I’m not a shopper — certainly not a recreational shopper. Unless I have an actual need for something, I tend to avoid retail spaces. And when I do need to buy, I try to avoid malls and chain stores.
Essentially, I don’t like being sold to. I don’t like busy window displays and overloaded “specials'” tables. I dislike the loud music that seems to have become normal, and above all, I dislike being followed around a shop by a sales assistant trying to “help” me.
I’m a buyer, not a shopper.
I do like markets; especially the kind giving artisan producers a chance to sell the fruits of their labour. I like the sense of engagement, a chance to talk to people who make things and whose passion for what’s on sale is genuine and infinitely greater than that of a shop worker whose minimum-wage income needs to be boosted with sales commissions.
And markets are often held in interesting spaces. I am just as likely to enjoy the architecture and ambience as any of the products for sale.
Unless it’s a real bargain.
But then there are the things I would feel uncomfortable about buying in any regular “shopping” place — like an animal.
I have no reason to believe this pig breeder doesn’t look after her animals, but personally, I’d want to know more about potential purchasers than just that they could stump up sixty bucks.
Shopping is this week’s theme at Debbie’s One Word Sunday
That’s a good thing to be – recreational shopping is expensive!
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π true. But my desire to support local artists can be a bit expensive too. The difference is that I always love what Iβve bought from artisans.
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Wow piglets, really?! Wow. I do like shopping but I really have to be in the mood.
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Yeah; it freaked me out slightly. I find the birds and small animals for sale at Queen Vic Market quite disturbing too. I guess, globally, it’s probably more usual than not, but I’m such a softie about animals.
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Me too.
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I hate shopping and tend to treat it as a raid – I need x, a quick visit to purchase x, and then out again. Time to do something more interesting – such as find a nice place for lunch! I agree markets can be worthwhile though.
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I love the idea of shopping as a raid — it is perfect!!!
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I am definitely not a shopper, which is a good thing as we couldn’t afford to travel. When I do have to shop for items, I usually have this conversation with myself, “Do I really need that, or want it?” What shops I do love are the independent ones and arty. I am a collector of cards and other smaller items while travelling. I have a cousin who’s a potter so looking forward to catching up with her and buying a piece once we settle down and become part-time travellers.
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How great to have a potter in the family!!! I love ceramics and they are a bit of a weakness, usually when I am buying as a gift. π
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Shopping! Spare me. It’s my least favourite activity, although it can be bearable in the good company of my sister if we are looking for something particular.
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π My mum was always good company on shopping trips.
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I feel exactly the same way, prefer markets.
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π
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Talking of shopping I must make a move to the supermarket before it closes…
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π
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I share your view on being a buyer rather than a shopper, Su. I do not shop, I buy with a purpose, with a clear and distinct need for something. I also like the ambience of the open market places. Have a great week!
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Thanks Peter. Wishing you a great week too.
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Must agree with you Su. Don’t like crowds or line ups and when it comes down to it, we really don’t need much, also prefer the individuality of the markets.
Leslie
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π
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π
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I like the way you note there is a difference between buyer and shopper.
I can see that totally.
I like the 8$ glass you spotted (and it had spots) ha…
and you warmed my heart when you said you invest in the artisans and small sales folks.
That – my friend – says a whole lot.
It reminded me of the flea market in South Carolina.
Well I have two stories to share from that flea market.
First, the lady that takes us is an old family friend – feels like an aunt, but the way she is kind of cold to the vendors showed me an ugly part about her.
I know we are not perfect people – never – but she was just above them – hard to explain.
And when I bought a small little handmade table – I almost bargained but then gave full asking price because it was fair and I did want to invest in the guy.
and then second – on a different trip
– many years before that –
they had a black lab – with a red leash – for fifty dollars.
he was so cute – but something felt all wrong. Gut wrong.
—
Last comment – the sign is actually really fun because it says 3 little pigs – like the nursery rhyme.
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I understand what you mean about how some people act “above” others. There’s that saying that if you want the measure of a person see how they treat waiters and salesfolk! Very true.
I never bargain with artisans; it feels so totally wrong when people have invested so much in their work. I have artist friends who trade works amongst themselves — a painting for use of a kiln, etc. but that is different.
She had three little pigs — the other two were still in the trailer π
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well I think some places price for the bargaining factor – but it is so not my “game” – ha
and yes – the sales folks and the service people bring out character.
And the lady I am referring to is a pastor – hmmm
anyhow, the artist bartering sounds like a good idea
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Humility doesn’t seem to be part of the job description for quite a few clergy I’ve met. π
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true that
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Those are fun, Su. I usually don’t like shopping, although I can browse in a bookstore for some time and I enjoy thrift store shopping, too. Mostly, though, I decide what I need, go after it, and go home. I also find the best way not to spend money is not to shop. π
janet
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Thanks Janet. I can spend hours in book shops too but don’t buy books as often as I used to. I do feel bad for authors and independent book-sellers, but you’re right — the best way not to spend money is not to shop π
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I don’t buy many books, either, just use the library. I have hundreds of books already, but if I had to buy everything I read, we’d be broke!
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Hehe. You and me both. We thought we might be able to free up some bookshelf space when the boy-child moved out, but he (quite rightly) points out that his living arrangements aren’t as book-friendly as our home, so we still have one room full of shelves with his books. π
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The mind boggles at who would buy a piglet from a market. Anyone for a spit roast π±π±π±
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Thatβs the scary thing. It seemed not to show much regard for the animalsβ welfare.
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βΉοΈ
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I am like you. Shopping is not fun, but it’s necessary. The day I discovered I could do much of it online changed my life.
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Yes; online shopping is my first choice for so many things.
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I’m a shopper. I love to shop – big stores, little stores, markets … they all deserve my attention π
However, since I retired, I don’t shop much anymore. I don’t have the space, I don’t need the clothes, and I don’t really lack for anything. Now the vast majority of my shopping is only for groceries – but it’s not the same π
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Groceries are definitely not the same!!! Although shopping for them in markets does have its own pleasures. π
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I’m definitely he same – a buyer, not a shopper!! The only recreational shopping I admit to is hunting for bargain fabrics, artist’s supplies or books.π Otherwise it’s in and out as fast as possible! π
Love the glass, such a beautiful colour! π xxxxxxx
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Iβd probably have to add unusual crockery to that. I seem to be acquiring quite a collection of odd plates and bowls that look pretty in photos π xxxxxxx
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That’s definitely a must then! Can’t have you using the same crockery over and over again for your wonderful still life shots!! π xxx
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I used to be a “shopping addict” but as I get older I’m getting more particular about the type of place that is enjoyable to shop too. Amazon has admittedly become my go-to place for everyday boring necessities because you can’t beat the ease and prices.
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π
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Very amazing snaps these are indeed π
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