blogging

How Christmas Shopping is Changing

Forestwood

While Scandinavia observes the time-honoured rituals and traditions of Advent and selecting a live fir tree, Australian shoppers prepare for their Christmas experience by visiting Westfield shopping centres and erecting plastic Christmas trees.

Perhaps you call them malls or something else, but these concrete Westfield centres pay homage to Western greed and indulgence. They are places where every possible gift or want could be exchanged for money. But visiting these venues at Christmas is not just about purchasing gifts, it is also an endurance experience.

It is cut-throat and dog-eat-dog – believe me.

shopping centre with consumers

For instance, it is not uncommon to experience a minor verbal brawl over the last free car parking space at Westfield at Christmastime.

Once the Christmas shopping is complete, arms laden with bags brimming with gifts, Aussie consumers dodge and weave the line-up of vehicles circumnavigating the Westfield car parks, like participants in the old video game: ‘frogger.’

Woe betide any shopper arriving late to the shopping party (i.e. after 10 in the morning) as this automatically marshals you into a ‘hunt.’ To snag a spare car park after 10 am at Westfield is like winning the lottery. Any human carrying shopping bags in the car park precinct is stalked and followed in the desperate hope the ‘prey’ will vacate their car park and not just offload their gift cache and return to the shops for a second ‘run’ through the Christmas crowds.

Every man must fend for himself in this retail frenzy.

Thinking Outside the Box

I know of one homeowner who capitalised on Xmas, finding a silver lining in the chaos. Compensating for the proximity of his home to a Westfield shopping centre, he made a small fortune in tax-free cash, renting out his yard as an impromptu car park to desperate shoppers in the days leading up to and after Xmas.

Good on him. There has to be some compensation for tolerating the bastion of consumerism at your back door.

However, Westfield’s days seem to be limited – the pandemic has changed the consumer landscape forever.

Shopping online, or choosing to ‘click and collect’, saves most consumers time and stress. Modern youth embraces it – despite issues with delivery (tell me about it) and the fact that buying online produces more fossil fuels in transport and the manufacture of the necessary plastic packaging. This includes black plastic packaging, which can’t be recycled at all due to carbon black pigments.

So, I ask: what is the future for the behemoths of consumerism and the acres of asphalt that constitute the car parks?

Will the ‘Christmas Shopping phenomenon, the ruthless haggling over car park spots, and the bustling Westfield Xmas chaos relegate the concrete monoliths to a slow decay, unwanted and unable to adapt?

Is there still a place for the in-store shopping experience?

What do you think?

stpa logo

Published by Forestwood

A philosophic Aussie writes here at StPA, one who will readily admit to loving Scandinavia. I'm interested in global politics and what drives us to be who we are. Scratch the surface and you'll find a practical Environmentalist with an egalitarian bent, trying to unleash a little creativity via the written word. Scandinavian culture, literature and traditions are close to my heart, even though I'm Australian. Travel and courteous discussions greatly broaden the mind, so I travel if I can and am always up for a vigorous, respectful discussion. I'm an avid reader, a writer and I enjoy photography and crafts, particularly traditional art forms. I hope you'll find 'Something to Ponder About,' in my WordPress Community.

82 thoughts on “How Christmas Shopping is Changing”

  2. I don’t shop on line. I don’t even like supermarkets. We are lucky because local villages still have small shops with the personal touch. Parking can be a problem, though

    Like

    Reply

    1. I agree, Derrick. The small shops do have a personal touch and are still keen for a chat and a discussion on current affairs or local issues that affect our lives. It is such a different experience going to the supermarket – so cold, uncomfortable, impersonal, unhappy. No one smiles – everyone can’t wait to be done and out. Grocery shopping is the worst.
      If parking is a problem at the smaller stores, can you catch public transport?

      Like

      Reply

  3. As I don’t give anyone presents (and my younger sister gives me an Audible yearly gift – for xmas AND my birthday !), as well as the somewhat relevant fact that I have no car, this is an issue I don’t have to think about. Or have an opinion on ! – cf. Bill Maher fairly recently.

    Like

    Reply

    1. You are fortunate, MR that those days are not part of your current agenda. I have decreased my own consumerism around Christmas and there will be no tree this year – plastic or otherwise. I might hang an old bauble on a tree in the garden, but I have to think about that some more… Once upon a time, my home was OTT with Christmas decorating, both home made and store bought.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. What. I think is that the hypocrisy of the self righteous youth of today is borne out of selective ignorance and is one of the most laughable characteristics of the modern world. Well, laughable except that it involves a bigger clamp on free speech than anything else in my lifetime. Oh and Christmas shopping and indulgence? Hateful but we all have to get involved in one way or another..though it has become particularly ugly in the UK, as it has with you.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Particularly ugly Christmas shopping? Yes Phil, I think this is symbolic of the attitude and the laughable characteristics of the cohort you refer to. Selective ignorance, ego driven purchasing and over-indulgence – they didn’t stand a chance at having an altruistic or appreciative attitude to materialism. And ironic that it has seen a clamp on free speech. Would you say it is so much communication and so little connection?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Without doubt. Reinforced by the internet and social media enabling people to surround themselves with those sharing the same opinions. The polar opposite of better days when our pubs were where social interaction took place, and different and diverse opinions were expressed without fear of being ostracised.

        Like

      2. Confirmation bias is is a curse and rampant on social media, yet so many do not understand they aren’t hearing the full story or the other side.
        Interesting that you have noticed the change in the British pub culture. I haven’t been to the public bar of a pub when the tradies are around to hear whether they still debate politics in a balanced way but I suspect not. What I did hear discussed on the building sites adjacent to us was a lack of broad-based opinions, reflective of the concentration of mainstream media and its focus on buzzy news, and which football star was dating or abusing who, global syndication and imbalanced reporting – bad stories get more ‘clicks.’

        Liked by 1 person

  6. I had my car serviced today. I picked the car up at 11 and did a lap of the shopping centre car park and went home. I just wanted a few things but they could wait.

    Like

    Reply

      2. Stems from the farmers ploughing their zucchinis back in the field as the duopoly decreases the wholesale price. It encourages us to shop prior to 23rd and 24th if we have to go to coles/ww or shop at alternate retailers and smaller business, markets etc. No doubt you already do this?

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Deep breaths and loads of patience are definitely necessary when entering the stores this time of year. It will be interesting to see if you note any differences and whether online shopping is changing the landscape. Let me know.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      3. I’ve used online shopping this year as a hip issue making walking round for too long a bit difficult just now. I think it can be risky shopping online, so fingers crossed that everything arrives in time and that everything does in fact arrive. Good for you shopping locally. That’s probably the best way to do it. Reduces your carbon footprint and supports your local businesses 😊🎄

        Liked by 1 person

  8. The big malls are dying out. I think there is only one (maybe) left in the Kansas City area and I’m a little curious about what is taking their place. I know a few small towns in the area are tourist destinations for other reason and they have many small shops of antiques and hand made items. I’d love to go shopping in some of them again. I do a lot of my shopping online, I don’t have much of a choice. I’m sure all the shipping is bad for the planet but so is circling the parking lot desperately trying to find a spot. There’s not an easy answer from the planet’s perspective but even if I could, I don’t think I would shop in a mall anymore with the crowds and noise.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Some consumers don’t have the choice to shop wherever anymore and who can blame them? The experience at the smaller local stores may not be as broad ranging in terms of choice and you might even pay a little more, but the higher price is reflective of convenience and hopefully a much better and more personal customer experience. Sometimes the social interaction for people who live alone is priceless.
      Shopping online is certainly helpful for people in your situation, Zazzy and in the early days of online groceries, I used an independent company and ordered groceries that way. They were delivered to my door and it was just bliss. But they larger supermarkets forced them to the wall and now I only frequent them when I have to do so. I am hopeful that packaging options can be improved so that it can be done in an ecologically friendly way. Thanks for your wonderful comment. It was interesting to hear that there is only one of these concrete behemoths left in existance in your region. We may follow suit. However, some people prefer this experience or will visit if they have nothing else to do, especially if they don’t have air-conditioning at home as it is super hot here at Xmas…..

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. Malls are becoming a thing of the past in our part of Florida. Truthfully, I miss the ability to touch fabric, examine quality, and see colors realistically. Those things can’t be replicated through an on-line purchase. I felt much the same way when book stores started to close. Reading on a Kindle isn’t the same, but I got used to it.

    We don’t exchange gifts anymore, so our biggest worry is finding a parking spot at the market when shopping for the ingredients for our holiday meals. Of course things must be fresh, which means shopping close to the big day. No matter how inconvenient or how far I have to walk, I will not give up food shopping to technology. I should trust a shopper to choose a cut of beef, the right melon and the perfect basket of strawberries? I think not!

    Like

    Reply

    1. I am totally with you on the fresh food purchases, Suzanne. I do like to try on clothing and feel fabric, and also prefer to select my fruit and vegetables and meat etc myself. Otherwise all the summer fruit might never ripen and be inedible. I once used an online shopping company for groceries but still got fruit and veg and meat locally. It was the early days of online shopping and the company was small and independent and so lovely to deal with. When the big multi-nationals entered the online scene, they destroyed that small family business and the family was devastated financially and forced to close down. I was so irate that I refuse to this day to shop for groceries online at those larger stores. ( this was about 15 years ago!)
      We still have many shopping centres but that could change quickly. This year may be the turning point. I notice that some book stores are closing, but the smaller, quirkier bookstores are diversifying – opening up coffee and cake counters and this attracts customers. I am hopeful they will be around for a bit longer. I will keep buying my fresh veg from the local markets. How strange that we are going back to the old methods, to serve us better?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. In all the shopping mayhem and parking issues you forgot one nemesis… Covid making its way back. Here in Calgary we are being careful not to visit crowded places and prefer online shopping.

    Like

    Reply

  11. Hubby and I haven’t bought Christmas gifts for many, many years and don’t miss the holidays crazies at all. We do like to go to a local mall at night around Christmastime to see the decorations and watch the frenzied masses (while calmly sipping a warm drink, sitting on the sidelines).

    We still have a few malls around here, but I don’t know what the future holds for them. There are some things I’m okay with buying online, but most clothes (another item I don’t buy much anymore) I want to feel and try on.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. So there are still a few malls around you, Janis. From the other comments, it seems other areas are noticing the decline of larger malls. I rarely buy clothes anymore, especially after that 100 day dress challenge. I have more clothes than I need and only replace something essential like undies when they wear out or ….hmm, I can’t fit into anymore…. But you are right, clothes shopping is something that is better doing in-person. I have been stung a few times by online clothes purchase, not fitting or arriving not as described.
      You are not the first commenter to say that Xmas gifts are a bygone thing, either. Why should we feel obligated to buy a gift just because it is December 25? Surprises are nice but if we have what we need, but otherwise it is just a waste of resources – all that wrapping paper and the person may not even want or like the gift. I much prefer some edible food sharing – my neighbour made me a Christmas cake and I have been giving away Gingerbread biscuits that I have baked.
      I don’t bother with Xmas lights much anymore but the celebration is for me still a reason to get the family together. This year doing that is much more complicated with adult children. I never thought I would have a low key Christmas but I am going to enjoy it and will revel in less waste and expense. It seems I am not the only one.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. I don’t go to shopping malls anymore. I have always hated retail shopping & the commercialism of Christmas is at it’s pinnacle in the mall. As you say, Christmas & Boxing Day sales are the worst.

    I do believe the concept of shopping malls is changing. So many retail store & big chains have gone away, that malls in Canada are re-imagining themselves. One mall converted empty floor space left by flagship sores into pickleball courts! I don’t know if it’s the same in Australia but here, pickleball is the fastest growing sport with demand far exceeding the supply of courts.

    Now that I’m older, I find that I have less things that I need to buy. What I need, I prefer to buy online and have it delivered. It’s very convenient for when I live in the city and a necessity for when I’m on the island. I’m not sure where the negative is on carbon footprint. Individual cars driving around parking lots + transport + large scale operational costs for store vs optimized delivery logistics & warehousing? I’d need more data to prove one or the other.

    However, I think homemade treats are always the better option for gifts. I prefer those for both giving and receiving!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You said: “Now that I’m older, I find that I have less things that I need to buy.” This is true, Sandy and I am finding this also. We have set up our house and what we buy is merely replacement of worn out items. I don’t want any more stuff….. Marie Kondo really resonated with me…. lol.
      Transport costs here in our spread out cities might be higher than in higher density cities around the world and I can see online options are absolutely necessary in some areas, but the packaging – boxes, packing materials, plastic outer, shipping labels, email tracking links and notifications…. exceed that expenditure of resources when compared to buying something locally – i.e. using public transport or walking, and bringing your own bag (which I do). Time will tell on that one and will vary depending on location.

      And as I just mentioned to Janis in the previous comment, I also prefer edible (home-made) food or gift sharing to the obligation that we should buy some random trinket or object that is a nice surprise but largely unwanted.

      Like

      Reply

    2. oh and pickleball is popular here, and probs due to the heat, it is not as popular as in Canada. It’s played on outdoor courts here! It would be a good option to have indoors in a mall that has partially closed down. I have yet to see one around here that has done that…..

      Like

      Reply

  13. There was lots of that here as well, but I’ve been sensing it settling down somewhat; for instance, I didn’t hear of anyone camping out all night at stores to be the first in line for Black Friday.
    I know in Vermont, we do things a little differently. Yes, lots of folks order on-line and visit the larger stores and (smaller in number) malls.
    But more often, the Shop Local ethic here is strong. Our shopping can still be done in our small main streets, little shops that play lovely music, serve us snacks, some special nights there is music in some of the stores, and everything is happily wrapped for you. The whole experience is festive and fun, we chat with people we haven’t seen in ages, grab a bite to eat, and everyone wins.
    We call Black Friday Plaid Friday, and there’s a big emphasis on the Shop Local that day. We also have a state-wide open studio weekend the three days after Thanksgiving where the artists and crafts people open their studios and have lots of great bargains. Last year, I got about 75% of my shopping done at those little studios of art, pottery, hand-made paper, stained glass, etc,
    So, I’m hopeful, and I think it is spreading, Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Fingers are crossed. We need to take a leaf out of Vermont’s book and fast. The Christmas experience you describe sounds positively delightful and I love the initiative to buy local and purchase something crafty and individual. Stores serving snacks is a nice touch too.

      I suppose the biggest obstacle in adopting this approach is our weather. We have started having twilight markets at Christmas and they are well attended. People often go to shopping malls here and watch a movie and have some lunch, making it a day outing to get away from the heat! Yes they do, I have never done that myself, as I dont’ like to be there for that long. I just get what I need and get out! But it is a popular way to cope with summer and Xmas if you don’t have air conditioning. The kids run around the play centres, parents have a coffee and chat…. and everyone goes home exhausted. They instituted parking fees if you were in the parking lot for more than two hours….

      Like

      Reply

  14. Gone are the days I would do battle in these type of stores… I now try avoiding these huge stores, and road rage!… I have taken to making many of my own gifts and sourcing local craft fairs..
    I feel in the not to distant future our shopping habits will change…

    Wishing you Happy Holidays, and all the best for 2024 x ❤

    Like

    Reply

    1. I would like to see more people re-gifting or recycling/upcycling gifts. It makes sense to me! The thought is the most important part and to be given something useful albeit second hand is better than a new useless gift that is a waste of money. Local craft fairs are a great idea – I visited one yesterday and purchased several items of craft for gifts. And of course, had a lovely chat with the ladies at the counter. This is where the larger centres can’t compete as they can’t offer the same social interaction, information and pleasant experience – they are far too stretched for time.
      And what does shopping online experience give us? A short satisfactory fix and anticipation, but mixed with delivery restraints and stuff-ups….
      Nevertheless, have a fantastic festive season and may you have more experiences at the smaller stores during this time!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I agree with you, I feel eventually Communities will come together in such creative hubs … For we can all see the writing on the wall…
        Sending LOVE and Blessings your way… We each will keep doing our little bit. Lots of Love xx

        Liked by 1 person

  15. The changes have been happening slowly so many aren’t even noticing that so many malls are closing around their countries. We can’t keep mass producing, then buying and discarding without a cost to society as a whole. I’ve never been a fan of crowded places or shopping for useless things. I have been a very practical shopper for years. I looked for quality vs quantity each time. This year has been even less commercial than ever before. I bake for friends and sew when there is opportunity for a gift. Even craft shows are fun to visit but I rarely purchase unless something seems like an excellent idea for someone. This year, I have given away so much more including wrapping paper. My DIL made great use of it wrapping gifts for children whose families could afford little. Funds were donated for her to shop and I supplied the paper and little stuffies for the children. I like that kind of Christmas the best. The shift is happening and most of us shop online these days because many of us can’t get out. We only have a Walmart and I see it going away too. We are fed up with self checkout. We did go there for connection to other humans but they are taking that away so I see no point in going. At my age and physical condition, we look at things very differently. My children still get books and practical things for any occasion. Me, I like things that make me laugh. That’s why I’ve been collecting funny t-shirts to wear. It tickles others that see them as well. I’m still laughing about that bag of quarters I got for my birthday. Practical and hilarious. Looking for the funny all the time. Hugs to you, Amanda

    Like

    Reply

    1. You are practicing many marvellous ways to make Christmas less focused on monetary gifts and more on love and humour. That is the best gift of all.
      I am also fed up with self-serve. Less jobs, and more profits for big business. It sucks! Hugs to you, Marlene. P.S. For some reason this ended up in spam. Annoying!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. In the U.S. old shopping centers are just being abandoned. I have no idea what will happen to them. Some will be repurposed no doubt, but others will probably just linger until someone knocks them down to put up something different.

    Like

    Reply

  17. Very interesting post and well said. I think endurance is truly the right word for what Christmas shopping has become. I don’t seem to have as much tolerance for this as I get older. I don’t have a lot of shopping to do at Christmas these days. What I do have I try to get done a little bit at a time and it doesn’t make it so overwhelming. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I don’t seem to have as much tolerance for this as I get older, either! Age shortens your temper for such mindless time-wasting efforts.
      Planning and organizing alternative ways to get the job done, is definitely one way to avoid the stress.

      Like

      Reply

  18. I used to shop online for my mother’s groceries….it saved her getting a taxi and lugging heavy bags….but when visiting her we would shop locally so that she could see and judge what she was getting.
    Here the supermarkets are pushing online shopping with big discounts, but when I see bored shop staff just picking up the next thing on the list I’ll stick to going shopping myself.
    I went only once to a mall this side of the capital….a horrible experience, and it wasn’t even a holiday period!

    Like

    Reply

    1. You mentioned bored shop staff just picking up the next thing on the list. This is one big issue I have with ordering online although I do understand for elderly/infirmed persons this is a must. The staff don’t select the longest use by date on each product or look for value for money – i.e. the best peaches or the cereal packet that is not damaged, they just get the job done as you said… So I am totally in agreeance – I would rather grocery shop myself. But online groceries can be done well – by small independent companies, and I used these small businesses for many years, but not anymore. In Australia – the duopoly of Coles and Woolworths have pushed that sector out of the online markets completely, except in fresh fruit and veg.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. There seems to be a growing trend for this, Anne. You are not the first to mention it! Well done and we have adopted that with some friends too. I do like to surprise someone I don’t know give a gift too, with something sweet and edible! They are often embarrassed that they have nothing to give me, but I tell them that is not why I gave them the gift.

      Like

      Reply

  20. You summed up a part of this season very well here in Australia, Amanda. I was going through the shopping mall to get to Coles and Woolworths this week, and there were crowds everywhere. Very packed. There were even queues to get into some shops. It felt so chaotic even as I was just walking past it all, and it really brings out the worst of consumerism. Some buy gifts for the sake of buying gifts. But then I think a lot of us also do genuinely put some thought into gifts for others for Christmas and are insistent on shopping even if it means last minute shopping.

    I think retail shopping will stick around for a while, judging by crowds during busy times of the year. I do like doing both retail and online shopping. If I want to see something in person or try something on before I buy, then I will go to the shops in person. What I hate about online shopping is that if I want to return something, then that is a big hassle especially if I have to pay return postage.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. You hit the nail on the head with the problems of online shopping, Mabel. It’s something that I’m going through right this minute and it has been a dreadful hassle much more than had I purchased at store and then returned back to the store for a refund in person. Unfortunately it has left me not wanting to have this experience again, so I will avoid online shopping where possible. Sounds like retail will be around for a while yet. Judging by your comments about the people in the store, I wonder if everyone finds it so stressful or is it just a minority of people? The turnout you saw at the shops speaks of last minute rush rather than enjoyment.

      Like

      Reply

      1. I am sorry to hear you are having a bad experience with online shopping, Amanda. Sometimes it can be a real hassle, especially with online returns where you usually have to wait a few weeks before getting your refund back. I’ve been having issues with an online order that hasn’t arrived, and with end of year peak shopping and postage times, I don’t think that helps.

        I do think there’s a lot of last minute shopping rush here. There will probably be more crowds next week Boxing Day and into the New Year 😄

        Like

      2. The Boxing day sales are like a mob of gannet birds on a feeding frenzy. All bets are off and every man for himself. Aussies love the thought of getting a bargain.
        Did you use a particular site for your online dramas? I was using Mydeal.

        Like

      3. I don’t use a particular site for online shopping. When I online shop, I prefer going directly to the brand or store website, as opposed to like Mydeal or a big bargain site.

        I was in the shops yesterday on Boxing Day. Pretty crazy queues, even for shops that barely had any sales.

        Like

      4. Going direct to the shops makes a lot of sense, Mabel for many reasons. No middle man and if there are any issues you can get a response and resolve it fast. Very sensible. I also like to use the direct website of the business when booking hotels etc. They often have a better price than through expedia booking.com etc. The merchants have to pay those sites a cut.

        Like

  23. I agree with you … times are changing .
    It takes great effort to SHOP LOCAL .
    The comfort of shopping from home has created pros and cons (in my opinion) .

    Like

    Reply

Everyone is important. What do you have to say?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.