Yep. It’s from the WSJ whose writers would be surprised that their stories are such reliable fodder for things other than finding places to hide when the stock market is gyrating. You’re on your own on interest rates, market sectors, money supply, and inflation. My thoughts are generally on stuff- the nonessentials on which Americans spend $1.2 trillion annually and specifically, on Dollar General’s play for these dollars.
Welcome DG’s Age-of-Corona-inspired shopping concept, Popshelf . This new venture targets “High income shoppers looking to splurge” by “Selling things that shoppers don’t need but might want”, resulting in “Guilt free (questionable) treating oneself without overspending”, strategically “Selling “treasure-hunt” items that are only available for a short period, thus encouraging the shopper to come back soon.”, aided by “Advertising on social media” (creating a FOMO frenzy.)
Italics are the WSJ’s; parens are mine.
The General is a “stuff” agnostic- It can be the Dollar General or the Five Dollar General, as long as it pacifies your money. It knows the difference between wants (many) and needs (fewer). It knows that the pandemic begs a treatment and retail is at best, therapeutic, not curative. It knows how to exploit the lure of the deal. The General is in charge.
En garde shoppers! Even cheap stuff is costly. FInd another way to distract yourself and your money, lest you end up with a lot of iffy stuff.