Why I Keep Going to the Shops (Even When My Cupboards Are Full)

We all love shopping. Even when our cupboards are full and everything we need is already at home, we still find ourselves wandering into the stores “just to grab a few things.” We hunt for sales, discounts, and those magical offers like 3 for 2 that convince us we’re saving money while spending more. Somehow, the shops always know exactly how to tempt us, and we fall for it with a smile. It’s almost like they understand our weaknesses better than we do.

Have you ever noticed how women’s sections in stores are huge, while men’s sections are squeezed into a tiny corner? There’s a reason for that. Women shop even when they don’t need anything — and shopping centres know this very well. Their business strategy is simple: target the ladies and the children. They understand who actually walks around the store, who compares prices, who picks up “just one more thing,” and who notices the new arrivals. Men walk in, grab what they need, and leave. Women? We explore. We browse. We enjoy the experience.

Walk into a store with a child during Christmas or Easter and you’ll understand. The moment you enter, you’re greeted with colourful displays, shiny gifts, and “special offers.” Children start crying, grabbing things, demanding treats. And even if you don’t want to buy anything, you end up buying it just to avoid the “beautiful noisy music” they create. It’s almost like the shops plan it — and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do. They know parents will do anything for a peaceful five minutes.

Easter is the funniest one. Giant chocolate eggs everywhere. Bunnies. Bright colours. Children hypnotised by chocolate. But have you ever wondered where Easter eggs even came from? Were they really part of Easter traditions? For me, it’s still a mystery. All I know is that every year, the eggs get bigger, shinier, and somehow more irresistible. Even adults fall for them. You go in for bread and come out with a chocolate egg the size of your head.

Then comes Valentine’s Day — a whole festival dedicated to making sure women get gifts. Yes, there are things for men too, but let’s be honest… the upper hand is for ladies. Husbands and boyfriends have no choice but to turn their cars toward the shopping centre. Even the most stubborn ones eventually give in, because no one wants to risk coming home empty‑handed on Valentine’s Day. The shops know this, and they take full advantage with red hearts everywhere you look.

Sometimes we even enjoy window shopping — but only in the fancy brand stores. I’m the same. I keep going to the grocery store even when everything is already at home. Rain or shine, I go. You can call it an addiction to grocery shopping, but honestly, I think I just need a change of scenery and some fresh air. Walking through the aisles feels strangely calming, like a tiny break from the world. It’s my version of a spa day — cheaper, quicker, and with snacks.

My son once joked, “I think Mama has a bed in that shop.”

And one day, a staff member actually asked me, “Why do you come every day?”

Even they were annoyed with me. But honestly, who cares? I still go. At this point, I think they recognise me more than some of my neighbours do.

I could have complained about her, but I didn’t. Maybe she was tired. And more importantly, she’s a mum too, working hard for her family. Why make someone’s life harder over something small? Sometimes a little kindness goes further than any discount. We never know what someone else is carrying on their shoulders.

Now, let’s talk about shopping with husbands. Believe me, I avoid it. If you give him a shopping list, you’re finished. He’ll grab everything in five minutes and run to the counter. No time to look around, no time to explore, no time to enjoy. For him, shopping is a mission. For me, it’s an experience. I want to compare brands, check prices, smell the candles, and maybe pick up something I didn’t plan for. He wants to escape.

So I made a plan. One shopping centre, my son takes me. The other one, my husband’s duty. And the main one — the one within walking distance — I go alone. I’m independent. All I need is my husband’s card. That’s the real secret to peaceful shopping. Freedom plus someone else’s wallet — the perfect combination.

These days, people shop online. It’s easy, no time restrictions, no queues. But still… I prefer going to the shopping centre. The atmosphere, the walking, the browsing — it’s different. But that doesn’t mean I’m not a fan of online shopping.

Shopping is shopping. Whether it’s a trolley or a touchscreen, the thrill is the same.

So tell me — how does your shopping go?

This story was written by me and polished with the help of AI to refine the flow and bring out the humour in everyday moments. Shopping isn’t just about buying things — it’s about routine, comfort, escape, and the little stories we collect along the way. If this piece made you smile or reminded you of your own shopping adventures, then it has done exactly what I hoped. Thank you for reading and sharing a slice of everyday life with me.