Shopping in the sales...

Now that season to be “jolly” has passed, I see the people around me preoccupied with one thing. Not world peace, not what’s to eat for dinner, not is it warm in the house. They think about the sales, of course, when all stores reduce their prices.

I was in Birmingham over the “Boxing Day” bank holiday and I was shocked to see major stores shut, while small kiosks were open. At that moment I began to wonder where all the people were. Have they decided not to shop at all? Were they shopping online, for convenience? Or is it because people don’t have any money nowadays?

In my view, we need to stop for a moment and think: are we feeding the hungry with our shopping? Are we clothing the poor with our shopping? Are we contributing to the rise of the community? I believe we aren’t. Mindless shopping for bargains has lead many people into financial difficulties.

I don’t think there were such issues in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s or 80’s. You will say: Perhaps it’s because there weren’t as many things to buy.  I agree, perhaps that might be the case. However, in my opinion, we should still show restraint, while supporting the local entrepreneurs.