Submitted by Paul Nimmo.
I have heard a lot about this being a gloomy holiday. At first I thought people were talking about an economic forecast. It was also safe to say it is about our late fall/early winter weather.
But in driving around Lakewood retail areas, primarily the Towne Centre, that there are no outward signs that it is even the Holiday Season. There are no banners wishing a Merry Christmas. No flags in light poles (even though there are brackets) with colorful decorations. No buildings with lights making the season bright.
It is just another day in retail which leads to the understanding that retail (and property owners) could care less. They are gonna get your business anyway. Well maybe, as I just drove past Party City which just announced they will be closing all their stores after the New Year.
In the days of diminishing brick and mortar retail establishments, one would think they would want to make an experience for shoppers, a reason to leave the chair. If they are not going to put out the effort, why should we. Most items I need or want are just a click away. I, for a long time, still wanted to support physical facilities, but why should I?
Why indeed, Paul, why indeed? Perhaps, all of the people who voted against Donald Trump are still licking their wounds and are just going through the motions. I think the problem goes well beyond Lakewood. Perhaps if it snows everyone will liven up here in Pierce County.
I agree with Paul. I needed to make a quick trip to the Tacoma Mall. When I entered Nordstrom, what was a dreaded errand became a wonderful experience! The holiday decorations were magical! I then needed to make a quick trip to Lakewood Target. What a contrast! There were very few signs of Christmas. I went back to the holiday section and it was almost empty! They were unpacking and putting out Valentine’s Day decorations! Three days before Christmas!
Lakewood could do much more to create a sense of community. The entrance to Lakewood from Gravelly Lk. Dr. has no holiday greetings. It would not take much effort to make it festive.
Lakewood could pay attention to our neighbors in University Place and Fircrest. A completely different experience.
. I’m not sure how stores and the Lakewood Center not decorating is tied to people who didn’t vote for Trump? This makes no sense and just appears to be a divisive statement? Merry Christmas and may there be Peace on Earth.
Youre picking up on the notion of how much the town center owner (kite realty) doesnt care about the community that lines its pockets. They straight up dont care who/what/how goes on here, they are based out of Idaho.
I found this article interesting because I actually hadn’t even noticed the lack of decorations at Towne Center. As I’ve walked around and chatted briefly with folks, I’ve noticed that the people themselves are very cheerful and don’t give me the politically offended cringe when I say “Merry Christmas” to them–they wish me the same back and smile.
And really, isn’t that the ultimate Christmas spirit? In the end, it is lodged in people’s hearts, where we should be seeking it, not in the retail sector. Somehow I doubt that Christ pays much attention to our decorations…
You have it right John. The presence of the Christmas tree 🎄 🎄🎄🎄🎄lot was a sufficient holiday display for me. People seemed happy.
Exactly right John, I have noticed the same. And Christmas decorations, or the lack thereof, are not a factor in which stores I choose to shop.
Would I go shopping in Lakewood more if it were decorated for Christmas season? In other words, DO I go shopping more in University Place or Proctor? No, I go shopping where necessity hauls me. Unfortunately, the mix of stores in Towne Center (and elsewhere) in Lakewood has become less and less attractive in the past decade, and restaurants don’t make up for the loss of offers, of course. Besides, nobody likes to be commented on their dress or their gift being recognized as coming from a chain store.
As to the official Christmas light color number one in our town, I couldn’t feel bluer – cheerful is different (this year’s tree in front of town hall makes me almost weep). On the other hand, Christmas lights mean energy cost (and waste) , if you see it from an economical point of view, and just because there are lights doesn’t mean that there is the adequate spirit. Which I find anywhere this season, decoration or not. Sharing smiles and words of kindness kindles a different kind of lights – these are the ones that really count.
Good callout, Paul. It does feel like Lakewood has a higher percentage than other cities of commercial property owners who don’t show evidence of community involvement or care. Perhaps more important than what this says about the holiday is what it says about Lakewood’s prospects for attractive commercial development and filling vacancies. We all look forward to property owners showing community spirit, whatever form that takes on a holiday or beyond.
I am in Florence Italy enjoying Christmas 🎄 with the real Catholics, Christmas decorations everywhere, stores packed, enjoying the passagiatta! America offers work which is good, culture lacking, I am a Tacoma native, to much emphasis on on social justice, good clean culture emphasizing family gone, a terrible place to be for Christmas 🎄🎁!