One of Singapore’s national pastimes is shopping. It has been on the top 2 or 3 list of things Singaporeans and tourists in Singapore like to do for a long time. In recent times, the nature of shopping began to shift from the old to the new.
In the past, everything was physical. It was an old school, know where that special shop was on the island, keep it to yourself, and enjoying the bargains kind of shopping. My first serious introduction to this was six years ago. At the time a friend of twenty years had found a used fountain pen that he wanted to add to his collection. He knew he could overcome the single barrier, money, in a matter of months. When he had it first reserved, he shared the news. I was excited for him! I had the sister pen, so it would be fun to have another in the family so to speak.
“Wow! This is exciting news. Can we go see the pen in the shop.”
“No.”
“Why not, it would be fun. Besides, I could look at the other pens.”
“I know, that is why we are not going. Maybe after I have the pen.”
“Trust me. It’s your pen. I am not interested in it.”
We never went to the store until after he bought it. Special shops were kept secret until it was safe to share. Only those on the inside discovered the location, even fewer were honored with an introduction to the shop owner.
The younger crowd takes a different approach. Everything is discussed.
“Where did you get that? How much did you pay? Good deal? Have more?” These questions are just the beginning. From prices, to quality, to use, any and everything is an open topic to be explored, examined, and critiqued! With web shopping now emerging, hangout events with friends and notebooks are options many take advantage of.
I am learning to be new school. I have embraced the invitation; “Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out.” (Psalm 34.3)
