Dan's Papers - August 17, 2007 - Eat, Drink and Go Shopping!

Shopping is undergoing a revolution. It isn't simply driving to the mall and wandering from store to store anymore. It has become about the whole experience. For most women, shopping is a pastime and it's becoming more luxurious than ever. Where men might get together with their friends, drink some beers and watch their favorite sports team, women are now getting together, becoming educated on some of their favorite products, having a few cocktails and buying those favorite things. Retail therapy has sure come a long way.

The explosion of at home shopping parties is a way an avid shopper can indulge. It has certainly evolved since the days of the Tupperware parties. Parties can be hosted for beauty products, kitchenware, food, jewelry, pocketbooks and even sex toys. So, what is the purpose of having one of these parties? Well, as if we need an excuse, it is simply a reason to get together with friends, enjoy some snacks and become educated about whichever products the host chooses. There is a consultant to tell you about all the newest products a company has to offer, which is something you usually don't get when browsing through a store. I found this was beneficial when I attended a Passion Party last week, which sells romance "enhancers." Where as many women may feel embarrassed to even step foot into an adult shop, let alone ask questions about the products, the independent consultant told us anything and everything we would want to know.

I have even jumped on the bandwagon by becoming an at home consultant with The Body Shop at Home. I get to see the enthusiasm on the guest's faces when they get to indulge in products that they may not normally take the time out to try. They can talk with their friends about products and get honest opinions without the pressure of in store salespeople. It is an amicable experience with no pressure for guests.

Some have taken the shopping party idea to a whole new level, such as Todd Shapiro, owner of the Hampton Shoe Vixen. On Thursday nights he hosts his "shoeperware" parties and offers guests free sushi, champagne, massages and, of course, there is music. As if you need another reason to attend, every guest recieves a free pair of shoes. Give them a call because it is RSVP only. Shapiro said that these parties boosted his business by approximately 30%. In addition, Shapiro has his own shoe boutique in the White House Nightclub in Hampton Bays, so ladies, can dance, drink and buy shoes. Todd is truly taking shopping in a whole new direction.

Although these types of parties are great, are women spending too much at them? In many instances there is alcohol involved and as we all know inhibitions disappear which includes spending much more than we should or initially wanted. Or when learning about every single product a company sells, we may feel inclined to buy many of them even if it is not something we don't use much. This is really the only downfall one may see with such a revolution, but I believe there is a simple solution. Be a smart guest. Before you go, set a budget for yourself and bring it in cash, take all credit cards out of your wallet. You get to go out, have a good time and not feel guilty about it later. If there is something else you still want, you can always call the consultant back and they would be happy to take your order at a later date.

I am thrilled with all the new and exciting things out there for the everyday consumer. Business owners seem to want to provide for us, so we give them our business. This is as it should be, and we as consumers are for once reaping all the benefits. Well, maybe not all but certainly much more than we used to. I am sure we are going to see more types of at home shopping parties and more business owners following Shapiro's lead in making shopping an entirely new experience. I cannot wait for my next girls night out. Who knows what it might bring.