Community Chat

[RedTop]

I changed my shopping habits before I retired 10+ years ago.  I shop ahead and stock the house well, so we breezed right thru Covid issues.  We still have 45 rolls of TP left that were here when we started the Covid shutdown; I have just started ordering more.  

July 2019 was the last time I entered the Belk store at the mall.  I haven't "shopped" there since Trucker Daughters senior year of high school, more than 20 years ago!  

April 2018 was the last time I was inside Wal-Mart, to buy a new dish drainer.  I was a big WM shopper when I worked 11-7 and would go there for groceries on my way home on Saturday mornings.  

1-2x a month I shop at my local IGA, and the only other stores I step foot in are CVS and DG.   

[ScrapHappy]

Don't go to the mall often.  Just as many have already mentioned, so many stores have closed.  Many years ago, I'd like to go to the mall.  Just to walk around with my Mom and get a pretzel.  Get out of the house sort of thing.  I do all the grocery shopping in store(s).  I prefer to pick my meats, fruits and vegetables.  I've seen some employees pick stuff that just looked bad.  But I do see doing it on line for those who cannot get to the store for whatever reason so I'm glad it's available.  I've really cut down on clothes.  Don't have need for business or dress up clothes (except for special occassions) so what I have will do.  I don't buy much of home decor, even for holidays.  I spent a small fortune at QVC on holiday decorating items and I just don't have it in me anymore.  I do shop online more than I did 10 years ago but I think that's mainly because many things are not in stock and/or the selections in store is not great.  

[songbird]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

@songbird.  I have many qvc jeans with zippers.  Gary showed a new D&C style this week with a zipper.

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Thanks.  I don't really look especially around Denim & Co. I assumed they would be pull ups. Jeans without zippers seem strange and don't look nice especially if you tuck them.  I look when Candace and Laurie are on.  I have dress pants that I got in mall stores that still have button/zipper closures. And I always laugh at Isaac and his "true denim"  But yeah, when you see Kim, Isaac, and the rest, they are pull ups with a ton of stretch..

[Zoe]

@RedTop 

Good question. Always loathed brick & mortar shopping. But I have slowed consumption in general. We get our groceries delivered or pick them up curbside. Get our pets' food/medication/essentials delivered. Amazon for monthly essentials delivered right to our door.

Have no need for an office wardrobe anymore. Never really was a shoe/bag person. What is bought, I use all year/season. So, no need for 5-10 bags for winter, etc. Find Q prices to be a little high, so do more online comparison shopping before purchasing.

We really stopped gifting -- receiving and exchanging. Now, we ask family if there is anything they need and make a contribution toward a larger purchase. Or we make gifts -- often consummables like fresh jams, pickles, baked goods. And sometimes I make something small and sentimental for them (that they don't have to feel obligated to keep). Not having to search for the gift the teen or young adult will like without breaking the bank is a gift in itself.

[bells4me]

Mine has changed in that I don't work any longer so I don't need dress clothes.  More jeans & tees for me.  As far as groceries,  I don't do pick up or delivery. I want to select my own food.  I do however almost always self checkout.  It's faster, I don't get overcharged and I get it in the bags I want.  No fast foods anymore as a meal in a restaurant costs the same.

[phoenixbrd]

Priorities have changed; however, continue to order lots of books especially off of Amazon.  My library flourishes....the closet/jewelry box not so much.  As always, lots of fresh produce shopping remains a constant.

[San Antonio Gal]

@Sooner  -  These days, I'm shopping mostly online.  I rarely go to stores to "try things on" and purchase.  I also didn't have Amazon 10 years ago. 

I'm still a loyal QVC shopper.  I'll never give up QVC.

[Mom2Dogs]

OFF TOPIC     but if you no longer need/want the clothes in your closet, do you not have a hard time letting them go?  

I have several things hanging in my closet that I have not worn for a while but the fabric is so nice and a cute design, I have trouble sending them to donation.

[AngelPuppy1]

You're right!  10 years makes a lot of difference!  I was just remarking the other day to DH that I get less done now than I'm retired then I did when I was working full-time! 

So, your question - yes, my shopping habits have changed a lot.  Since I no longer need work attire, I don't purchase that type of clothing any more.  It's been a hard transition because I worked basically my whole life.  When I go in a store, I still gravitate towards the clothing I would have chosen when I worked.  Then I stop myself and say --- wait, you can't buy this or that -- it would be pointless because you have no place to wear it!  It's a bit depressing because now I look for very casual items and ones that are not necessarily what I would have normally chosen in the past!  

I still want to look nice but comfort is very important.  Since DH and I rarely go any place, I have few occasions to get more dressed up.  I truthfully miss wearing my pretty outfits with jewelry, bags, etc. that I wore every day to work. 

I wore nicer slacks, top and some matching colored jewelry last week when we went to a casual restaurant and once we got there, I felt like I was totally over-dressed!  Everyone looked super casual -- nothing wrong with that --- but some almost to the point of looking like they were cleaning out the garage and just jumped in the car and didn't even bother to clean up or anything.  

I still prefer going to B&M stores, but in the last 10 years most the ones I went to locally have closed.  I have only a couple stores to go to.  It really limits my choices.  I do shop on line but buying clothing on line --- it's just not that much fun to me!

[AngelPuppy1]

@Coastalcarolina 

I'm sorry that your daughter moved away and you can't enjoy your shopping trips together any more!  If we lived near each other, we could go shopping together!  I sure know how you feel.  My Mom and I used to go to the mall sometimes and we used to have such fun.  Also, I don't have any close friends any more to go shopping with.  Either they moved far away, they passed away, or aren't able to go out shopping, or other reasons.  For me, it isn't always about buying, but just enjoying the experience of being out and browsing, seeing people, etc.  We have one mall left nearby and it's on its last leg.  Yes, very sad for me because I love malls and shopping in real stores!