Precursors of a retail spring
Things were crowded, among the bins of nuts. Different sizes, different shapes. My needs were simple, if poorly defined. Each one with a special use, and a paired bolt and washer. This was hardware, not groceries. I needed just over a dozen stove bolts, but I wanted something that had more than a dome head.Waiting my turn, to examine the racks more closely.
There were other, more interesting things on display. Bags of potting earth. Seeds. A variety of small shovels. Although we remain prisoner in a land of snow and ice, the retailers are getting ready. Seasons change, early. try to buy a pair of winter boots right now, and the variety is sure to disappoint. Sneakers and sandals, on the other foot, are out there and ready for the first sign of uncovered pavement. The supply chains may vibrate to the tunes of JIT (just in time) but the shopper needs to be prompted, early and often.
In fact, the boat show season is already over, and the car shows are ready to roll. Followed by the wedding extravaganzas and the summer camp shopping via the blow-in of the daily newspaper. Speaking of which, our “camelot” has changed, and the new one has a schedule that remains out of sync with my need for morning headlines. Almost nine a.m. before the box rattled and the dog barked in response. My morning coffee is a lonely imbibition.
I’ll adjust. Soon, a morning newspaper will be “but a memory of the olden days”, and the news will be provided via a web browser. Or a radio feed.
