These days I can just about feed my life forms more cheaply for three days, than I can feed the metre for one. And they wonder why business is slow.
Back then we had late night shopping, too. I have fond memories of wandering through Londontown and D.I.C with my grandmother and stopping for coffee, the old fashioned cona kind. Ahh yes, where the club sandwich and chocolate eclair were the most gourmet and decadent things you could get. Both stores had their own Santas and I would patiently wait in line to sit on his knee and get a lolly. Yep, those were the days. Heaven forbid I try the same thing today. All I would get would be the bill for the poor old chap's knee surgery.
There was something really special about coming into town on a Friday night, with all the shops brightly lit up. Personally, I think they should look at revisiting the idea, even if it's just once a month and possibly in lieu of a Saturday morning. Might stop all the bitching and moaning about the River Traders Market, taking all the weekend business. It creates a win/win situation for everyone. Not to mention the parking would be free and no one would have to endure the high daytime temperatures that add stress to already harassed shoppers, but what do I know?
There have been many articles, of late, about shopping locally and supporting Wanganui businesses, which is fine if you're financially able to do so. I've done most of my Christmas shopping online for the simple fact it is so much cheaper and it's delivered right to my door.
I'm sure people are "hating on me" right now, for this choice, but when you're on a budget tighter than a duck's bum, why would anyone self inflict the extra costs of petrol and parking, and, often times, pay more for the same item, in-store. With more and more offering free delivery, it's a no brainer, as far as I'm concerned.
While I understand all the theories behind growing the local economy, it shouldn't come at the expense of those who can afford it the least. Local retailers know what they are up against. They're not the only ones doing it tough. Fact is they need our money to survive, so it's their job to make it an attractive proposition for us to spend what money we do have, with them. Guilt tripping us with their "hard times" stories doesn't cut it ... cutting the cost does, even if that means they need to stock cheaper brands or labels or go in another direction entirely.
Many people, too, make mention of how charming and attractive the main street is, with it's paving and the hanging baskets, that drought or no drought are mercilessly over-watered on a regular basis. Less money on Wanganui in Bloom might mean more money for Wanganui to boom. It's great to be a "pretty city" but not when the only thing destined to be rolling up the main street is tumbleweed.
Kate Stewart is an unemployed, reluctant mother of three, currently running amok in the city ... approach with caution or Christmas cake.
