Shopping is my passion, hobby, relaxation and refuge in times of trouble.
I find it a cleansing of the mind and soul. Checking out a clearance rack for the ultimate bargain gets the adrenaline flowing and keeps me pumped up.
I can scan a sale section like a superhero with X-ray vision. If there is a true bargain there, I will find it. I will swoop down and aim for the target. Occasionally someone may beat me to it, but I will hover hoping the item will be put back on the rack, and often it is. If not, I move on to something else or check online for the same item.
Perseverance is the name of the game — knowing the stock from precious visits and location of sale racks is crucial to my mission. Some stores keep sale items close together and in the same place, but every once in awhile they pull a fast one and switch the racks around. This takes a little maneuvering, but the seasoned shopper can get back on track quickly with a fast tour of the store to find the coveted sale items.
I remember my first introduction to the clearance rack when I was about 12 years old. My mom had taken me shopping, and my most recent growth spurt had propelled me into what was called preteen clothes. And there against the wall was a glorious sale section. I realized at that very young age that full price was a thing of the past. I am sure my mom had scoured the sale racks many years before that, but it was my first realization that I could buy so much more at a reduced price.
From then on, it has been a life of stalking clearance areas and watching for reductions, sometimes with even more discounts than the price tag says. That really gets the adrenaline pumping. I was recently called a savvy shopper at a retail establishment as I whipped out extra savings coupons.
Needless to say, I can definitely be called a clothes horse, lover of the retail world and even a shopaholic. If I haven’t been shopping for a few days, I start to go through withdrawal. I don’t always buy something when I am out, but the looking and window shopping are part of the experience.
Several friends share my passion and often accompany me on shopping excursions out of town when local options have been exhausted. One trend we have found and embrace is the opening of thrift and consignment shops. Sometimes amazing buys are found in these establishments. The best buy of the last few years was a pair of Christian Louboutin red sole, black patent heels for $1. The usual price is several hundred dollars. So far, we haven’t found a better bargain even though we keep vehemently trying.
This is certainly not for everyone, and some may have quite the opposite reaction about shopping as I do. But for those who share my passion, keep up the hunt.
