Tis the Season
Tis the season once again where people everywhere find themselves in the spirit of Christmas. Celebrating the holidays means family gatherings and meals topped off by the yearly visit from old Saint Nick himself. The days leading up to this much-anticipated event are full of not only good cheer but trips to find that perfect gift. No matter where you go, you are always sure to find different types of shoppers.
The newest type of Christmas shopper was born not so long ago due to the emergence of the Internet and social media. These shoppers can be dubbed as "The Internet shoppers." Internet shoppers want nothing to do with getting out in the cold, fighting the crowds or even seeing Santa Claus. To them the perfect gift is only a mouse click away and usually comes with free shipping.
The idea of browsing website after website from the comforts of their own home or even at work is most appealing to them. These shoppers figure that what they may spend on shipping will zero out what they would have spent on fuel for their vehicle with the added plus of not having to fight with crowds or unruly sales people. Chances are that these shoppers have had their lists filled long before the music on the radio changes to classic holiday. They pride themselves on the fact that they are participating without having to don an ugly sweater and pay retail.
Then we have the "Christmas or bust" shoppers. These folks not only enjoy wearing that ugly sweater, chances are that they found several on sale in years prior and simply stocked up. Those lines on black Friday? These are the shoppers that help invent them. They are the founding forefathers of the holiday sales and know weeks ahead of time what they are looking for and where to get it. They brave the long lines and champion the unruly sales help. To them this is "their season" and they take to it like a baseball player in spring training. No store will go unseen and no one will be left out. They go hard from black Friday all the way up to Christmas Eve, even though their lists may have been filled weeks prior. You never know what you might find on sale, but chances are that these folks have found it first and bought what was left.
Procrastinators? No just call them the "Last minute guys" or basically any male who couldn't talk any female that he was acquainted with in doing his shopping for him. This shopper is aware of the Internet but waits too long. (The shipping wouldn't make it unless he wanted to mortgage his house to pay for it).They don't get caught up in the holiday cheer until the last second when they have no choice. (There is simply too many sports on this time of year). They make a quick dash around town, buying the first thing that they see judged on the length of line and availability. Size doesn't matter, as long as they keep the receipt. Forget wrapping, that's what gift bags were made for. Gift cards? These guys got a pocket full of them and they are not afraid to re-gift ones that they have received.
Be on the look out for these folks, they seem to be everywhere these days. Be nice to the sales people and don't forget the reason for the season. Remember also, you get to do it all over again next year.
