7 weeks to go…

I’m not much of an “Only XXX shopping days until Christmas!” person, but being newly immersed into the selling side of the holidays, it occurs to me that it’s not a bad idea to get enthusiastic early on.

Although I often shop for gifts throughout the year (and occasionally forget said purchases until March), I was curious about the habits of my potential customers. Stores behave as if we start shopping in September, as that is when the holiday displays start to appear, but I’m not buying that (insert bad pun groan here.)  At least my local mall waited until after the kiddies’ Trick-or-Treat event this year to hang Christmas decorations.   A quick Google search (www.statista.com) provided me with the following information:

In 2013, the majority of shoppers polled (42% of the males and 38% of the females) began their Christmas shopping in November.   Prior to November, women made up the majority of the shoppers, and – not surprisingly – males make up the bulk of shoppers who start in December.  I was surprised to see that a relatively small number wait until the last two weeks of the month to begin (3% of women and 5% of males polled.)  So much for the stereotype of harried men dashing through the mall on Christmas Eve, snatching the last flannel pajama box set off the empty shelf.

In the interest of helping you conform, I offer the following gift options, shipped straight to your door in plenty of time for Christmas gift-giving.  If you don’t see something you like here, check out the other items in my Amazon store.

~The Shopping Mermaid™
www.amazon.com/shops/shoppingmermaid

• Calvin Klein Carmen bedding collection
• 1 Twin Duvet cover (68″x86″)
• 1 Pillow Sham (20″ X 26″)
• 100% Combed Cotton Sateen
• Subtle floral on fig/burgundy colored background
• Machine Washable

 

 

 

• Dimensions: 26″ x 26″
• Black background with white pinstripe accents and ruffled trim
• Cotton
• Machine Washable

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Retail Therapy

~~~defined by Wikipedia as “shopping with the primary purpose of improving the buyer’s mood or disposition.”

I learned years ago that a few hours spent perusing the clearance racks in a local retail store could provide me with a much needed break from reality, whether that reality was a crying child, stress at work, too much “togetherness” at home, or just a sinkful of dirty dishes. Even time spent browsing the grocery store aisles would do in a pinch! It was a zen-like experience, giving me time to calm my thoughts, or mull over a problem with no distractions.

Fast forward several years – no more crying babies, no more spouse to need a break from, but the peace I get from quietly wandering through the discount and clearance racks has not changed. And when I’ve “shopped out” the stores, there are always thrift and antique shops to explore. I don’t buy a lot of vintage items, but sometimes you just see something and know it’s looking for a home. Usually, I just can’t resist the “deal” I’ve found, but I can’t use everything I buy! What to do, what to do…?

Suddenly, an epiphany! What if I could continue to engage in my Retail Therapy, but then turn around and sell the items on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or whatever webstore best suited the item in question? And maybe, just maybe, if I can figure this all out, it might turn into a profitable retirement income. And, I reasoned, perhaps I am providing a service by matching up unsold, unwanted, discounted items from my geographic region with buyers in other locales who are desperately looking for the very thing I have in my hand. Very noble of me, don’t you think?

The Shopping Mermaid was born from this epiphany. I hope that I can help you find the perfect gift for a loved one, complete a collection of items from your childhood, start a new collection, or just provide some relaxing Retail Therapy time of your own, all from the comfort of your recliner.

~The Shopping Mermaid™

www.amazon.com/shops/shoppingmermaid

Nintendo “Super Mario Simply The Best” Microfiber Shower Curtain & Bath Rug Set

Bring the excitement of Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers to your bathroom with this awesome Shower Curtain and Bath Mat set featuring Mario.  Make your kids (or your own inner child) happy at bath time.

Buy it now HERE!

Shower Curtain: •Super Mario is featured on this brightly colored shower curtain •This shower curtain is 70″x72″ and is made of 100% polyester microfiber •Machine wash cold before use with like colors, use non-chlorine bleach when needed, tumble dry low, remove promptly; Use warm iron if needed

Bath rug: •Measures 30 by 26-inch •Made of 85-percent polyester/15-percent acrylic with non-skid backing •Machine wash separately in cold water, delicate cycle; use mild soap, rinse thoroughly; do not use bleach or any detergent containing bleach; tumble dry at low temperature; remove promptly, do not dry clean.