's pack for the summer. It fits her perfectly and has 4300 cubic inches of capacity.
The perky outdoor gal who sold and fitted her knew her pack fitting stuff and did a good job. The only thing the Boss failed to do was get the pack saleswoman's phone number for our son.
It's a great store.
Oh and sneaker stores are sweeeeeeeeet as well. I love all those colourful sneaker designs these days.