Thoughts on a trip to the mall

Lynda Davis
April 1, 2019
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It's a rare occurrence when I visit one of the local shopping malls that I come home empty-handed. In fact, when I do leave without purchasing anything I feel rather virtuous and self-satisfied having once again narrowly escaped the sirens' call. Giant, shiny shopping malls that sprang up in the suburbs across the country in the last few decades are modern cathedrals—a holy gathering place where humble worshipers go to deify the goddesses of consumerism. The bright window displays of the latest fashions draw us in and tempt us to…

Step right up and behold the wonders of the season

Lynda Davis
December 21, 2018
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When I walk into a department store at this time of year I feel like a mouse standing in front of a trap loaded with lovely fresh Gruyère, wagging my cute little tail with a sense of anticipation and a teensy bit of caution. My nose and my credit card are twitching, my ears are perked up taking in the cuddly Christmas music and my belly is calling out for gratification. I want all the cheese and I want it now. The cosmetics department is strategically positioned at the entrance…

A retailer who actually listens to customers. Glory hallelujah!

Lynda Davis
June 20, 2018
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Monday morning's Globe and Mail featured an article by Marina Strauss on the front page of Report on Business entitled Holt Renfrew resizes strategy to focus on core markets, brands that immediately had me high-five'ing the air above my newspaper. Holt Renfrew (for my non-Canadian readers, it's our answer to Neiman-Marcus) wanted to improve business so they finally did something I've been suggesting to The Hudson's Bay Company in letters, emails and blog posts for years, which they've categorically ignored. Holt Renfrew (are you sitting down?) actually asked their customers…

It’s March madness time again

Lynda Davis
March 21, 2018
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For the benefit of new readers I'm reposting my annual March Madness message. Please tell me I’m not the only person in the world who thought March Madness was about special annual retail sales—like Black Friday or Boxing Day. For weeks leading up to the big event and for the duration, I've been waiting for the flyers from my favourite retailers to arrive in my mailbox. With visions of bargain-priced sugar plums dancing in my head I couldn’t wait to hit the mall to stock up on half-price bras and…

It’s my fault retail stores are closing

Lynda Davis
February 1, 2018
7 Comments

No one enjoys browsing through the mall every couple of weeks more than I do. My day usually includes a nice lunch out, either in the new and improved food court with an amazing selection of international foods and beverages, or at one of the lovely tenant restaurants where a nice server named Ryan or Stacey brings me a plate of healthy greens with grilled chicken or salmon artfully arranged on top. I enjoy perusing the stylish mannequins decked out in the windows wearing the latest fashion trends. Browsing the…

Is there really a Santa Claus?

Lynda Davis
November 13, 2017
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Every boomer gal worth her salt in the sixties read the best-seller Sex and The Single Girl by Helen Gurley Brown. Our lives were modeled around the latest COSMO decrees as our entire generation was creating a new world order. We also read Coffee, Tea or Me? about two high-flying stewardesses (as they were called in ancient times) living the swinging single life. There was even a movie and television series made of the book. We aspired to live exciting lives as modern gals enjoying beginning careers and the freedom…