WINNING!
Posted on 12/17/2017 11:59:30 PM PST by Oshkalaboomboom
I went Christmas shopping yesterday and confirmed what my wife had been telling me – namely, that the stores and malls were largely empty. I went to one of the few remaining malls in the St. Louis area – the Galleria – and had no trouble parking and no waiting anywhere. It was hardly as crowded as a normal Saturday would be.
Now, the Galleria has been one of the attack spots for Black Lives Matter, and I thought perhaps people were staying away for that reason. But my wife said all the stores have been empty, too. She hasn't had to wait for anything.
Is this happening all over the country? If so, what does it mean?
The economy is rising, and we should see a good Christmas for retailers. If we are not, there has to be a reason. Is the public shopping online these days? Undoubtedly more so than in the past, but it still shouldn't empty the stores and malls. I fear that people aren't in the Christmas spirit this year.
My block is devoid of Christmas decorations and lights this year. Granted, I live in the blue city of St. Louis, where probably ninety percent of my neighbors voted for Hillary Clinton. Are they so depressed that they can't celebrate Christmas this year? Or is it something else?
Is the Trump economic boom ending? Or are people so angry and depressed that they just don't feel the Christmas spirit?
Whatever the case, it is cause for concern. Either the economy is starting to tank or the American public has been so saturated with the ferocity of the political war that people just don't care. Neither is good for this country. There clearly is no optimism.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
“They are sick of the commercialization of Christmas”
The progressives haven’t killed Christmas but it’s not due to the lack of trying.
I couldn’t find a space near a mall with six levels of parking the other day. I myself buy 90% of the gifts online. Commercialization hasn’t gone anywhere.
You can’t even say Merry Christmas anymore without pissing someone off. Is it even a wonder?
Pretty crowded at the very small mall I went to today
In my part of Southern California, people are still decorating their houses for Christmas, and the stores are busy.
I think the commercialization is a large part of it too.
My local Costco put out Christmas lights and house displays in early August.
When stores started this “Black Friday” crap, opening early on and all Thanksgiving Day for Christmas specials, they cheapened Thanksgiving too.
Prior to the 2016 election, it was my turn to take the kids Trick-or-Treating while my wife handed out candy at home. I live in a pretty liberal area (infested with rich, white liberals) and of all the places with Hillary signs, only one was handing out candy. And this on "the" street to go to on Halloween. Maybe that's what's happening, and the author of the article lives in a liberal area.
In any case, I don't think it is a matter of Grinches nationally, but more likely a shift in the economy away from brick and mortar stores for purchases that can be planned for well in advance. I can't speak for the rest of you, but we spread out our Christmas purchases over months - sometimes over the whole year.
More Christmas lights in my rural Oklahoma town than last year by a noticeable amount.
You are free to speculate on any reason you want.
Crime is way, way up. People buy their stuff online rather than risk it.
I say Merry Christmas all the time. Never pissed off anybody that I know of.
Our stores are busy and I have been wishing folks a Merry Christmas after each interaction, unless I know that they practice another religion. It has been wonderful! People seem happier & more patient with each other this year!
My wife and I live an a farm. Neither of us has the time to be away from the farm long enough to "shop" in the stores.
Takes too much time, there are crowds of people and the traffic is in gridlock around the mall. Doesn't sound attractive to me.
Online shopping is the only way we go. Gifts can be delivered direct to the recipient. Otherwise what we order shows up on our own doorstop without any hassles.
Wow.
Stores and malls here were madhouses here yesterday.
>> I say Merry Christmas all the time.
Likewise.
The Wolf Chase Galleria in Memphis can’t find a parking spot.
WINNING!
I said Merry Christmas to a guy I was chatting with at the car wash. He wished me a Happy Hanukkah. We shook hands and drove off without any ill will when the cars were done.
America! What a country!
He takes one trip to mall to opine on economy ?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.