on meeting the needs of their customers. They
all do agree the single most important question
that can be asked is, “What brings you in
today?”
“This simple little inquiry is the primary key to
unlocking how to assist any shopper,” Judy said.
In the time-compressed world of busy
women, shopping for pleasure in the company
of good friends is usually a rare experience, and
one that is meant to be savored. Often when
women are shopping with their friends, the best
part of the day is simply the time they spend
together talking and meandering from store to
store. Shopping is the backdrop, but catching
up and connecting with one another is usually
the main event.
Of course, it is important to note that
hypothetical shopping is equally effective at
improving mood, meaning you do not have
to actually spend money to get the benefi ts
offered by retail therapy. A study from the
Journal of Consumer Psychology found that
retail therapy not only makes people happier
immediately, but it also fi ghts lingering feelings
of sadness and stress.
Online shopping, as well as brick and
mortar experiences, give us the gift of selfawareness.
When practiced intermittently and in
moderation, retail therapy can be a very healthy
outlet.
This seemingly insatiable pursuit of retail
shopping is time honored and much-loved, yet
a largely misunderstood therapeutic pastime
for millions of people around the world. Retail
therapy provides us with a detour, leading
us far away from everything else that might
be creating additional hurdles in our lives. A
shopping spree enables us to focus on one
specifi c thing … a tunnel vision of sorts that
makes us feel in control while other aspects of
life may not be.
74 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE • January/February • 2022
Judy Damron
Jo Ann Welch & Jinny Cotherman at Boca Bargains
Robin Melvin