Christmas is three days away! Fine, it is more than three days away, but the number will register as “three” in your stress-addled brain. Compounding the dissolution of time, the supply chain is on holiday in Branson, Missouri.
Time is running out to order those special gifts loved ones will store in the back of a closet until moving to a new home (wine rack in the shape of HMS Victory). The hour is nigh to return to physical stores.
Some say in-person retail is dead, but they have not set foot in a Home Goods in December. They have not ducked behind an end cap (scented candles) to avoid someone whose line of vision is obliterated (holiday throw pillows). Stores are still substantial hubs of mayhem!
As you venture out to finish your holiday list (Bluetooth grilling thermometer), it’s helpful to remember the types of shoppers you may encounter. Preparation is the greatest gift (besides a self-watering orchid pot).
STUNT DRIVING SHOPPER
Parking lots are a privilege, not a right. Does he not know this? He will Tokyo drift around the corner at Macy’s while using talk-to-text and filming for TikTok. He will back his Land Rover into the moped spot. He might eject an unwilling participant from the vehicle to stand in a parking space so no one else can have it.
MANY HAPPY RETURNS SHOPPER
It’s hard to believe she could not find any time except days before Christmas to seek refunds on items purchased in October (artisan cheese board, Ugg slippers). Yet here we are, waiting in line 24-deep while four clerks try to reach someone named “Joanna,” the only one with the little key to do a return without a receipt.
‘THIS WAS ON THE WRONG RACK’ SHOPPER
Not to be confused with “I Must Inspect This (Box of Tapas Plates) And Block the Aisle” Shopper and “This (Pair of Socks) Has a Thread Hanging Down” Shopper.
NO-SHOPPING SHOPPER
She wanders Target with a list of 11 people but cannot make a decision. Is this (smoothie maker) cool or stupid? Do people still use (1,000-piece puzzles)? She clutches only the bottle of dishwashing liquid she needs for home.
PERSONAL CONVERSATION SHOPPER
They love loitering, conducting all conversations near the most popular display (chihuahua staircase). They are trying to buy a house but need to raise their credit score. Their friend is getting married to the wrong person. They cannot believe what happened on “Succession.” They will tackle any subject, except, crucially, moving out of the way.
CONFUSED RELATIVE SHOPPER
Tragically, he forgot to check the ages of nieces and nephews before purchasing gifts. Those children were 6 once, yes. But they are now in college and do not want a JoJo Siwa hair bow anymore. JoJo Siwa does not even want a JoJo Siwa hair bow anymore.
ACTUALLY SHOPPING FOR MYSELF SHOPPER
Is this you? Are you strolling local boutiques under the guise of shopping for a dad (sweater that says DAD) but leaving with bags of items for yourself (nail polish kit, discount fall decorations, yet one more plant)? You’re good. Just be careful with the car on the way out, lest you check two boxes.
Stephanie Hayes is a columnist at the Tampa Bay Times in Florida. Follow her at @stephhayeswrites on Facebook, @stephhayes on Twitter or @stephrhayes on Instagram.
