How Evolving Shopping Strategies Reflect Our Changing Lives

I remember when I used to be the ultimate back-to-school shopper. I knew exactly when to hit the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, how to beat the crowds, and which sizes my boys would grow into next. Sometimes I’d even have them try things on in advance so I knew what size to grab the second it hit the floor. This was before online shopping was what it is today… you really had to work for it.

Dragging 3 boys into the dressing room was its own special workout. They’d end up in a pile, crawling on the floor, turning the whole thing into chaos while I begged them to just try things on. It wasn’t negotiating over jeans… it was negotiating over basic cooperation. And getting all the way through checkout without a meltdown felt like a medal-worthy moment.

Fast forward to recently, and I realized the strategist in me is still very much alive… just living a totally different life now.

I woke up at 5:30 a.m. for the Elan Warehouse Sale. Not for kids’ coats. Not for survival. For me. And honestly, it was so fun.

We left in the dark, which made me laugh because I haven’t done that for anything except travel in years. My friends and I each grabbed one of the limited shopping carts, which was a major win because once they ran out, people were stuck with giant plastic bags that looked impossible to carry. We were also first into the dressing rooms. Huge win, because there were only a few changing areas and the people behind us probably waited over an hour.

The women around us clearly knew the drill. Everyone was friendly, whispering things like, “If you don’t want that, let me know.” And when I went to pay, people were literally hovering, waiting for my cart. “Are you finished with that?” It cracked me up.

The best part… the deals were insane. Everything was $10, $20, or $30. One top that my friend recently bought for $80 was $20 at the sale. Other pieces were originally over $100 or even $200. It was a serious bargain.

I posted about it on social media, and now I have even more friends who want to go next year. People are already saying they’ll fly in for it. That’s how good it was.

Life evolves. Our roles shift. But the parts of us that once kept everything moving don’t disappear… they just find new places to show up.

It’s funny how my evolving shopping strategies now show up in warehouse sales with friends instead of back-to-school runs with three little boys.

Apparently the woman who once managed back-to-school chaos has now become a Miami Warehouse Warrior… and I’m thrilled about it. 💜