Reply #71: True, but even in very small small ways, like product selection

[blueworld]

In the Stone Age, when I was "graduated" as a Systems Analyst, I achieved a comfortable salary level for the first time. I wanted to buy living room furniture that all matched, instead of the beer hall selection I had. There was a wide variety of furniture styles & upholstery fabrics available to me. I was never in "Martha Stewart's" league.

I recently received a catalog from Montgomery Ward & another from Sears (middle-class bastions) that were virtually identical, including item numbers, except for the covers. For those poor souls who shop at Wal-Mart, K-mart, Target, JC Penny etc. there are identical selections for bed, bathroom, living room curtains/linens. Same with kid's clothes.

5 years ago I purchased similar items online believing the selection was better, but I made a size error. Called the next day to modify the order & was snottily told that the items were "drop shipped" from Chinese/Mexican warehouses & couldn't be changed, but I could get an authorization number to return them. WTF?

Our commuting distances are determined by where we work & therefore our gasoline expenses...but I babble. You obviously know which is why you posted. I hope when I croak there's a decent coffin selection, not imported from you-know-where. Good grief.