Opening day at Costco’s Shanghai store, its first in China, on Tuesday; many shoppers were there for good prices on familiar U.S. brands. The crush forced Costco to shut its doors just after 1 p.m., eight hours earlier than scheduled. A phalanx of police and security guards blocked people from entering, and some were still trying to get in as a light rain began falling at dusk. (There was a) two hour traffic snarl near the store before midday. Other shoppers said they encountered elbowing for sale items, long checkout lines and a 20-minute wait for the toilet. (Source: wsj.com, August 27, 2019)
Walking. Cross-Costco.
We’re on a Costco run.
I’m generally not invited on Costco runs due to some Priors, some unfortunate displays of lack of self-control, some poor judgment, followed by regrets: “It won’t happen again.”
But rations were way down, there was some heavy mule work required, and so, here I am, with my adult chaperone.
The front of the store is stacked from floor to ceiling with 65″ HDTVs, deeply discounted laptops and seasonal deals on cell phones. Gadget man’s entire body is trembling, but is pulled forward with a scolding: “You don’t need any more. Come on!”
It’s 10:30 am and I’m working here on an empty stomach. The nose catches a whiff of chocolate and separately, of cheese. Sampling Stations!
“I’ll catch up with you later.” I can feel the stink eye on my back, but first things first. I turn and head across the store, the stimulated nostrils acting as the GPS. [Read more…]