The best shopping is found at home

At times, lines at Sears snaked more than 25 people deep and owner Dan Lister was literally on the run from the time the store opened at 6 a.m. to the time it closed.

Friends in town for the Thanksgiving holiday had promised to help out and it's a good thing they did. With the store in the midst of a major remodel — doubling its space in recent weeks — things were a little on the hectic side and the extra help was a welcome addition on the busy shopping day.

Down the mall at Staples, crowds of folks were waiting at the doors when employees opened the doors at 6 a.m. as well. Hot ticket items went fast and a steady stream of customers kept coming all day.

The same was true at Sharon's Hallmark, Larson's and just about every other store in the greater Sandpoint and Ponderay area. While the weather was nice, folks obviously found plenty of bargains as they made an early start on their Christmas shopping list.

Some even report they got all their shopping done — without having to drive out of town. And that, even for a dedicated shopper like myself, is a nice thing.

I like the idea of being able to walk into a store where I'll get a friendly smile, an offer of assistance and all my questions answered — and great bargains to match.

I like the idea of being able to call up the store if I have a problem — and know that I'll find someone on the other end that cares and will drop everything to help.

I like the idea that if it's the wrong size, wrong color or wrong thing all together, the lucky people on my Christmas list won't have to play "guess the store" to return it.

I like the idea that I'm not paying any more for my gifts.

With all of that said, why shop anywhere but home?

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.