Don’t Let the Supply Chain Get You Down
What’s Almost Better Than Disneyland—And It’s Free
It is Truly the Second Funnest Place on Earth
We find ourselves in a very troubling time, where inflation is setting a new and worrisome course with higher prices and the availability of goods and services are subject to the whims of the supply chain. In fact, retailers are not only complaining about the lack of goods on their shelves, but they are recommending we as consumers start to purchase our holiday gifts now rather than waiting. If we wait too long, they’re basically saying we will be left out in the cold with nothing for our holiday gift giving.
Obviously, when you get to a certain age, the idea of getting gifts either at Thanksgiving or Christmas is a little less meaningful. Nonetheless, we girls still like to be included.
On the other hand, I do find the guys in our lives a bit challenging when it comes to buying their gifts. They can be picky and difficult to satisfy–your goal is getting that perfect gift so that you don’t have to do the dreaded returns when something isn’t just right. It doesn’t matter their age, but it is a dilemma and I think I have it solved. Read on if you’re interested.
Notwithstanding our BoomerGuys, the really special ingredient here is to shop for our kids and grandchildren. There is nothing that makes me happier than watching the little ones tear into wrapping, fling it everywhere, and caress the gift inside. In days past, we could go out on Black Friday and Christmas Eve and shop till we drop, because there was never an issue with the supply of fantastic gifts. Today, well not so much. Just the idea of racing out the door two months before Christmas to buy your gifts is unnerving. What’s a Boomer to do?
Over this past weekend, my BoomerGuy and I went shopping for a few items at a local sporting goods store. The idea being, let’s get these before they run out, if they’re not already.
I’m here to tell you, and as everyone knows, one of the most magical places on earth is Disneyland. But we found the second most magical and wonderful place to take your entire family, that being Bass Pro Shops, also known as Cabela’s. It is truly sensational, and I mean that literally. Your sensations go from zero when you get out your car in the parking lot to zonkers as you enter their store. Not only is it massive and oh so beautifully adorned but their shelves are stocked and they’re ready for business.
If you’ve never been, Bass Pro Shops is the ultimate destination for all kinds of goods and services related to the outdoors. It caters to both men and women of all ages and especially the youngsters who can hardly control their excitement with all the fun things to do and things to purchase. There is something for everyone.
You can talk all day about Disneyland, but at Bass Pro Shops you can get lost amongst all the items they have for sale. There is literally something for everyone. And the best part, it’s FREE!!! There is no entry fee and there is no obligation to purchase anything whatsoever. Are you kidding me?
Here in California there are a total of four stores, with the closest to me being Rancho Cucamonga. There are a total of 170 retail outlets throughout the U.S. and Canada, and when you look at the location map, there are dots everywhere. And every store is packed to the gills with products, and if you need a special size, they will order it for you.
So let’s take a walk along the wild side and visit some of the vignets offered in their store.
On Sunday this past weekend, they had an event in the parking lot called Country Western Quick Draw. Contestants of all ages lined up for the chance to set a record by drawing a “six gun” and shooting at a target 20 feet away, and oh what fun that was. The youngest was a pretty girl of 10 who was exceptional. Dressed in her sporting western wear, she made herself and family proud of her success. An older gentleman of say 65 was a superb quick draw and dead aim on the targets. I think he might have practiced beforehand. BTW, they don’t use real bullets, and safety is paramount.
What’s so meaningful about this? Hundreds of people gathered around watching the sharp shooters and the not so sharp shooters. Kids were having a blast, and that’s before any of us even went into the store. Did I mention this event was free. No charge to have fun!!!
Now it’s time to enter the hallowed halls. And oh! what a sensory overload that is. Here is a photo of the outside, and next is a photo of what you see when you enter the store. There were probably at any one time a thousand people inside the massive store, but you never felt crowded due to the overwhelming size.
Trust me when I say there were as many of us women as there were men enjoying the sights, fun activities and the buying opportunities, not to mention the vast number of eateries. But the best part, was watching the little ones frolic through the aisles, taking aim at fun targets in the shooting gallery, watching in amazement at the fish in the oversized aquariums, throwing coins in the streams which run throughout the store, getting ready to chow-down on a hot fudge sundae…and the best part…watching the father’s take their hands and guide them lovingly.
So here goes, the captions tell it all…
One last parting shot, they sell huge bags of popcorn at vending kiosks, outside, next to the parking lots. You don’t even have to go into the store to enjoy this one. But if you’ve been shopping and you come out having had the time of your life and purchasing everything you need for the holidays, then settle down with your favorite popcorn. You tear into the bag because the aroma is too good to believe, and trust me, it won’t last until you get home.
The point of all this is to warn you that you just might have the time of your life and find something on the thousands of shelves that fits perfectly as that special gift for your partner, children and grandchildren, not to mention friends from all generations. Forget about all that supply chain nonsense. That doesn’t exist here at Bass Pro Shops.
I am so thrilled to offer this inspiring story, your #1 BoomerGal, Connie.