I have been putting off going to Staples to buy a new phone for my office. Staples drains all of the energy from my body and makes me feel depressed. And I like office supplies.
I’m not sure if it the lack of design and style, or the depressing people that shop at stores like Staples (kind of like the people you find at rest stops, transients, people stopping there because they have to, no one you want to hang out with).
Here’s my list of Chain Stores and how they make me feel:
Chain stores that depress me: Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Best Buy, AC Moore, Office Max
Chain stores that make me so happy: TJ Maxx, Target, CVS and Nordstrom Rack
Chain stores that make me kind of angry because of smarmy or snotty salespeople or the fact that they are a chain or that their stuff is too expensive for its quality but I sometimes need or want stuff from: Apple Store, Bloomingdale’s, Borders, Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware
Stores that I like but sometimes are overwhelming and hot or too crowded: Sephora, Stride Rite, H&M
Chain restaurants that annoy me because there is a 2 hour wait and the food is not that good: Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s
QSR chains: that makes my kids happy so make me happy: McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, Bertucci’s and Johnny Rockets
Chain stores that I like and wish I could afford more stuff from: Paper Source, Cole Haan, Saks Fifth Avenue
What did I miss? What do you agree with? Any other chain stores that make you feel happy or bummed out?
I definitely agree with the retail therapy part…
Walmart does make me happy because I like the prices. Kids definitely love McDonald’s and Dunkin Donuts but no Johnny Rockets near us. I LOVE the Cheesecake Factory but I go there for lunch and I split a lunch size salad with a friend and then we share a piece of cheesecake. No waiting for lunch.
Lindsey Petersen
http://5kidswdisabilities.wordpress.com
The ones that made you angry make me very happy. I haven’t noticed the snarky salespeople. But, I’ve got so much going on in my own head…..I also am a fan of target.
I agree with you on Wal Mart. It’s like low prices meets low morale. Depressing, but often necessary.
McDonald’s is my least favorite place on the planet. I don’t eat meat. And an iceburg lettuce salad with a wedge of hot house tomato and a dried out slice of cucumber just feels like I couldn’t do any better for myself.
The Cheesecake Factory is fun because no matter who you go with, they can find something to eat. Just try to go on Wednesdays at 3:00. 🙂