Consumer confidence levels in October of 2009 are actually nearly 30% higher than they were in October 2008.  One would hope this is good news for local merchants in the Capital Region.  Last year was certainly a very difficult Christmas season for all retailers, especially in Upstate New York.  But, we cannot ignore the fact that consumer confidence was so very low last year that things should be looking up for 2009 Christmas shopping based on the current levels in the SRI poll.

According to the NY Times account, there were approximately 2,000 shoppers lined up outside the Valley Stream Wal-Mart, some arriving as early as 3:30 a.m. Nassau County police had been called to the scene to attempt crowd control. The assembled mass was akin to “rabble.” Just before 5 a.m., “Suddenly, witnesses and the police said, the doors shattered, and the shrieking mob surged through in a blind rush for holiday bargains.” Damour was flung to the floor by the force with which these waiting shoppers plowed into the store. Other employees were also sent flying, and some shoppers – including a 28-year-old pregnant woman – were injured as well.

Okay, let that sink in for a moment. Picture the scene, the horror of it. Throngs of human beings rushing a building like animals after blood, and killing a man with their feet.

Why were some 2,000 people lined up before 5 a.m. outside a Wal-Mart? Why are the low prices so attractive? Why would so many people be so rabid that they would put the safety of themselves and others in jeopardy? Was it life-saving medicine they sought? Were they going after the only supply of food available to them? Did the health and safety of their loved ones depend on something inside of the store? One might expect such a scene in a developing nation where resources are scarce and parents must fight for the survival of their families. At least in that case, the stakes would be at their highest, and a human being might be excused for acting with such desperation. This was not the case yesterday in Valley Stream.

As a business alliance, CRIBA and its members are not in the habit of telling people not to shop. What we encourage is a more responsible and measured approach to consumption. We urge shoppers in the Capital Region and beyond to reject such blind consumerism. We ask that compassion and, dare we say, a dash of humanism be allowed to rule the day. No one needs to be hurt or killed in the pursuit of happiness, even if you believe happiness lies in a new flat-screen television or a new pair of jeans.