Do I find shopping fun? Yes--and no!
I'm in Rachylou 's camp in missing the refinement and inspirational atmosphere I remember from past decades. The two dominant themes these days seem to be (1) "the thrill of the hunt" stores with endless racks of smashed together garments and heaped tables topped by SALE signs or (2) "let's party with the cool kids" shops with trendy, one-season only, merchandise in an overly stimulated playroom with just a curtained cubby as a try-on area.
I used to enjoy shopping in some of those stores which are slowly dying when they had interesting displays, helpful staff, and reasonable dressing rooms. But Banana Republic and J Crew decided to imitate Zara, and Gap decided that Old Navy and Target were its competitors. That decision required revamping sizing, styles, designs, and price points as well as re-fitting stores, which turned away many of their traditional customers. It seems not to have worked out.
Nordstroms held out longer than most department stores, but I've been disappointed in their Canadian stores which seem to be versions of their down-market US stores. I hadn't been in their flagship Seattle store for almost a decade, but was dismayed at how dispirited it appeared when I was there a year ago.
More and more, I'm finding the fun in shopping smaller, independent shops where the dressing rooms are large enough to hold a chair and the staff seem interested in my reaction to their merchandise. Once they get to know me, the owner often makes an effort to bring in items in my sizes. The staff never pressure me to buy something if it appears I am unsure, but they will encourage me to take an item home for a few days if I'm wavering. Alterations are free, and, as a returning customer, I often get a 10-15% discount and, on occasion, a scarf or pair of socks are tossed into my bag as a freebie. The downside is I pay close to full price, but I also get a phone call to alert me if a sale is coming up so I can shop ahead for my "bargains".
This is the kind of shopping I remember from past decades--and, yes, it is fun. But I also think my shopping habits make me a member of a dying breed. I don't want to shop endless racks of so-so merchandise to find a gold nugget, nor do I want to struggle to fit my senior bod into the latest Jenna-inspired sequined skirt. I don't much care for the idea of owning a one-season-only, trendy top made in a Bangladesh sweatshop. I love fashion, but that doesn't mean I have to wear, or own, everything I like. Valentino Rockstuds thrill me when I see them on others and their owners seem pleased when I shoot them an admiring glance, but, if I could wear them, I'd covet the real thing, not an imitation.
A bit of a rant here, but I hesitated to reply on the other thread because I believe, like Angie, that the sheer volume of shopping alternatives and selection we have today hasn't made consumers happy. Retailers aren't getting it right, but I'm not sure the problem, or solution, lies solely with them.
