The air was thick with anticipation. The staff was buzzing about how many people were waiting outside. The managers were wringing their hands...did they get everything done? All the signs made? All the racks restocked? The buyers, like ants on an anthill, zipped around remerchandising tables and racks before the onslaught. All parties waiting for the big moment...The Alpine Shop Ski SWAP was finally upon us!
I stand outside the tent by the Marmot table perfectly positioned by the front door. A monument of red, white and black all tied together by the soft indie beat of Jurassic 5. The golden mounds of lightly colored sugar cookies, sending out fragrant wafts to the waiting line, stand all in order: M-A-R-M-O-T. They come with a purpose: brand promotion. They sit tall and proud on their little red plates, ready for recognition, ready for consumption. To further their cause i walk the line passing out stickers and the little soldiers of profit...
Many have been waiting for hours. Camp chairs, refreshments...this starts to look more like a tailgaiting party. But the air is not so jolly. It is pregnant with anticipation, crouching and waiting for the moment with the tent flap goes up and permission is granted.Mothers stand poised like linebackers, ready to find those holiday deals. This is a combination of an after-Thanksgiving sale, a playoffs football fame and the mad dive for the last can of pumpkin on Thanksgiving day. These people have come with a mission.
Yet, some take it more slowly. One chap had a putting green set up in the parking lot, many more had cards. They are the slyest of them all...fake obliviousness, then run for the kill, that is their strategy.