You’ve probably heard the term “shop-a-holic,” but here at Sandton Central, we prefer the term “shopping enthusiast.” That’s because we understand how the act of shopping (when done within reason and moderation, of course) can be markedly beneficial to our lives in a number of ways.
These benefits range from the most surface level, i.e. “I want the thing, I bought the thing, I now have the thing,” to more complex mental health benefits centred around earning, self-esteem and creative expression. We’ve put together a handy list of just some of these benefits, so next time a friend or family member asks “are you going shopping again?” you can confidently explain to them why that’s the best choice you could possibly be making!
Practicality
On the most basic level, shopping allows you to acquire items that you need or want in order to live your day-to-day life, such as food, clothing, and household goods. When you think about it a little more deeply though, planning a shopping trip to grab all our items at once – especially when you’re in an area packed with everything you might need, like Sandton Central, – instead of popping into the store for dribs and drabs as you need essentials, you might be saving money. This is because items in bulk or package deals often cost significantly less than smaller quantities, and doing one day of significant shopping allows you to weigh out budgeting all at once instead of being surprised at how multiple small costs have a tendency to add up.
Entertainment
For most of us, shopping can be a form of entertainment in and of itself. Browsing stores, discovering new things, trying on clothes, tasting samples and seeing what’s on offer is an adventure for all the senses. As part of this adventure, you as the shopper get to flex your consumer power towards the exciting items you might not have known about before. Let’s put it this way, if going shopping wasn’t fun, would this many timeless movies have a funky shopping makeover montage? We don’t think so. You get to act out your own movie montage every time you visit the stores you love.
Social interaction
Shopping doesn’t have to be a solo activity. In fact, it’s usually even more fun when it’s not! When you bring a friend, partner or family member along with you, the level of excitement you get from a shopping trip can increase tenfold.
Your shopping companion could be who you ask for second opinions before making a purchase; the person that convinces you to try something new and exciting; a great source of info on products you don’t know too much about or even just a friendly coffee companion to grab a pastry with when you’re famished from rushing around hunting for bargains! Friends who shop together, slay together.
Stress relief
Ambling through well-organised racks of products you adore is an oddly meditative activity and releases a triumphant rush of endorphins when paired with finding the particular item you were looking for, at the perfect price point.
It’s part of human psychology to feel good when we achieve a goal, and setting out with the purpose of making a purchase, and then exchanging cash for exactly what we wanted is exactly that. Think of it as a tangible version of checking off an item on your to-do list. With the added benefit of being able to take that achievement home in a neat little shopping bag. Isn’t that a great feeling?
Personal expression
Many of the items we own act as a reflection of our personality on the outside. Everything from the clothing we choose to wear to the stationery we use at work. The cups we put our toothbrushes in and the air fresheners we hang in our cars all indicate personal preferences on some level. When you shop through a wide range of options for consumer products, the items you choose reflect your likes, dislikes, personal aesthetic, values and priorities. This means that shopping, in a way, acts as a form of defining, asserting and expressing your personality. To shop somewhere with a wide variety of options and pick something just because you like it is a freedom of choice that’s based solely on your wants, and that’s incredibly self-affirming.
See? Alongside all of the exciting items you get from shopping, you gain so much more, too. Here at Sandton Central, we know the feeling all too well. We love to roam the racks and search the shelves as much for the act of it as for the spoils we get to take home. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of retail variety in our community. When you visit Sandton Central, stop by centres like 24 Central, the Benmore Centre, Alice Lane, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City and The Marc to fulfil all your shopping needs. Treat yourself to retail therapy today – we’ll see you at checkout, and you’ll be the one wearing a big smile.
