As I’ve been thinking more about how I shop and where the things I purchase some from, I began to wonder why and when shopping became a hobby. Perhaps people have been shopping for fun since the beginning of time. There is an innate pleasure in acquiring something new (even if it’s just “new to you”), so it makes sense that shopping in and of itself could become a legitimate pastime.
Part of the lure of shopping for fun is that it’s easy. It doesn’t take much thought or preparation, and after working all week, sometimes that’s exactly the kind of thing you need. But how can you reconcile leisure shopping with shopping purposefully and ethically?
I am a huge proponent of taking up hobbies and activities that challenge you and help you grow as a person, and I believe that shopping actually can have a place in that. Instead of just going to a mall, make shopping part of a greater overall experience. Whosie Whatsit now?? Well, for example, most towns have First Friday events, where on the first Friday of the month, the downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants are open, there are special events going on, and live music. These downtown boutiques are likely to carry local designers and handcrafted items that you can feel good about buying. Other examples are flea markets, art galleries, antique markets, museum shops, art markets, or take a mini road trip to a nearby town’s boutiques and galleries. Larger cities will have tons of these types of shopportunities to go to, but if you’re in a small town like me, there are still plenty of places and events like these if you keep your eye out.
Items we purchase as part of a greater experience hold more meaning to us – they are no longer just an item, but part of a memory. Your hobby transforms from “going shopping” to “going to art events” or “antiquing”. Instant sophistication upgrade! You’ll also end up with a much more interesting haul than if you had gone to the mega shopping complex.
So, what do you think – do you like to shop as a pastime? What are some interesting, off the beaten path places you go when you just want to hang out and shop?
