Published on 12, July, 2020
Shopping online is such a boon. When I can get things delivered that is. I've been battling with DHL for me to go and collect a pair of shoes that I bought at the beginning of November from them, but they only offer deliveries at non specific times, and I can't cope with that.
But leaving the house to go shopping I detest. All that noise, all that choice, all the offers, and colours, and people asking if you have store cards, and people trying to sell you things or asking you to fill in surveys... Give me a day spent indoors any time.
What is worse than shopping is shopping with my other half. This afternoon we set out to go to Sainsbury's to buy cereal, washing up liquid and something for dinner tonight. The snow is causing traffic chaos so we walk. No issue with that (though if anyone throws a snowball in my direction 'for a laugh' I'm turning round and going home).
Then on the way he goes into QD. I feel like I'm about to explode. Why change plans at the last minute like this? I can't cope, I feel like staging a sit-in protest. We start looking at Christmas decorations, even though we've got enough decorations to deck out Windsor Castle. 'I thought we were going to Sainsbury's' I complain. Just the look I get tells me to shut up or risk causing an argument. So I keep it to myself and my anxiety spikes.
On the way to Sainsbury's we stop in three more stores, by the end of which I'm feeling so confused I feel like crying. I start complaining and I get shouted at for being 'grumpy'.
No shopping is not for me.
Other tips for successful shopping is to know which shops make you feel at ease and try to stick to them. The question of what makes a relaxing shop is a bit complicated.
I remember one supermarket near my high school, that was my favourite from the first day I shopped there. I often went there on my way home and later on visited it whenever I was in the area. I always felt relaxed and enjoyed the experience, the atmosphere, the layout, the light from the large windows onto the checkouts. Then around three years ago I popped in and it had been redeveloped, the isles were in different directions, windows bricked up. Checkouts at other side. And I hated it. I left without buying anything and I haven't been back.
I have a favourite supermarket that I prefer to go to. I know the layout, I know some of the staff, I'm familiar with the building and the way it looks and the way it smells. My other half prefers a cheaper store and will insist on dragging me there, and can't understand why I want to continue shopping in the more expensive store. I can't explain it, I just feel more comfortable going to the same store.
For me what matters in a shop is to feel relaxed and at ease. It's not always dependent on prices or brand. Sometimes it's the time of day or night!
It's a case of you know it when you're in it.
I Mentioned that I avoided Aldi today. Well I do go there after 9pm.
I also avoided Waitrose. I shop there when it's quieter and I need something only they stock.
The shop I mentioned earlier that had been redeveloped. It was very quiet on my last visit. But I still walked out because I hated the new look & feel.
Some shops i like because of familiar cashiers who are friendly and relaxed.