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Marketplace Scratch Pad

What the world needs now

Scott Jagow Oct 9, 2009

Yeah, I get that the economy needs as much activity as possible to gain momentum. For retailers, that means extra measures this year — deep early discounts, opening temporary stores and opening on Thanksgiving Day. But it reminds me of a song by Cracker.

“What the world needs now is (another store open on Thanksgiving) like I need a hole in my head.”

This Toys ‘R’ Us manager agrees. He wrote this to consumerist.org:

This may not come as a shock to the average consumer, but to a retail worker who only typically has three guaranteed days off a year (Easter, Thanksgiving, and Xmas) this was disturbing. It was presented to the stores as capitalizing on a competitive advantage. This information is supposed to be highly confidential but I just feel like calling (bs) on these arrogant (a-holes) who will be enjoying Thanksgiving with their families whilst the true workers will be working and preparing for the busiest shopping day of the year. Also, we will be opening at midnight Thanksgiving Day to enjoy another competitive advantage.

Signed,
Soon to be former Toys “R” Us Kid

On one hand, I’m tempted to say well, that’s what comes with working in the retail business. It’s 24/7 365 nowadays, and the economy could certainly use the business.

But we already work too many hours, too many weeks, too many years — for what? To have it ripped away by Wall Street or the government? For competitive advantage over other countries who work less? We have a competitive advantage?

I’m just throwing it out there.

Discuss.

Oh, and in case you wanna rock out:

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