~~~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™
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