Author Topic: No box fans in Texas, but plenty of Christmas ornaments! (Read 505 times)

Matthew · « **on:** September 24, 2015, 11:17:26 AM »

Yesterday, September 23rd, I wanted to buy a high-volume floor fan to air out the chapel before we turn the air conditioning on each week.

I know, in most parts of the country right now, it barely gets hot during the DAY, nevermind at night. But here in south-central Texas we're still in the middle of Summer, with highs around 93 and lows around 70. It's too humid to open the windows EVEN AT NIGHT!

Suffice to say that a Texan wouldn't be crazy to be in the market for a box fan, floor fan, any kind of fan, or an air conditioner right now. It wouldn't even be "off season" for him.

I went to town yesterday trying to buy a fan, and couldn't find one! All the stores were sold out -- Wal-mart, Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. I tried Target, but they only had some weaker household ones -- none of the high powered, metal floor fans.

And what was in the fan aisle at Lowe's instead? CHRISTMAS STUFF. Yes, it's over a month until Halloween (which doesn't need that much time to prepare for, let's be realistic. It's a single day for crying out loud, not a season!) and it's even further until Thanksgiving. But Lowe's thinks that people spend more during the "Holiday Season" so they're trying to stretch it out as much as possible.

I think we've entered the realm of comedy here. It's ridiculous, ludicrous, and insane to be putting out Christmas ornaments OVER THREE MONTHS before December 25th.

This isn't a traditional Catholic "what about Advent?" rant. This goes well beyond that. I've come to be accustomed to the usual Christmas hoopla from Thanksgiving until December 25, almost to the point of acceptance. But trying to get people in a Christmassy buying mood in the middle of SEPTEMBER? Insane.

Also, I would like to point out that capitalism has failed in this case. You're telling me that more Texans would like a couple packs of Christmas ornaments than a new fan? Not according to the employees of the store. She seemed to know already who was sold out. Apparently there is a huge demand, and it's not being met.

Isn't that basic supply and demand economics? Someone will provide what people want, in the hopes of making money and earning a living? Well, I'll give away a free tip here: sell fans during late Summer (August, September, October) in Texas, and you'll make a mint!

Another problem with national corporations -- they like to standardize everything, regardless of local differences.

shin · « **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2015, 11:24:02 AM »

No box fans already.. . ? I guess a switch has been flipped somewhere and all summer merchandise must be out.

There was a box fan that got a great review I wanted to air this place out, but I wound up from just needing one immediately and one that I could return, reluctantly getting one at a big box store. A bargain basement one from a brand that's buying out other ones, and is rather noisy, sigh, I regret it a bit. Meant to return it but too much to do.

Thankfully it's gotten quieter with use.

You might try online from a store that has free shipping returns, or a local outlet that accepts them.

They are really helpful for keeping things cool. It and a ceiling fan are a great combination.

And if you put a radiator filter behind one, instant allergy filter on the cheap, and you have to dust the house less often too.

confederate catholic · « **Reply #2 on:** September 24, 2015, 12:01:10 PM »

Quote

And what was in the fan aisle at Lowe's instead? CHRISTMAS STUFF.

at the lowes near me it started last month!

Dolores · « **Reply #3 on:** September 24, 2015, 12:33:08 PM »

I went into a small office building for an appointment earlier this week. They had a fake Christmas tree out, although it was decorated in an autumn style (red and orange leaves, pumpkin ornaments, etc.). I just shook my head.