Like most women, I too love to shop. I especially like the big shopping malls which are not only clean but also allow you to shop in an organized environment. I dread the pushing and shoving one has to endure in open markets.

There aren’t that many big malls compared to Nairobi or Kampala but still, a couple of those in town do it for me.
You should see me sashaying down the aisles, picking up different items, running my fingers along others and checking out the prices before replacing the items onto the racks. From cosmetics to underwear to electrical appliances, I will check it all. I have to say that most of these goods are way out of my league.

Take the 42-Inch Flat Screen that costs over 800,000Rwf.However, the price tag didn’t stop me from
going over to test it and asking the attendant a thousand questions about how it works.

So what if I can’t afford it now? I just want to know where to get one when the time comes. Over the weekend, I again found myself in one of the up-market stores and my goodness; there were so many things on display. I wanted to buy everything I saw.

I remember the beautiful bathrobes with matching caps and bathroom slippers. I stroked them lovingly and could already see myself wearing one. Then I saw the price.

Almost half my salary! It took a lot of
discipline not to give in to the temptation to buy one. I have never shoplifted and don’t ever intend to but I kind of understand why some people feel the need to shoplift.

They are not bad people. They
usually just want certain things but don’t have the money so they do the next thing they can, take them without paying.

Of course it’s not right but tell that to someone who badly needs something. And the way the items are stacked is just designed to tempt you. You look at all the rows neatly packed with ceramics, scented candles, shower gel, cereal etc and suddenly, you just want to have it all. Many times, you end up buying things you otherwise wouldn’t have bought if you hadn’t gone to the supermarket in the first place.

These days I never go with a lot of money because it’s hard to resist the urge when the money is right there in your bag. I have a couple of friends who are addicted to shopping as well. One actually once told us she would rather starve but buy trendy shoes or a classy handbag.

I’m a little wiser and have more resolve but still, her attitude has sort of rubbed off on me. I remember the time I bought an expensive dress knowing very well I was blowing money meant for my transport to work and I paid dearly.

But I had this satisfaction that I had a beautiful dress at home. But that was a one off. Usually, I am able to fight the temptation. During my shopping sprees, (though I actually do more window-shopping than buying), I like to hunt for bargains. I rarely buy things the minute I see them.

I will first check a couple of other supermarkets or shops to compare prices. Its extreme I know but I just feel cheated when I buy something from one supermarket only to find it at a lower price in the next. It doesn’t matter if it’s difference of 200Rwf.

I want the lowest price I can get, after all these are tough times. I look forward to a time I will be able to walk into a store, and buy whatever I want without first making mental calculations and deductions about what I should or shouldn’t buy because right now, I leave the supermarket with many items on my list not bought.

To be continued…