I had a completely different post scheduled for today. However, when I walked into Target earlier this afternoon and spotted something horrendous in the women's clothing department, I suddenly felt the need to share what I saw. So, I whipped out my cellphone and took these photographs for you.
Are you sure?
Okay, here goes...
I just about clutched my heart, fell on the floor, and died from shock when I saw what Target was already advertising on their sales floor.
Look at this...
BATHING SUITS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IN JANUARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Two things:
#1) - I'm in retail and have always disliked how it's MONTHS ahead of the season it is currently in, never allowing you to enjoy the season you're experiencing. Retail is the worst example of learning how to live in the present because it's always living in the future.
No doubt, I still enjoy my work in retail. However, I don't enjoy its politics. And it's getting worse with each passing decade.
#2) - Can we please just enjoy winter without projecting into summer? For god sake, winter just started. Summer is FIVE months down the road. And as you all know, I hate cannot stand summer. So, seeing two-piece bathing suits on faceless mannequins in Target made me want to cover my eyes and recoil in horror.
Summer lovers have already had their time (last summer). Now it's time for us winter lovers to enjoy our time - the cold, the snow, wearing knit hats, scarves, down jackets, and gloves.
I don't even want to think about bathing suits, sunshine, humidity, and 98-degree heat just yet.
No, I want to savor the season we're in.
My second-favorite season...
Winter -
Welcome back, Ron! I missed you and your HUMOR!!! Oh my god, I know, the stores where I live have already put the winter merchandise on sale and displayed spring items. But I have not seen BATHING SUITS yet. That's insane!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. Let's enjoy the seasons as them come and not jump ahead to the next season before we've even enjoy the one we're going through. True, retail perpetuates that.
I enjoy all the seasons. But I enjoy them each as they come.
Love that last photo of the kids in the snow. So cute!
Happy New Year, Ron! Savor winter!!! x
Helloooooooo there, Candice!
ReplyDeleteAw....thank you! I was going to come back right after Christmas, but I was really enjoying my time away from social media, so I waited until after New Year's.
"Oh my god, I know, the stores where I live have already put the winter merchandise on sale and displayed spring items. But I have not seen BATHING SUITS yet. That's insane!"
Same here. However, when I saw the bathing suits today, I thought, "NO WAY!!!!!" I did a double-take because I thought I was hallucinating. Lol!
I'm like you, I enjoy all the seasons (well, not summer), so I tried to enjoy each one as they come. But in retail, they are always a season (or two) ahead.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy New Year, and have a great rest of you week!
X
" seeing two-piece bathing suits on faceless mannequins in Target made me want to cover my eyes and recoil in horror" --- Ron, that cracked me up! I haven't been to my Target in over a week, but I'm not looking forward to seeing what YOU saw. Like you, I am a winter lover. I also love Fall and Spring. Summer? Not so much. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't miss it if it never came.
ReplyDeleteAnd speaking of down jacket, I got one (on sale) at UNIGLO at the end of last winter and am using it this winter. LOVE that jacket!
Happy New Year, Ron! I was happy to see your post in my reader tonight.
Greetings, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteHa! And seeing them actually DID make me do that. In fact, I almost let out a scream!
"As a matter of fact, I wouldn't miss it if it never came."
OMG, me too! Wouldn't miss it at all. I too enjoy the other seasons. I like the different shifts they make when they move into their own. You can FEEL the shifts!
"And speaking of down jacket, I got one (on sale) at UNIGLO at the end of last winter and am using it this winter. LOVE that jacket!"
That is sooooooooooooooo ironic because years ago, I also purchased a down jacket at UNIGLO and got it ON SALE. I think it was originally $150.00, but I got it for $75.00. And I too got it at the end of the winter. I LOVE anything UNIGLO. There is one by my apartment. The store always looks so well organized and clean.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Happy New Year to you! Here's to a faaaaaabulous 2024!
X
Ron, I saw the same thing in Kohl's just a few days ago! I went in because I knew they were having a holiday sale and saw swim suits on the racks! As you said, winter just started, why the hell are they selling swim wear? They are always as season ahead. I guarantee by the time summer starts, they will be advertising fall and winter clothing. LOL!
ReplyDeleteDo you know what I love about winter? All the comfort food. And red wine! I also sleep better (and sounder) during the fall and winter months. I would rather be too cold than too hot.
Hope you had a wonderful New Year, Ron! Did you go to any parties on New Year's Eve? Wishing you a great new year, filled with lots of new adventures!
"I saw the same thing in Kohl's just a few days ago! I went in because I knew they were having a holiday sale and saw swim suits on the racks! As you said, winter just started, why the hell are they selling swim wear? "
ReplyDeleteYou too?!?! Isn't it insane? Let's just rush the winter season and move right into summer, why don't we? Not!
But as I said, I'm in retail, and that's one of the things I do like about the business. And yet, there are so many other things I DO like about the business.
"All the comfort food. And red wine! I also sleep better (and sounder) during the fall and winter months. I would rather be too cold than too hot."
You took the words right out of my mouth!!!! Yes to all of those things! Even though the heat is included in my rent, I BARELY ever turn it on because I like being cold. They only time I will turn it on is when I'm taking a shower. But even then, the minute I'm done showering, I turn it off.
No, I didn't attend any parties. I did what I always do. I spent the evening at home, eating, sipping wine, watching movies, and lit some candles. As soon as it turned midnight, I said, "Happy New Year", and then went to bed. LOL!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abby. Have a faaaaaaabulous 2024!
Cheers and X
WOW Ron, that was a GREAT sale you got! Mine was not that good. I paid $129 (on sale) for it, but I don't remember the original price. But UNIGLO is not cheap, so that why I look for sales. I too love that brand. Good quality!
ReplyDeleteNo, you're right Daniel, it's not cheap. That's why I try to get my winter stuff at the end of the winter for the next winter. LOVE the quality. But then again, it's a Japanese brand, and I love all things Japanese.
ReplyDelete"Retail is the worst example of learning how to live in the present because it's always living in the future." --- you got that right, Ron! Before I got married, I spent years in retail. I even used to commute to Manhattan from Long Island because I had a great job at Henri Bendel (handbags). But retail eventually wore me out. Lots of pressure in that business. But I miss it sometimes.
ReplyDeleteExcuse me, but I'm not ready for bathing suits (or summer) right now. We've barely had a winter so far. Besides, I don't like two-piece bathing suits. I prefer a one-piece. I think they're much more flattering and sexy!
Happy New Year, Mr. Ron! I (and my husband ) missed your posts. Are you enjoying this FINALLY colder weather we're having? Did you love that Christmas day was in the mid-50s? Christmas day felt more like Easter. LOL!!! xoxo
"Did you love that Christmas day was in the mid-50s? Christmas day felt more like Easter. "
ReplyDeleteOMG Elaine, that made me laugh because you're right, it did feel more like Easter. It was like 54 that day. With 93% humidity, so it felt like 80-degrees. On Christmas day!!!!
"I had a great job at Henri Bendel (handbags). But retail eventually wore me out. Lots of pressure in that business. But I miss it sometimes."
Holy shit, you worked at BENDEL'S?!?!? How fabulous that must have been! I felt so sad when they closed the store on 5th Avenue. I remember walking by not long after they closed and felt like someone had died. Such a classic store that was. You worked in handbags? WOW! That store was infamous for it's handbags. The only classic department store they still have in that area is Bergdorf Goodman. They rest are all gone. Except for Saks.
I agree, one-piece suits are much sexier!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Elaine! Hope you and your hubby had a fantastic New Year's Eve and day! Wishing you the VERY best in 2024!
X
"Did you love that Christmas day was in the mid-50s? Christmas day felt more like Easter. LOL!!! "
Soooooooooooo true! And yes, I am relishing this colder weather.
Ron, we've had a very mild winter so far this year. It hasn't snowed. And only recently has it gotten cold. I have a feeling this winter is going to be like last year, mild. What I find strange about the seasons is that there is hardly any differentiation. They seem to all blend together. I used to love summer. Couldn't wait for it to arrive. Sad when it ended. The older I get, the more I prefer colder weather. Strange how your body changes, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHaven't spotted any bathing suits in our stores, but I have noticed all the fall and winter merchandise going on sale. Which I find strange because we've got months left of winter weather.
Hope you had a great holiday season, Ron. Happy to see that you survived Christmas retail!
Ron, so true about retail! Two weeks before Christmas, I noticed that all the holiday items in CVS were already on sale. Some were 50% off, others were 30%. And then towards the end of December, they had Valentine's Day merchandise on the shelves. And in the card section, I noticed Valentine's Day cards. But bathing suits already???? That is way too early. I love summer, but I enjoy the anticipation of summer slowly arriving at the end of winter. The seasons (in retail) are too rushed. But hey, that's the way they make money. And speaking of money, have you noticed how everything keeps going up in price?
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Ron! You keep enjoying and savoring winter. One of my buddy's loves winter like you. Even though I'm not a fan of the cold and snow, it has not been a severe winter at all so far. But then again, it's still only January. February can be brutal. Brrrrrrrrr!
Good morning, Clair!
ReplyDeleteSame here! We've only just started getting colder temps. (in the 30's) as well. And we've only had one day, back in early Dec. when it snowed. But it literally only lasted 20 minutes. I agree, the seasons all seemed to blend into one. When I was a kid, you could definitely see (and feel) a difference as each moved in. God, how I miss that. I'm the same. I used to LOVE summer and being warm. But as I got older (in my mid-40's) that gradually changed. I now love the cold and hate the heat.
" I have noticed all the fall and winter merchandise going on sale. Which I find strange because we've got months left of winter weather."
Me too. And as I shared, retail doesn't live in the present. It's always 1-2 seasons ahead.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Happy New Year to you!
X
Morning, Robert!
ReplyDeleteOMG! OMG! OMG! I witnessed the same thing in CVS. I don't shop there too often, because I really don't like CVS. However, I do purchase my laundry detergent there because they often have discounts. I too noticed the Valentine's Day merchandise already on the sales floor. Geeesh! The next we'll see is the EASTER merchandise! And you're spot on, that's the way they make money!
"And speaking of money, have you noticed how everything keeps going up in price?"
Yes, I most certainly have! I was shopping in Giant two days ago and saw a bag of tortilla chips that was marked $6.85. For TORTILLA chips!!!! I was so shocked that I literally said (out loud), "You have GOT to be kidding?!" And of course, I did not buy them. I'd rather starve. Lol!!
Same here. We've had a very mild winter so far. It's been cold lately (which I am cherishing), but I want some SNOW!!! You're right, Feb. can be brutal. So hopefully we'll get some white stuff then. Yet, I'm hoping we get some this month as well.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Robert! Here's to a fabulous 2024!
X
I had a similar New Year's Eve, Ron! I'm not much into large parties anymore. I spent mine with one of my close friends at my place. We had dinner, drank, and rang in the New Year at midnight. We watched it on TV in Times Square!
ReplyDeleteSounded like a perfect way to ring in the New Year! I used to watch it in Times Square too. However, this year I didn't. I love how when I used to live in NYC, people would ask me if I was going to spend New Year's Eve in Times Square. I'm like, "NO WAY! TOO CROWDED!" When you live in NYC, Times Square is the last place you want to be on New Year's Eve. LOL!
ReplyDeleteRon, as you know I'm a shopaholic, so I spend lots of time in malls. I was in Nordstrom on New Years day (yes, I went shopping on NEW YEAR'S DAY!), and saw bathing suits displayed in the women's department. However, I didn't think it strange being that I live in Florida. But I'm totally surprised that they are selling them in stores up North already. That's ridiculous! You're so many months and months away from summer. I too am shock to see that.
ReplyDeleteAs I've shared before, I miss the seasons. And especially fall and winter. It's just not the same here. People are wearing shorts, sport bras, and sandals while shopping for a Christmas tree. LOL!!!!!
I miss fall and winter clothing. I really do.
I was so happy to see your post in my feed this morning. You were missed, dear man. No one can tell a story like YOU!
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxo
P.S. That rustic potato leek soup on your sidebar looks delicious! Got to try that recipe!
ReplyDeleteHola, Denise!
ReplyDeleteOMG, this cracked me up ...." I was in Nordstrom on New Years day (yes, I went shopping on NEW YEAR'S DAY!)" You GO, girl! Nothing wrong with shopping on New Year's Day. I bet you found some great sales too!
And you're right, living in Florida, it wouldn't seem strange to see bathing suit displays because it's FLORIDA. But here in the Northeast? In JANUARY? VERY strange! And i don't think I've ever seen it that earlier before.
"And especially fall and winter. It's just not the same here. People are wearing shorts, sport bras, and sandals while shopping for a Christmas tree. LOL!!!!!"
Ha! I remember during the Christmas holidays when I went back to visit my family one year and seeing exactly THAT what you just said - people buying Christmas trees in the garden department at Target!!!
Me too. I love fall/winter fashion, and all the earth tones!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Hope your holidays were positively smashing! Happy New Year!
Cheers and X
Doesn't it? I found that recipe a week or so ago and tried it. OMG, it was beyond delicious!
ReplyDeleteSeriously??? How crazy is this, Ron?? I can understand a huge department store keeping a small section devoted to "resort wear" (for those lucky individuals who can travel to someplace sunny and warm if they want to), but look how many bathing suits Target is pushing. Wow, I'm floored.
ReplyDeleteYes, retail is the worst when it comes to hurrying along the seasons. We hadn't finished Christmas when suddenly, Valentine's Day candies were all over the shelves!
And is it just me, or did everybody and his dog decide to dump their Christmas trees outside and take down their pretty decorations just days after the 25th?? I can remember most folks keeping them up at least through the New Year's observance, and I have a propensity for keeping mine up through Epiphany on the 6th. Take that, you Scrooges!!
Hope your holiday season was -- IS!! -- delightful! xx
NOOOO. It's too earlyyyyy.
ReplyDeleteI worked in retail for 15 years and remember how upset customers were when we put out Christmas decorations in September! Now that I see how early they do it (in some places, July!) I laugh. But bathing suits in January should be illegal. 😂
Happy New Year, dear friend. 😘❤️
" I can understand a huge department store keeping a small section devoted to "resort wear" (for those lucky individuals who can travel to someplace sunny and warm if they want to), but look how many bathing suits Target is pushing. Wow, I'm floored."
ReplyDeleteDebbie, my thoughts EXACTLY! But it wasn't only a small selection. I was a HUGE area of women's wear. And they also had shorts and summer tops displayed! And in TARGET! It wasn't some specialty exclusive shop. I was floored as well!
"We hadn't finished Christmas when suddenly, Valentine's Day candies were all over the shelves!"
Yup, that's what someone else just mention in their comment. And I witnessed it too! Next week they will probably have all the Easter stuff out, such as PEEPS!
"is it just me, or did everybody and his dog decide to dump their Christmas trees outside and take down their pretty decorations just days after the 25th??"
No, it's not just you because even in the city, I saw trees on the sidewalk only days after Christmas. In fact, I almost took a picture of one I spotted in Old City.
And yes, being Catholic, we did too. We kept our tree up through Epiphany on the 6th. My mother was very into that tradition.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, my friend. LOVED your comment! Happy New Year to you, Domer, and Monkey!
Cheers and X to 2024!
Hellooooooooo there, Kari!
ReplyDelete"I worked in retail for 15 years and remember how upset customers were when we put out Christmas decorations in September!"
I didn't know you worked in retail?! And for 15 years! Funny you mentioned that because my store did just that this year. They started putting out all the Christmas decorations and gift sets in Sept. And what's even more insane was that our stock room was FILLED with those gifts set in AUGUST!
"But bathing suits in January should be illegal."
You got that right!
Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Hope your dad is doing well now that he's home. Sending you MUCH Reiki and love!
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( X YOU X )))))))))))))))))))))))))))
OH, I'm right there with ya, Ron! Grrrrr!!! I do want some winter before the daffs start popping. I'm getting used to the Valentine things out before Christmas, but bathing suits in January... NOOO!!!
ReplyDeleteHEY... we might get some wintry mix this weekend though! Now, I am not looking forward to anything slush/ice related... but just want it to be cold enough for snow... and maybe a little snow, like 3 inches would be ok. Even though I seem to be feeling the cold a bit more lately (shhh, NO, I'm not getting older!) I still want to really feel all the seasons, and it's winter... so let's get it going!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Ron!!! Hope it's a great one for us all. xo
"! I do want some winter before the daffs start popping. I'm getting used to the Valentine things out before Christmas, but bathing suits in January... NOOO!!!"
ReplyDeleteYou said it, Mary!! And thank you for being a winter lover like me and others. Honestly? In all my years of retail, this is the earliest I've EVER seen bathing suits out on the sales floor. How heinous is that? And you should see some of the people in Philly, already walking around in shorts and t-shirts because Christmas is over and summer is right around the corner. I kid you not!
"HEY... we might get some wintry mix this weekend though! Now, I am not looking forward to anything slush/ice related... but just want it to be cold enough for snow... and maybe a little snow, like 3 inches would be ok. "
OH MY GOD, YES!!!!!!!!!!!! I saw that online today when I was checking the forecast for the next 10 days. I think they said we're getting it here in the city on Saturday.
Like you, I want it cold enough for some white stuff.
And like you, I enjoy the season changes and want to enjoy them while they are here. With the exception of summer. And we all know how I HATE adore summer. HA!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing, neighbor! Happy New Year to you, Ron, and your family!
Cheers and X!
It's INSANITY! Now, I do understand that some people take winter vacations to warm climates, but it's the sheer quantity (like you have shown in the photos) that is shocking! And I'd think that most people plan ahead for their vacations and don't buy a bathing suit at the last minute. I'd be interested to know how much they do in sales on those items.
ReplyDeleteWhen I walked into CVS on January 2nd to get my drugs, ALL I saw was RED in the shapes of Valentine candy, cards, and junk. Yes, it's only 6 weeks away, but holy cow, New Year's was less than 24 hours prior. I suppose we will see Easter candy on February 15th. Halloween won't be too far behind!!! LOL!
I hope your New Year is full of light and love, Ron. XOXO
"It's INSANITY! Now, I do understand that some people take winter vacations to warm climates, but it's the sheer quantity (like you have shown in the photos) that is shocking!"
ReplyDeleteIsn't that INSANE? When I saw ALL THOSE SUITS already out on the floor, I literally stopped dead in my tracks. I thought I was still living in South Florida! LOL!
And you're right, most people would plan ahead if they were going on a vacation. In fact, I bet most people would buy them ON SALE at the end of the previous summer!
I saw the same thing in CVS. Next thing will be Easter basket and candy!
" Halloween won't be too far behind!!! LOL!"
CRACKED. ME. UP. because it's actually TRUE!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend Hope your New Year is full of light and love too! And hope you're feeling better. I sent you a BUNCH of energy the past couple of days!
Be well, my friend!
X
Way too early, Ron! That's crazy! Valentine's Day merchandise we've seen, but not bathing suits. We have not been into a Target since early December, so we will have to take a look in the one that we go to and see if they have bathing suit displays as well.
ReplyDelete"I don't even want to think about bathing suits, sunshine, humidity, and 98-degree heat just yet." -- neither do we. We both enjoy fall AND winter. Have you gotten any snow? We did. Not much. But enough to make us both excited! Like you said, January and February can be big snow months.
Happy winter, dude! Hope you get the chance to make some snow angels soon!
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDeleteCrazy, right? I'm curious to see if it's ALL Targets that are doing this. And speaking of Valentine's Day, I've seen that merchandise in CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Rite Aid.
Yes, we got a brief, and mean BRIEF bit of snow a few days ago. However, it was snow mixed with rain, so it was more of a slushy snow. And it didn't last long. It's been cold here, but still no really good snowfalls.
God, I would LOVE to make some snow angels this year! But if this winter is anything like last winter, I won't hold my breath. LOL!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt. Happy Winter and New Year to you!
X