RetailTherapy

I do understand the importance of ‘retail therapy’ to many ladies.

However what never ceases to amaze me is that the replies to any post querying the attractions of an area of Florida are dominated by the availability of shopping.

If you go to any part of Florida, and indeed most of America, the shops are boringly similar.

Surely nobody spending thousands of pounds on a holiday in Florida is going to be influenced on their destination by the size of the local Wal-Mart/JC Penney or if you can get a bargain for $3 cheaper than another area; and if they are, isn’t it a little sad?

The nature of woman!!! man will never understand what makes a woman tick, unless it is just $3[:P]

We keep returning to Florida each year because it suits us as a couple. We no longer do the theme parks. I take him to the golf course each morning and then drive on for what you call 'retail therapy' with a list from himself of what he wants.

I refer to it as the basics of life you have to wear clothes and you have to eat.

We both return from our holiday happy and I even forgive him for using part of his baggage allowance for his clubs;) Although most visits we pay for them on the return journey as I just can't fit it all in to 3 bags:)

Robert I have to agree to a cartain point[msnwink]

I love wandering around a nice mall like the Millenia Mall, get a nice coffee from Starbucks etc so have a one nearby is a bonus, but I am not a Walmart (althopugh it is handy for certain things) person infact I prefer Super Target (they are quieter and in my view cleaner, less busy and a bit more quality).

Its all down to personal preference though[msnwink]

What I don't get is why people travel thousands of miles to a warmer, sunnier climate and choose to spend their time in air-conditioned shopping centres.

its the only time we as a family can go shopping no matter where it is as a family and enjoy it!! no one gets stressed, and everyone takes notice of everyone else!! we also take notice of the french connection shopping with the teenager, wouldnt have taken a lot of notice back here, knowit better as french connection now and not just fcuk,
back home hubby is at work 6 days a week and we do visiting on sundays, my hubby loves looking around at all the different types of shops, he loved Super Target where as i loved walmart(only because of my hobby dolls houses many cheapie items) everyone loves all the sports shops, and there are many different ones in comparison to here!

i have enjoyed going round the home depots looking at tools and the harley shops looking at all sorts of harley davidson items!!![msnscared]

Ahhhhhh Robert, Robert, Robert...

It's one of the great mysteries of life. two thousand quid to go 5 thousand miles for a supermarket..[msneek]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
What I don't get is why people travel thousands of miles to a warmer, sunnier climate and choose to spend their time in air-conditioned shopping centres.
[/quote]

Its nice way to cool down in the August heat[msnwink]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Macka
Ahhhhhh Robert, Robert, Robert...

It's one of the great mysteries of life. two thousand quid to go 5 thousand miles for a supermarket..[msneek]
[/quote]

But they aren't any old supermarkets Paul.

I prefer Super Target to Walmart, the girls Disney dresses in there are an absolute bargain, and they are Disney.

I love to find different clothes for my girls, something you can't get here unless you pay over the top.
My husband hates shopping, moans the whole time then comes home with a suitcase full of Timberland and Lacoste.[msneek][msnwink]

We never shop together here, must say when in Florida I really enjoy it.

Robert , I can never understand why grown men stand out in the cold watching a bunch of men kicking a ball about !!! another one of lifes great mysteries!

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Claire
Robert , I can never understand why grown men stand out in the cold watching a bunch of men kicking a ball about !!! another one of lifes great mysteries!
[/quote]

[laugh][laugh][laugh][laugh][laugh][laugh][laugh][laugh]
Another is shouting instructions to the players while watching football on TV[msneek]

It's woman thing Robert!!

Have to say I look forward to my shopping days out in Florida!

Due to a full time (and high pressure) job at home I don't get time for leisurely shopping trips - so the chance to shop on holiday - and get some bargains - is sheer heaven!

Carole

Good answer Julie:D
For a brief moment there, I found myself actually questioning my reasoning for the shopping I do, have done [msnwink], in Florida over the last 15 years!! Whew!! Of course it was to relax away from the heat
( note to self: Must tell John that when he asks WHY? Next time we request shops)![msnsmile2]

As in anything in life it's all down to personal preferences. We don't do the parks as much but do enjoy the shopping without the "got to get back for school time " panic, both my daughter and I enjoy various different crafts and the quality and selection of materials is so much better and cheaper. My husband is a chippy and doesnt get much time for shopping but put him in Sears or /lowes and he can browse/buy the tools to his hearts content.

We also do some of the State parks, we try and get a balance depending on everyones mood and weather etc.

We quite often drive to the beach and stop at anywhere we fancy as we see them en route.

Some people pay and go and watch tv for 2 weeks, that would drive me stupid but to some that have a hectic lifestyle if it suits them to chill out then it's money well spent for them.

Robert, before I read all the above threads I was already composing my reply but a few have beaten me to it.

Men have football, it's their hobby, pastime, chance to get together with mates, passion. Women have shopping in just the same way. Think of going to a match with friends at the weekend, women meet friends at the weekend and go shopping. It might be window shopping, you don't always have to buy something, but it's a social occasion. This is the best form of shopping, when the pressure to buy something you need is not there. In Florida, it's unlikely that you would be looking for something you HAVE to find e.g. a birthday present for someone who has a birthday the next day and you have 10 minutes in which to do it. Look at it as a form of relaxation - it's what we like to do to unwind.

I went on a very, very expensive cruise at Christmas to the Caribbean. One of the many highlights was the unusual shops in all the different ports. Not the expensive jewellers which are there to cater for the large liners, but the small local boutiques. When I related our holiday experience to some friends last weekend, the standard of the shops was one of the things I droned on and on about. They were women friends so knew precisely why I was so enthusiastic. It's part of the fun and women should NEVER be deprived or made to feel guilty for doing something they enjoy.

I must be in the minority as far as ladies are concerned. If I can possible avoid shopping I will. I am quite happy to shop for the villa or my children's clothes, but a day window shopping at a mall is not my cup of tea at all. My 11 year old daughter is now showing an interest in the malls, so it is a good job my sister will be coming with me for my next Florida trip to take her[msnwink]

I love shopping in Florida ,I admit this without feeling guilty,
Very much part of my holiday, if I can't go shopping I would have withdrawel symptoms.
Yes the majority of males are bored out of their heads shopping that's fair comment.

But look at this from another angle.
I can never understand why certain men like fishing. Sitting on some river bank waiting hours on end for a fish to bite.then throw it back when they do,how boring is that?
Also hitting a small ball with a stick around a golf course,isn't my idea of fun
[msnsmile2]

ROBERT

Ever thought of wearing a crash helmet before poking your head up over the Wall--- MART [msnwink][B)][B)][B)]

Dangerous area ....Women and shopping in the same sentence LOL [laugh]

Linda

I love shopping in Florida [msnsmile2]
But I also love football [msnsmile2]

The main reason we enjoy shopping in Florida is that we can go as a family. My husband also works 6 if not 7 days a week and NEVER has time to shop in the UK. He therefore enjoys the opportunity to look for clothes, trainers etc as well as the goods we need for the villa. He has also been known to but tools, household glue etc in Florida and bring them home to the UK as they were much cheaper!!!

its fun watching hubby choose his own clothes for a change!![msnwink] oh and trainers!!!

I can't stand clothes and shoe shopping...I still wear clothes I had at 16...I wear a pair of shoes till they get a hole in them...lucky enough my kids are not mall rats...we shop for the things we need...and get out...I will hunt out a bargin...I got over $200 worth of clothes for my grandson last week for $20...saved $100 on a ceiling fan...to like shopping I need to be saving a lot of money...[msnsmile2]

Are you willing to tell where I should be looking for bargins ?
Linda

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Fourdents

Are you willing to tell where I should be looking for bargins ?
Linda
[/quote]

Baby Gap...look for the sale rack...Marshalls....old Navy Sale rack...
Filene's basement..you can save hundreds on design clothes for kids there....Sears...all have year round sales racks..my grandson has hundreds of $$ worth of designer clothes and I've yet to spend over $7 on one item...

Little Me in the Premium Outlets is great for the under 5s. I almost filled a suitcase from there alone.

where is Little Me? have never heard of it, is it new?

NO good me going to Little Me.....

Me too big ! LOL

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:I can never understand why certain men like fishing. Sitting on some river bank waiting hours on end for a fish to bite.then throw it back when they do,how boring is that?
[/quote]

Well I am currently at my place on the Beach in Florida where I spend most of every day Fishing. However nearly everything legal I catch is eaten - except sharks.

I wish the fish rose to the bait that I throw as quickly as some on this thread[msnwink]

Little Me is in the Premium outlets Leisa and is fantastic for clothes, loads of sets and bargains too.[msnwink]

Thanks Paula, i havent seen it there before has it been there long?

Robert am so green with envy!!! how lucky!! wish i was anywhere but here!!

A trip to Orlando without shopping , come to think about it a trip anywhere without shopping totally unthinkable. The funny thing is that my husband who normally has a serious allergy to any type of shopping with the exception of purchasing tickets for any type of football match loves shopping in Orlando and is now quite a respected authority on the best stores for mensware in Orlando, Tampa or any other mall we may come accross in Florida . Do give it a try Robert you may even become addicted

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by LiesaAnna
Thanks Paula, i havent seen it there before has it been there long?

Robert am so green with envy!!! how lucky!! wish i was anywhere but here!!
[/quote]

It was there in June last year Leisa, so you may have walked straight past it. It is on the same row as Tommy Hilfiger. You would love it for Bradley, I just love shopping for the girls clothes in Florida you can get all matching items at a pittance, can't wait to get back in July.

i vaguely remember a shop there Paula, will have to ask Kerrie i bet she went in there!! but thanks for that, will go out of my way to find it next time

My hubby would gladly avoid the shops in Florida if he could, luckily for him our eldest son is now into shopping and offers to go with me. As long as he gets to look in all the shops he likes hes great company.

Now fishing that is something I will never understand the attraction too.[msnwink]:D

My husband hates shopping of any description here but enjoys it in Florida, he even suggests it[msnoo]. Since going to Florida I feel the same way now, hate it here, love it there.

I used to like shopping here but now more Florida malls and Premium Outlets are number 1.

Jill