July 18, 2024
October 19, 2021
Choose A Doll
Unfortunately, these remind me of Stephen King's Children of the Corn.
Watch out grown ups, they're coming for yoooou! ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Choose A Doll
February 7, 2021
Did You Sell Your GameStop?
Well, I couldn't resist.
Around midday today, I peaked my head into the local GameStop.
There wasn't 1 single customer in the store.
Not 1!
There were two workers.
When I asked if they had any GameStop stock.
The manager said he had been offered some when he got promoted, but unfortunately turned it down.
Well the stock was a manic bubble for a short time these last few weeks, and it could've made him a bundle.
Based on what you see today, do you think you should own GameStop? ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Did You Sell Your GameStop?
November 11, 2020
Seeing It Through Glass
Somehow they make everything look so cool.
The designer clothing from floor to ceiling doesn't hurt.
But seeing it through the lens of these glass balls only adds to the pricey out-of-world experience. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Seeing It Through Glass
June 22, 2020
Never Any Rest In Life
Dick's Sporting Goods was open, but still not much else.
It was refreshing to look around again.
Nearly all the bicycles were cleaned out with people forced to do their own exercise routines these days.
People walking around mostly like they were on Mars.
Had some restaurants with just their patios open and people are sitting outside in the good weather.
Also, some eateries open for takeout.
Best part is still nature, and all the closures have brought us back to it.
This turtle was tanning in the warm sun on the rocks and swatting the snake away with its rear foot.
Sort of funny that even a turtle can never get any rest in life. ;-)
(Credit Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Never Any Rest In Life
June 25, 2019
Life = Growth
It says behind the cash registers:
People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. - Eleanor Roosevelt
The background has this serene river flow--along with some obvious whitewater.
But in front of it, the cash register area is hopping crazy and messy.
It's a contradiction--not unlike life itself which is full of it's own ups and downs that challenge us routinely.
Life is where we get the experience that shapes us and strengthens us, as long as it does not break us.
Life = Growth
Why else would we be here?
G-d is the best teacher. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Life = Growth
November 22, 2018
Black Thursday For Shopaholics
So Black Friday Shopping extravaganza that used to happen the day after Thanksgiving has now turned into Black Thursday mega-shopping on Thanksgiving Thursday.
The huge Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise, Florida is open 10 AM to 1 AM!
The mall was packed with people and the deals were pretty fantastic.
Under Armour was 50% off!
True Religion was buy 1 get 1 free!
Almost every store seemed to be 1/2 price off already reduced prices.
What I liked in this video I took here was the WOW! display around the entire entrance to this Century 21 apparel store.
Watch the whole thing...it is really cool what they did with this frontage real estate for this store.
Great job on the marketing and very inviting!
So lots of compulsive shopping, but not so much turkey today. ;-)
(Source video: Andy Blumenthal)
Black Thursday For Shopaholics
May 30, 2018
Dumb Socks
Well, this is what you get to try-on shoes.
These absolutely crappy, thin, brownish wades of disposable nylon socks.
How completely unappealing--especially piled up like this and looking like they are getting reused again and again.
The try-on socks look shitty, feel shitty, and don't help you try-on anything, because they aren't the same density or texture as regular socks.
Talk about penny wise and dollar foolish--if the store won't even invest in a proper pair of socks for their customers, then how much do they value their business?
How about an intelligent shoe store with a little class that actually has some real pairs of socks for their customers, and when you're done they send them out to the cleaners or maybe even let you keep the pair if you buy the shoes! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Dumb Socks
May 26, 2018
Amazon's Dangerous Genius
Traditionally, they have invested for the long-haul!
For years, Amazon never made a dime, actually operating at a loss.
But all the time making long-term investments in infrastructure (warehouses, supply chain, logistics, etc.) and in customer acquisition.
Their great selection, reasonable pricing, free shipping, and easy return policy lured hundreds of millions of people to drop the brick-and-mortar stores and even other online retailers to go Amazon all the way.
Most people I know get virtually everything and anything on Amazon these days.
Of course, the fear always was that Amazon would become such a dominant player and monopoly that no one else could compete.
For a long time, they didn't even charge sales tax!
It seems people can't even imagine not having Amazon--where in the world would they shop and get all their stuff in 2-days or less (Prime Customers) and still be able to return all the crap they don't even want.
So here is the rub.
Now that Amazon is so dominant, guess what? They are raising the Prime Rates and cutting back on returns--with customers actually being banned for returning too much.
Ah, the lure, bait and switch.
Amazon got us all as their slave customers--and we let them and love them for it.
And after they snared us with all the convenience and security of being able to return stuff, they pull the rug and what can you do, but cry foul?
I love Amazon for their genius and what they have done for eCommerce, but I don't like that they've built in a sense a dark empire to prey on their loyal customer base.
Mr. Bezos, here is my message to you...
Please stay true to your ideals of customer-centricity and long-term investment in the company that has been the foundation for what you have built into such a retail juggernaut.
Keep valuing your customers and serving them well and not trading them in for short-term profit gain.
In the end, that is a winning strategy that won't land you in either regulatory hell and/or antitrust action to then force you to bend your knee or your ultimate breakup.
Remember, you have one chance to make the right decision for Amazon or I fear that it's not product returns that you'll be for long worrying about. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Amazon's Dangerous Genius
February 14, 2018
Valentine's Day Fashion Wow!
I can't imagine who would make such a thing, but WOW!
This guy is a walking Mr. Charming.
Forget the sales job in the jewelry store, I would put him right on the "The Bachelor" season whatever.
Who isn't going to fall in love with this guy?
"Matchmaker matchmaker make me a match.Love wins over hate...
Find me a find.
Catch me a catch."
Happy Valentine's Day! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Valentine's Day Fashion Wow!
March 16, 2017
Sexuality Sells Sometimes
As you can see, the center mannequin is set up sitting in not a very modest way for a lady.
And worse, there is a little boy mannequin situated right next to her.
It was funny to see people stop to look at this fake sexual scene.
But no amount of sexuality could sell the junk that the store was pushing.
So strutting your stuff or showing a little skin--or in this case hard plastic--may get the customer's attention or even in the store.
However, it certainly doesn't close the deal, although something else here would be better off shut or as my mother-in-law says, "close your yap!" ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Sexuality Sells Sometimes
January 26, 2017
Camera Of Life
Camera Of Life
April 18, 2016
Paint Can Art
Paint Can Art
February 3, 2016
Bodega D.C.
Bodega D.C.
October 25, 2015
Footsies at Comfort One
My wife tells me, "Go to Comfort One for new shoes."
I say, "But I don't want to go get nerdy shoes there."
Like in most arguments, my wife wins and in I march, reluctantly, to the store.
First, they take this scan of my feet (something that looks like the picture above) to show me where my foot is getting pressure (and pain).
Okay, well I already know this, but when you see all the red on the picture, I guess it helps to scare you to getting an expensive new pair of orthopedic-like shoes.
But first, they sell me on some arch supports that slides into the shoe...they seem to feel pretty good, and in fact, after walking around in them for a little while, I actually miss them when I finally take them off.
Give me back those darn arch supports, will ya?
Next, we see these amazing Mephisto shoes (with "soft-air technology")...made in Europe...the salesman says, their built like a tank.
My wife says, "Oh, my aunt told me to get those too!" We now have a bona fide endorsement.
I pick up the shoe on display and it look like it is pretty rugged with all the right support for walking around...maybe I got to get over that it looks to me like old people shoes (from Haband).
Hey, what do you want Andy--to feel good on your feet or to look like your 18 again.
Okay, I try them on...with the arch supports inserted...and what do you know, I am walking a heck of a lot better.
Well, what about the price...holy crap, I can get 3 pairs of cool shoes at REI for one of these nerdy pairs.
Oh darn it, I have no choice...I am walking better, especially with the hip surgeries from last year still looming behind me.
I get the shoes, I get the arches...I pay the money--too much money!
I feel nerdy or so nerdy, but maybe I'm going for the healing power, G-d willing, of a good pair of supportive shoes.
My wife was right again, and I hate to admit it, but please don't tell her I said so--it's bad for her ego and mine. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Footsies at Comfort One
October 24, 2015
Where's The Value?
The Wall Street Journal reports today that from the 10 largest companies by market capitalization:
1) The top 3 are technology companies
- Apple $679B
- Alphabet (Google's Parent) $489B
- Microsoft $422B
2) Moreover, a full 5 (half) of the top 10 are technology companies
That includes the 3 above and the other 2 below:
- Facebook $288B
- Amazon $280B
As a technology person, I am thrilled at the impact that IT has on our society.
We are no longer the same thanks to our Apple iPhones, Google Search, Microsoft's business tools like Outlook, Office and SharePoint, Facebook's social networking, and Amazon's online shopping.
But to think that these information capabilities outweigh by value everything else in society that we need as people is somewhat astounding.
For example, the other 5 of the top 10 companies are:
- Exxon Mobil (Oil and Gas) $346B
- Berkshire Hathaway (Insurance, Utilities, Clothing, Building Products, Retail, Flight Services) $340B
- General Electric (Power and Water, Oil and Gas, Energy Management, Aviation, Healthcare, Transportation) $298B
- Wells Fargo (World's Largest Bank) $280B
- Johnson and Johnson (Pharmaceuticals) $278B
So when you add these behemoths up--this is what we have:
The 5 top technology companies are worth $2.158T
Vs.
The top 5 traditional companies from all the other industries combined are worth only $1.542T
Net it out:
The largest representative IT companies are worth $616B or 40% more than the other major companies combined.
(In fact, just the top 3 IT companies at $1.56T are worth more than the top 5 other companies at $1.542T.)
Sure IT growth has been on a tear for the last couple of decades and we love everything futuristic it brings us.
But isn't it a little scary to think that the companies that meet all our other needs from food, clothing, shelter, medicine, transportation, energy, finance, retail, etc. isn't worth more to us than just the IT alone.
Perhaps adding it up from a value perspective just doesn't add up in a real life perspective.
I love technology and want more and more of it, but man does not live by technology alone. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Where's The Value?
July 16, 2015
B&N Chairs Are The Pits
They are so uncomfortable--many people seem to rather sprawl out on the floor to browse the magazines and books, rather then get a butt bender in those darn chairs.
Some other people that I've seen now have resorted to placing cushy stuffed animals on the chairs to ease the discomfit on the arse!
I took this picture of someone's chair by the window with 2 stuffed animals left over after what must've been a much needed cushion liner on the the bare wood.
[BTW, sorry for whoever buys those sat on, smelled on stuffed animals afterwards--ew!]
The question is why invite people in to browse and sit--if you are only going to make them so uncomfortable.
Ok, I get the implicit message, "You can read for a few minutes, but otherwise buy something or get the h*ck out!"
And not that they are wrong (they aren't), but why resort to making people physically uncomfortable and forcing them to leave instead of making everything welcoming and encouraging shopping and sales.
Barnes and Nobles--a nice place to visit for 20 minutes as long as you have some stuffed animals for your butt--but Amazon will reign bookstore supreme. ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
B&N Chairs Are The Pits
July 13, 2015
Customers Gone Stinkin' Wild
This is the aisle for rugs and mats.
And it is a disaster zone!
I asked the clerk (with the orange apron on) knelling on the floor at the end of the aisle if the customers did this.
And he said, "Oh yes!" and he had to clean it all up.
My G-d, what gets into people?
It's one thing to shop--pick things up and put them down--but throwing everything all over and trashing the place--stuff on the floors and literally left dangling off the shelves.
And forgetting for a moment what this does to other people's shopping experience and the potential loss of sales for the store...
How about we think for a moment about the poor guy working in the store to earn a few bucks for his family who now has to go on and his knees to clean up this pigfest?
Is this really shopping or for some people perhaps it's is a way of venting their anger by choosing to sh*t on the innocent next guy.
Gee whiz folks--can you have a heart? ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Customers Gone Stinkin' Wild
June 12, 2015
Try That On!
That brand has such a cool clothing style (although a little pricey)--everything is sort of hippyish, natural, eloquent, cool grunge, and feminine with lace, beads, frills, ruffles, and more.
As we went through the store, we noticed the amazing fitting rooms with heavy tapestry-type curtains and these beautiful flowers hanging plentifully from the ceiling--ushering you to try out their clothes.
My daughter ended up getting a nice bag there, but the clothing also looks amazing and fits perfectly with her fashion sense.
It was interesting for me to learn that Free People was started by the same couple in the 1970's that founded Urban Outfitters.
Two retail success stories--but Free People is not only the cooler name, but the better clothing line.
Be Free People! ;-)
(Source Photo: Andy Blumenthal)
Try That On!
December 8, 2014
They Ain't Nothing
So Microsoft has tried to do the copycat thing of the Apple Store.
See Apple (top photo) streaming with customers trying out their world-class computers and smartphones yesterday.
See Microsoft (photo underneath) just a few storefronts down in the mall with nice vibrant colors, but just a handful of customers (the non-red shirts) in the entire place.
BTW, I took a look at the iPhone 6 Plus and liked the size (I thought I wouldn't) and ordered one (will be nice I hope to actually see the screen on this thing).
At the same time, I tried the Microsoft Surface, and my wife says to me can you videotape me showing how long it takes to actually try to figure this thing out--piece of garbage!
It was also confusing why the Microsoft store was selling Dells and other companies computing devices--Ah, maybe because they don't have anything competitive of their own???
Microsoft great try with the overall store (Touche!) but you just don't have the retail products to compete with Apple--and the piles of Xbox in the rear of the store to draw people in--that wasn't working either.
Microsoft still a winner at enterprise computing, but Apple hands-down has you on personal computing--everyone to their corners. ;-)
(Source Photos: Andy Blumenthal)
They Ain't Nothing