This is one of those blog posts where I’m not sure I’m supposed to post it on my personal blog or my professional one. This topic is one that I’m using in my personal life, but I can’t stop analyzing from my research/academic perspective. So I’m opting for the professional one and leaving out links that might financially benefit me (DOH!).
So, I hate to shop. I’m cheap and I hate parting with my money.
HOWEVER, I have recently become a true fan (I won’t use addicted because it’s such a loaded term) of monthly shopping services. It started with Stitch Fix, the gateway drug into additional shopping. Then I tried Ipsy, Club W, and Glossy Box. That makes up one clothing, two make ups, and one wine club I am now “subscribed” to.
So why is a woman who hates shopping and parting with her money spending so much money on clothing, cosmetics, and wine? ((This is particularly ironic considering how much time I spend working at home in my pjs with dirty hair and a clean face. The wine is not surprising))
Because it’s like getting gifts every month (or two)!! Yes, I *know* I’m paying for my gifts. But all people get in the mail now are bills, advertisements, and magazines. We never send personal letters to each other. Snail mail is rare and. in our house. goes between the Grandkids and the Grandparents. There’s little reason to get excited about what arrives in the mail. Even Amazon. I know what I’m getting. We have a subscription for paper towels arriving today. Woo. Hoo.
But these other services are surprises!! Gifts!! From some kind stylist who picked them out Just For Me! Yes, rationally, I know I’ve paid for these and some items are higher quality than others. But irrationally, I absolutely love my stylist picked gifts arriving as surprises every month in the mail. And I’m pretty sure that is what the retailers are hoping for.