Why I Will Buy Handmade!

I am completely disgusted with department store shopping. As much as I enjoy Target (I have to admit it) I am really discouraged by the weird culty attitude. Not to mention the damage to local economy.

Let me back up my points for just a moment here. I go to Target from time to time. It's close to my house. They're office supplies are cheap. I like they're use of color. (I'm a color whore!) However, when I went there after the holidays it scared the CRAP out of me. All of the store employees, except for register people, were in this big circle in the middle of the store. The manager was leading them in a group excersize. They were all marching in place and clapping rythymically. He led them in some Target cheers. "Whose the best?" "Target!" "Who outsells them?" "Target!" Even down to the "Gimme a T" routine. Then he had them do a copycat thing. He'd tap his nose, they'd tap their noses, etc. Everyone immitated what he did. Then he rounded up by telling everyone to always do as he does and says and they'll stay an awesome Target team.
I stood there watching with my roommate. I was a little freaked out. While I think enthusiasm is awesome, I was a discouraged by follow me and do what I say and we'll be a good team. That's not team work, nor is it a democracy. That's, well, a dictatorship. A big corporate dictatorship. You're part of a "team", but what I say is all that counts. I think there is a big differencd between being a LEADER and guiding and just out and out RUNNING EVERYTHING. My roommate and I kinda looked at each other and hauled ass to office supplies. We both had that same uneasy cultish feeling.
It was the same atmosphere when I worked at Blockbuster for like 3 months. I got the Hell out of there fast! The whole corporation trains you that customers come first. Everyone is an equal. You are a vital team member. But the truth is customers are not a priority. Cash is king. Everyday a different higher up calls all managers and screams and screams about reaching a sales quota, and even when you do reach it, it coulda been better. So stop being lazy and make me some money! You are part of a team only until you incorporate to much of your personality in the job, then you get fired. And customers, they only come first when they agree to buy the item of the month. As soon as enough people are hooked, they're marketing plan is to up the price and leave you stuck holding the bag. It's totally sleazy. I quit and was embarassed to have it on my resume.
I've also been talking a lot with my friend Jen lately. She works for a large chain of shops. She's a part of the management team. She was telling me how everything they sell is Made in China, which is how the prices stay incredibly low. They buy it for pennies, sell it for a few dollars. Everything they supply is out sourced. They pay shit and treat their employees like crap. She hates herself for working there, but at the same time she needs to make a living and knows her job well.
It kinda makes me sick. I just can't support that anymore. I don't want my hard earned cash going to some company fat cats. I don't want it going to support poor child labor in China, or outsourced company business in India, like my phone company now sends me to when I have issues with my bill. Fuck that, I'm done! I want to start from scratch. I really feel the need to make a change in my purchasing. I know it's going to be hard to completely stop buying. But every penny I don't spend there is a step in the right direction.
So I buy from Etsy a LOT more. I walk to my local deli and little markets in my neighborhood when I need something. Most of the food there is bought locally or made by the deli. The amount I save on gas evens out the price difference. As the weather warms up I'll hit craft fairs, farmer's markets and flea markets. In most cases a lot of these options cost the same or CHEAPER than department stores, AND it supports local business.
I understand that it's not that easy for everyone. And I know there are still going to be days where it's just easier for me to go to Staples or Target. But I want to make a sincere effort not to. Every little bit counts. I hope some of you will read this and be inspired to do the same! Try and change one thing. Just one, I bet you'll find it infectious!