topic Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle in Community Chat

Shopping is now a huge hassle

Mominohio — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:28:02 GMT

I used to enjoy shopping, especially grocery shopping. I could make a whole day of doing either necessary shopping or just for fun shopping.

Since Covid struck, I've come to hate it.

The first several months I only went to the grocery and Sam's Club, and even then, every other week at the most.

Lately, I have been in more stores, as I have been trying to get some things I was lacking (was in desperate need of shoes for one thing) as well as things my mom was needing, and lately, she has had to come along to try on some things (she needed shoes too! lol).

I hate the masks, it's hot, fogs the glasses, and at points suffocating. I have a sore throat for days after extended mask wearing.

I hate the reduced store hours. I like to get in at the crack of dawn and get out. Most here are opening much later now.

I hate the lack of merchandise and choice. I even hate online shopping as some things are still hard to find even online. Orders simply don't come or are incomplete, orders are arriving damaged from rough handling (not buying canned goods online anymore, they keep coming beat up really bad!).

I hate the lack of service. Good service and people knowledgeable about the products they are selling was hard to find pre Covid, even worse now. You are on your own trying to figure out the few products actually available.

I had to get my mom out yesterday and get some things she needed, but she had to be there to choose. It was the most exhausting and frustrating day. Hit ******'s Sporting goods for tennis shoes for her (and me). The 12 year old working in the department had no clue what he was doing, they had limited sizes in everything, and he was as helpful as a wall.

Next on to TJ Maxx, to look, so many bare racks and shelves there too.

On to Macy's. What a disgrace. The store inventory looks to be at half or less what it was when I was last in there a couple of years ago. No help. One person covering multiple departments. Our entire mall was empty. I noticed some stores, like Christoper Banks, were not even open for business. Half the mall was empty store fronts, boarded up.

Finish Line shoes next, and they were the most helpful we found all day, but still no prize. Each of us got a pair of shoes, price made me want to faint, but it is what it is if you want something right now.

Grocery stores have lots of empty shelves here again (although nothing like the initial run at the beginning of this), mall is empty (literally most places) stores that notoriously overstock (TJ Maxx does that here) are so thin on merchandise, and huge gaps. Online is hit or miss, and shipping is taking forever for many, or things arrive damaged.

I've become increasingly aggravated with trying to shop for needed things and I'm to the point it just isn't worth it. I have managed to get us things we were needing (we both needed new bras, we were down to just two each) but between the online hunt and the exhausting store running (some things I just can't order online unless I already have the exact same thing, I need to try it on, same for my mom) for nothing, I've decided shopping just isn't worth it right now.

There are a few more things I know my mom needs (like pants that she will have to go and try on) and I'm going to discourage her from even doing it at this time. We are essentially not going anywhere, so with the exception of something really dire, I'm done trying to find what doesn't exist, in places that just don't have stuff.

Anyone else finding that certain things just aren't worth the effort and that you once found joy in doing, simply aren't at this time?

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

deepwaterdotter — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:36:50 GMT

I've found that complaining about most things usually 'falls on deaf ears'. As you wrote, it's "just not worth the effort". So I try to do the best I can with what resources are available. And since I find myself with an abundance of time most days, I try to do a thorough search of all resources.

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

webbgarner1 — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:39:34 GMT

@Mominohio Retailers, restaurants, gyms etc are closing permanenetly due to the economic crisis brought about by covid. Inventory is low because manufactoring jobs were so affected. Be thankful you have what choices you do have and appreciate it in good health. Pray you do not loose your family, your life your job, your home. Now is a time to be humble and have gratitude.

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

teganslaw — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:42:54 GMT

It doesn't pay to complain about things on this forum. Others seem to acknowledge it as unncecessary, so why bother.

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:45:03 GMT

@Mominohio Yes, I feel like you do, I have had the same/similar experinece as you detail. My step daugher works for a large retail company and they are opening new stores in the south....I told DH to ask her where are they getting merchandise to stock the store with....in our area retail stores are bare as well as grocery store shelves.

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

Krimpette — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:45:42 GMT

I do most of my grocery shopping at Trader Joe's. They have a senior hour from 8AM-9AM. Sometimes I go early and wait in line till they open. But lately, I go at 8:30 and there is no line. The biggest advantage is that everything is fully stocked at that hour. What I hate most is putting the stuff away when I get back home!

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

I am still oxox — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:47:35 GMT

I wear a mask for my own good, and the good of others, I use my mask when I am getting a manicure or my hair done, and when being seated outside for dinner.

I do not shop, my hubby does the food shoppings and do more and more things on lien these days

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

ThinkingOutLoud — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:48:36 GMT

I'm sorry things are frustrating.

And I'm sorry some here can't show a bit of kindness (even if their points are valid).

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

Lali1 — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:52:32 GMT

Who knew absolutely no venting was allowed here. I drove to pickup groceries yesterday at Walmart and their garden gates are closed so you can only go through the front doors. I saw all the plants and succulents and said a bad word because I so badly wanted to go in and grab some succulents. I'm not walking through the whole store to go to the garden section. I may go to the nursery today. I'm sick to death of doing nothing at all that I want to do. And Anyone who thinks they get to tell me to do better. I've truly gone nowhere but to the pharmacy to get cards for birthdays and do pickups for groceries and the vet and sat in the parking lot for months now. My daily walks are a godsend right now as are my husband and my puppies.

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

alicedee — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:49:05 GMT

I stopped considering shopping as recreation a long time ago....I am not fond of driving, parking where you hope someone won't hit/scratch your vehicle, fighting crowds when it is busy.

So much easier for me to shop online. I started my grocery order online last night to pick up Friday....I can tweak it until midnight Thursday. Love not having to go in the store.

Clothing...I only buy online at a good sale price. If I don't like it or it doesn't fit I pass it on to a family member or donate. While I am hardly going anywhere, I don't need much in the way of new clothes.

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

CelticCrafter — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:49:44 GMT

I've only been out to stores maybe 5 times since the middle of March.

My husband has done 100% of the grocery shopping since then and I don't know how he does it.

If I was alone and had to do it myself I would be using one of the shop from home grocery services.

I hate having to wear a mask, I start to feel like I'm suffocating and can't wait to get out of the store.

It's easier for me to stay home, the few times I did go out it just wasn't fun at all.

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:00:34 GMT

@Lali1 I will vent and complain ALL I WANT TO....that said, every single event (mostly art shows) that I typically do in the summer has been cancelled this year....I feel for those that sold at the art shows, every thing has been cancelled, and selling on line is not always easy.

DH and I do get out, we eat out and occasionally hit the mall but do it just to get out and about...it certainly is no fun.

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

Meowingkitty — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:01:21 GMT

I go out regularly. Nothing I want is in short supply in the Phoenix area. I've gone to Costco, Dillard, Macy's, Target, Walmart, Kohl's, multiple grocery stores etc with no problems whatsoever. Except for Costco, most places are relatively empty. I did buy a bunch of pants and shorts from LL Bean recently because they were having a sale and I know they fit. I still enjoy shopping except I don't go out as often as I'd like because we are on day 40 (maybe more but who's counting) of over 110 degrees and I hate wearing a mask. After 10 minutes I'm taking it off and wiping down my face.

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

deeva — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:07:45 GMT

I was surprised how fully stocked our Macy's is. I'm pretty sure they transferred merchandise from their stores that closed.

Went to Sally beauty, and couldn't find any of the products I needed.
But things will eventually get better.

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

1Snickers — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:06:31 GMT

@Mominohio I understand! After several days inside I can't wait to get to a store. Then as soon as I'm there the proximity of people makes me hurry and move away. Then, I can't wait to get home.
I'm not buying new clothes unless absolutely necessary. I'm thinning closets of old things I never wear like Christmas sweaters, and cruise clothes. Shoes that hurt are going. I took 6 bags to the needy yesterday.
I always loved shopping. Then, bit by bit the big department stores closed and some were a long drive.
I'm not even looking forward to Christmas. I won't be with family anyhow. Will send cards with checks!

😢

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

wenfen — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:08:25 GMT

@MominohioWow! So sorry for your frustration, but honestly being so high risk, I'm just grateful that I'm still alive during this awful Pandemic.

I totally share your frustration regarding finding items, but I've been extremly happy shopping online with Belk, Amazon, Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, Target & other stores. If you know your size/manufacturer there are some great bargains to be had & most have 2 day free shipping so Win/Win!.

Costco & Sam's Club Senior Hours & Concierge services have been a God send because you just go online, choose your items & pick them up curbside no no indoor exposure.

I would highly reccomend checking out some of the online stores for items you need. Way safer & lots more options. Again if you know your size it really helps...most stores don't allow try ons during the pandemic, so there is no benefit for me to even go to a store now.

TC, please stay safe & healthy both you & your Mom & hope that you're able to find items you need online!

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

songbird — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:13:51 GMT

I pretty much agree about the masks. It's really hot and difficult to breath in some of them. Got a cloth mask from QVC, a litle better.

I still haven't been to supermarkets since the pandeic started. Just use Instacart. I don't think I'll go back after theis thing is over (if it ever will)

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

gizmogal — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:14:08 GMT

You:

I could make a whole day of doing either necessary shopping or just for fun shopping

Also You:

I hate the reduced store hours. I like to get in at the crack of dawn and get out. Most here are opening much later now.

So which is it? You like a whole day of shopping or you want to get in early and get out quickly??

You hate wearing a mask for a couple of hours of shopping inside, but you resent, with stated contempt, those unhelpful clerks who are standing around uncomfortable in a mask ALL DAY for your safety.

Or you simply like complaining?

There's not a lot of inventory because so many people are staying home and not going into stores, staying safe, So stores are not stocking up. There is no point in stores stocking to the top if there are few shoppers in the stores buying. They are certainly grateful for your purchases, but not making enough money yet to invest in inventory.

Merchants adjusted the store hours to leave sufficient time to bring in cleaning crews to sanitize before/after the business day. In some places, sanitizing is mandated. That protects you but adds expense to the store's obligations. If their overhead rises, their inventory has to stay low.

Many employees now there to help are new. They lost their jobs elsewhere and took whatever they could get to have income; they come into work wearing a mask all day, perhaps as uncomfortably as you, but you get to leave the store. New sales help have not yet become fully familiar with merchandise.

(How much help do you want to select and try on bras? Do you commonly try a different bra style and size each time you need to pick up a few new ones--you also expect help from a trained sales person to buy a new bra??? Ditto for shoes? What stores have help standing around to pull a shoe out of a box for you--shoe shopping has been self serve for quite a while, even in sporting goods stores? Buying sneakers is so much fashion you need a professsional to help?)

If you can get out to shop and like it enough to deal with soooo many negatives you have so preceisely identified, you should consider telling us about what you found that was worth buying! Let's hear some enthusiasm for those purchases! How many days you wait for your sore throat from mask-wearing to clear up before you venture out again?

We all want to hear something positive. Especially those of us not going out, stuck ordering online for our known sizes and brands for things like underwear and leisure shoes. Help us to appreciate how your experiences are worth trying.

So far, I'm not in envy and yet my bra drawer is newly filled and I have enough shoes for someone mostly staying at home.

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

luvmyteddy4 — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:14:22 GMT

I stopped at the Walmart small grocery store this morning and didn't know they had blocked off the entrance in front so you had to walk to the other side. That's fine but I wouldn't have parked on the disabilty side I would have parked on the other side.

I kiddingly said to the girl out front oh I would have parked on the other side. She says well there's a sign on the barrier but you couldn't see the sign from the diabled parking. She says oh your right you must be new, I said no. She says well then you should have known about the sign! What!!! Wow won't be going back there. You don't talk back to a customer!

Re: Shopping is now a huge hassle

SeaMaiden — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 17:08:10 GMT

In life STUFF HAPPENS... what happens is out of our or your control..... I see this virus as a major inconvenience ... life is full of in conveniences... like having to have a colonoscopy or a root canal... YOU JUST HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT . It is how you deal with it that gets you through it.

In life there is no easy pass... no guarantees... so just take it day by day... try to see the good....and make mention of all the good things that happened that day. Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will have its own set of rules... more stuff to deal with.