How many times have you heard … “you always have a choice.” I support that statement; really, choice is a good thing! I have endorsed the sentiment many times while parenting, and have also taken comfort in its gist. However, lately I find it more accurate to refine the mantra as “you always have TOO many choices!”
Take for instance Ritz crackers. YES – the plain old yummy comfort food from the past. It’s still selling. And on a quick run to the grocery store tonight to grab a box, plus a couple other items while my chicken was in the oven … I was stumped. I was literally on my news frantically throwing imposter boxes out-of-the-way to secure an original. There was now Ritz peanut butter, Ritz touch of salt, Ritz low-fat, Ritz cheddar, Ritz jalapeno, Ritz whole wheat, Ritz salt free, and Ritz minis all in multiple sizes crowding the shelf. I kid you not … the original was SOLD OUT! What does that tell you? It tells me all the ugly step sisters are NOT necessary! Please, Please, Please STOP! Just STOP!
When did life get so complicated? I know I sound ancient, but only because I speak of a time gone by that our poor kids just don’t know. They’ve never experienced the “simple” life. So young is associated with the complex life we now embrace, full of so much excess! Ah!!!! The simple life, where a cracker was just a cracker, is long gone; and in its place are 7 or so enhanced versions. But I think it significant the ONLY one sold out on the shelf, was the plain original. Apparently I’m not alone here.
Trust me, I’m for free enterprise. And I get that developing new product and expanding business is essential to the GNP and economic growth. However, IF you didn’t have 8 versions of the same product – wouldn’t the same amount of cracker shoppers still buy your product? But instead of scattering the sales over the assortment – just offer them the original, which is what they want anyway? I wonder what would happen if a grocery store did just that – as a test for one week. I don’t mean to sound un-American, I know it is our God-given right to obsess with excess, but I’d be curious. Would the sales dramatically decrease, or would the shoppers just resign themselves to buying what Ritz is on the shelf.
I can argue this argument with anything as well … cell phones, t.v.s, colors of nail polish, dog breeds, breakfast options … how about coffee????? I can’t even figure out how to order it anymore, let alone what kind I want. It’s even become its own vente language! Whatever happened to black or with cream & sugar. Period the END!
O.K., o.k. I surrender. I’ll make my choices, if I have to. But I won’t enjoy it! It’s just another stressor. I would rather keep it simple. But … for now, I just want some crackers.
50Shadesof... 