Wintertime Wonders: Snow Day Shoppers

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winter timeLooking back at my childhood growing up in NYC, I don’t remember the mass hysteria about impending snow storms that there is today. This could be because NYC schools were never, ever closed for snow back then and most commuters relied on public transportation. We also didn’t have 24/7 news and social media to provide constant reminders of “the Biggest Snowstorm of the Season” or “Snow-mageddon.” A simpler time for many reasons beyond the weather.

That said, I did work in a supermarket in the afternoons and evenings when I was a teenager. There was a direct correlation between the amount of snow in the forecast and how crowded the store was. Let’s face it – when many of us adults, especially ones with children, hear potential for snow, a slight panic sets in about what’s in our fridge and cabinets. So you – and likely many around you –  set your mind to the task at hand.  

Meet the Fellow Shoppers in Your Neighborhood

An impending snowstorm can bring out some interesting reactions and approaches to preparation. When you venture out to the store, chances are you’ll encounter one or more of the following folks on their own mission.   

Alright folks, I’m going in…

The Milk and Breaders: Heads to the store for the staples – break, milk, eggs, water, etc…

The No Cart Milk and Breaders: Plans on running in just for the staples, but grabs more on the walk around. You can identify these shoppers as those performing a balancing act or constantly picking up items they’ve dropped.

The Armageddon Shopper: Those who believe they’ll be “hunkered down” (weather forecast phrase) forever and ever. You’ll notice theses shoppers by their overloaded shopping carts. Note: Interestingly enough, these folks are often the ones who forget the milk, bread and eggs. 

The Newly Susie-Homemaker: Since I’ll most likely be home, I might as well use the day to hone my cooking and baking skills.” These shoppers purchase all the ingredients for homemade cookies from scratch and will likely give you a look of disgust when they notice you eyeing the pre-made cookie dough. These shoppers bring in the list of 37 ingredients needed for the Boeuf Bourguignon recipe they’ll be cooking during the snow day, while throwing you shade as they pass by you in the frozen dinner aisle. 

The Actor: The ones who truly only need those milk and eggs, but they don’t want to be seen as a Nervous Nelly, so they walk up and down the aisles throwing other random stuff in their cart. 

The Health-Nut: Nothing wrong with someone who is looking to be healthy – but in this case, this particular snow shopper decides to purchase mostly fruits, veggies, and similar items. They predict that they’ll be home all day and hope to resist the temptation of snacking on crap all day. These shoppers will either return to the snow later or turn their cart around at check out to grab “the real stuff.”

The Very Thirsty Shopper: Purchases eight cases of water for a family of two. Why?

The Everyday Shopper: This shopper typically takes daily trips to the store and wonders why the place is suddenly so crowded. And wonders why the store is out of milk and eggs. 

The Bandwagon: Not sure if they need anything, but guess they should go to the store – everyone else is. 

The FOMO Shopper: Similar to the Bandwagon, but in this case, this shopper most definitely has what they need at home already. But they will still head to the store because they want to be a snow shopper too.  

The “Are You Still Open?” Shopper:  This shopper didn’t believe the hype – and now they’re regretting it. And gets all pissy that the store is out of the milk he likes.

The Moocher: Someone who comes to your town from a neighboring town to do their snow shopping because the stores in their town are out of what they need.

The Since-I’m-Out-Already: They hit Target too.  They’ll pick up a cute craft set to keep the kids busy and a fun family board game.  And new snow pants.  Hopefully they still have some! And if they just so happen to pass a Wine Shop on the way home….

We’re all in this together!

I’m not proud, but I can certainly admit to being most of these Snow Shoppers at one time or another! Except The Very Thirsty Shopper – because again – why?

All kidding aside, these storms can be unpredictable and no joke – so stay safe, stay warm and enjoy it if you can! Hope you remembered the marshmallows for the hot chocolate!

What type of Snow Shopper are you? Did I miss anyone?