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By Stanley P. Gershbein
Brooklyn Daily
“Are you interested in buying it, or are you just showrooming?”
“What’s showrooming?” I asked the salesman. I never heard the word. I looked it up when I returned home and, sure enough, it does exist. Showrooming is the act of considering the products you are interested in while at a store and then going home to your computer to comparison shop. I’ve been showrooming for years, and now I know what it’s called. I prefer buying my needs at a reliable, reputable store and have set a 10 percent limit on my prices. If Target, Best Buy or Wal-Mart charge nine percent more than Amazon, plus the tax, I hop back to my local retailer. At 10 percent and no tax, I am now one of those Internet customers that are disliked by retailers. I like saving money. Who doesn’t?
After all of our travels, my roommate and I were in need of some new luggage. We visited a popular department store and picked out what we wanted. I jotted down the brand name, model numbers, colors and headed for home. Google lead us to E-Bags.com which was charging us, not 10 percent less, not 25 percent less, but, for the exact same items, a whopping 45 percent less, with no tax and free shipping. We’re not talking about a $5 difference. We’re talking big bucks.
It’s no wonder that we see so many empty stores where popular retailers used to be. I really can’t find fault with those who are buying their needs on the computer thanks to the very big savings.
• • •
Are you a “Belieber?” No. I spelled it correctly. I said “Belieber” with a “b,” not “believer” with a “v.” I learned another new word this week. A Belieber is more than merely a Justin Bieber fan. A Belieber is a “fanatical devotee” of the Canadian singer. Yes, the English language continues to grow.
• • •
I tried on a pair of Levi’s 511 jeans at Kohl’s the other day. They fit perfectly, but I couldn’t help but notice the many pressed-in creases across the front. From there, we hopped on over to Macy’s. I picked up another pair of Levi’s 511 and noticed the same pressed creases on the same area. While there I noticed the gal from the company straightening out the display. I showed her the creases and asked her if her company was having problems with their ironing machines. When she finished laughing she told me that this is a style called “whiskering.”
“Whispering?” I asked.
“No. ‘Whiskering,’ with a ‘k.’ They resemble the whiskers of a cat, and it’s very much in style.”
Well, waddya’ know?
I’ll never understand fashion. First there were blue jeans. Then somebody made blue jeans in black. Ripping holes across the knees and other parts of the pants became very hot. Looking poor was in style. Now we have “whiskering.”
That’s three new words for me in less than a week. Of course there are many old words around with new meanings. I am StanGershbein@Bellsouth.net asking, does the word “sequester” fit here?
Read Stan Gershbein's column every Monday on BrooklynDaily.com.