Open Letter To American Retailers

Dear Retailers,

The last act of the truly desperate is to increase the volume of a failed tactic. Screaming at us doesn't work so well anymore. We've been yelled at before and we took it because our choices were limited. Not so much anymore.

Yes stores can be romantic get aways form the stress and toil of our lives, but not so much lately. Lately you seem bent on creating frenzy and a false perception that today's sale is special. We are smarter now. We know today's sale will be followed by tomorrow's.

More than smarter we are more grounded. We need LESS and MORE at the same time. We need fewer things and more from them. We seek truth, justice and experiences that contribute to our lives, families and friends. We avoid things that heap more stress and toil on lives already fully stocked in both departments. We are new and you are looking old.

More than JUST our recession weary wallets is a new sense of perspective. Life is more than Door Busters and running through malls. Life is way too short for such nonsense. Insist on such tactics and we will continue moving our time and money online where WE are more in control and no one is likely to crush us against a door or require leaving our families on Thanksgiving to get a great DEAL.

We are about more than deals now. We want relevance, meaning and truth. We seek aspiration and completeness. We want love and strength. How hallow is false frenzy compared to the values we seek?

We encourage you to STOP and examine this year's sales for their complete messages including:

• We will not be screamed into submission. 
• Stick your DEALS and constant SALES. 
• The game is pointless and stupid and we won't play anymore. 
• Our TIME is our most valuable currency, DON'T WASTE IT. 

 Heed these truths and you MAY earn a role in our mindshare and a place in our hearts. Ignore and you will crumble to dust and blow away. Since we wouldn't wish such a future on anyone we hope you read and understand our message.

 Happy Holidays.

 Sincerely,

 The American Shopper

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Published on G+ First: https://plus.google.com/u/0/102639884404823294558/posts/6JE3nawA8cM

Comments
Great comment from my friend Molly (love "desperate for the next fix" since it fixes retailers as deal dealers instead of WOW merchants:

YES - And when retailers forget the 'delight' part of the retail process, they are missing the one big advantage they have over online-only shops. Step #1 - get customers into the store with creative and innovative promotions and events. Step #2 Delight customers into filling up their carts. 

All these deals and incentives have made us marketers lazy and desperate for the next fix. Whether online or in store...we all need to learn to be better than that. It leaches the value out of brands and products and is ultimately wasteful and unsustainable.

Posted my reaction on G+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/102639884404823294558/posts/5nUmeusGt13