Sobering thoughts on shopping frenzy at crisis-hit Woolies

Dec 18 2008 by Margaret Shaw, Hamilton Advertiser

I JUST thought I would give my opinion on the recent demise of the popular Woolworths store and, in particular, my experience in the store on Friday, December 5.

I dropped the kids at school then went in for a browse. A sale was on due to the company going bust and trying to sell their stock off.

I was pretty disgusted at the way the general public conducted themselves in the store. Between 9am and 9.15am the place was mobbed with shoppers fighting over half-price crackers, tinsel and associated Christmas nik-naks.

We all like a bargain, but a little more decorum and sensitivity was required. Spare a thought for the shop assistants and warehousemen, who were run ragged even though in anticipation of losing their jobs and livelihoods.

Did any of those rabid shoppers ever spare a thought for those people who will lose their jobs just weeks before Christmas and go into an uncertain new year as the financial crisis grips ordinary families?

No, I thought not. Just the general public out for number one and not giving a moment’s consideration to the plight of others.

By all means grab a bargain, but remember it might be you next time. Standing in the dole queue, that half-price tinsel you bought last year at Woolies might seem a little shallow.

Merry Christmas.

Disappointed, Larkhall.