A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away a man named George Lucas wrote a story about a western set in the future. No one believed in his story except one Hollywood studio that gave him a movie deal. George opted to take less money in exchange for something quite futuristic called licensing rights.
The rest is retail history.
Also, a long time ago in another galaxy (the East Coast), a different George named Carlin had a futuristic view of people having too much stuff. This concept is one of the reasons the retail industry is in its current death spiral – not to be confused with the death star.
In their never ending quest for product sales, retailers lost sight of what matters more than things, and that is experiences.
About ten years ago I realized my nephews, much like my own kids, had too much stuff. I wasn’t the biggest fan of gift cards because I felt they were a lazy form of gift giving. With their birthdays and Christmas relatively close, I stopped giving gifts in favor of an experience we call ‘cousins’ weekend’.
Our nephews would gather at our house and play games all weekend, ranging from basketball in the park, to teaching them Brooklyn classics like ‘moonies up’ to card games, board games, bowling and BBQs always ending on the Saturday night with letting them (finally) play video games. As they got older, the games changed to include an escape room, and a trampoline park.
The short-term gift was the fun they had with each other. The longer-term gift was the relationships they formed. Even after ten years, they still love this time together.
Retailers can’t package and sell these experiences, but caring families can.
After all, children spell love T-I-M-E.
Have fun!
Tina Nocera, Founder
