Saturday, March 22, 2008

Shopping Anxiety

While shopping at Von’s today, I felt inundated and eventually overwhelmed by the sheer number of messages vying for my attention. Yes, I experienced marketing overload. Welcome to the 2008 shopping experience. 

While shopping at Von's, I was constantly bombarded by advertising; even while stuck in the checkout line. Madison Avenue and Von's executives are lining their pockets with cash because of my poor choices.

Getting Fat

Americans are getting fatter because they have been programmed to love Big Macs and Ding Dongs. Do we really need that sugary cereal and pizza? In retrospect, we probably could all save money and our health by choosing healthier fare. Do we really need to be part of this programmed lifestyle? Can we avoid being the victims of the massive marketing onslaught?

Checkout Isle Tabloids

If you need behavioral confirmation of just how susceptible Americans are to marketing, just ask the party girls that populate the tabloids at the grocery store checkout isle. These bimbos are ubiquitous and offer America an image of bliss and despair. 

Again, this train of thought came to me while shopping at Von’s. I wonder what goes through the minds of impressionable children when they are in the throws of shopping at Safeway, HEB, Ralph's, etc. What information have they internalized?

Albertson's Knows What’s Best

Albertson's has taken marketing to a new level. They have televisions blaring commercials while you’re perusing vegetables, meat and other fare. Is nothing sacred anymore? More information (crap) is televised while you’re in the checkout line. Some customers seem to like the obnoxious noise. I continue to avoid Albertson’s and the anxiety. By the way, do you care?

-30-

No comments:

My Wife Had A Book Signing In San Antonio

  My wife Ann Marie Leimer had a book signing and lecture in San Antonio this past weekend. We had an opportunity to see friends and also go...