As I was shopping late with my mom this evening, she insisted we check out JCPenney’s for a pink dress for my daughter. I haven’t stepped into a JCPenney’s since… I can’t even remember. I was curious to see what has or hasn’t changed, based on the de-throned CEO Ron Johnson’s vision for a more hip and relevant brand.
Well, exactly nothing has changed. And it was a sad looking store.
But nothing is as sad as the contrived urge to buy presents. It was evident on tired faces of sales clerks who were trying to wear their best smiles, and on the faces of weary shoppers. My mom stopped by a gift tree to read what kids wanted for Christmas – either for an orphanage or shelter. When she turned to me, I’d asked if she’d donated a gift this year. Not yet. I don’t think she intends to. Everyone is feeling the pinch, and I suspect non profit foundations are suffering for it. But she gives back in many other ways.
Earlier in the month when I was shopping, I was struck by the request and the name of a little girl on a gift tree, and I was compelled to pick her name. I stood and stared. Then walked away. Then came back and grabbed the tag with her gift request to fulfill it. She’d asked for a bead set and her name is Margarita. She’s 13.
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