#santa’s retail shop

[foldingfittedsheets]

Every sales job I’ve worked has that one item. The white whale. The biggest ticket you can sell. The sale you brag about when you’re chatting with other industry people.

When I sold mattresses it was a split king adjustable base. That’s two twin extra long mattresses next to each other to make a king, but each side can move independently. They’re insanely expensive and honestly kind’ve impractical but it was the biggest ticket thing to sell.

When I sold sex toys though our white whale was the 20lb ass. It was a female pelvis, a cut out from the waist to the tops of the thighs. It was hyper realistic material and cost about $500. I definitely had bigger tickets but not in one item typically.

In my time at the sex shop, I sold three. Each time was completely different in terms of how the guy acted about buying it. The first man was a little embarrassed and shy about it. I was professional and supportive as I rang it up. Once I handed him the receipt he looked at the box. Then he looked at me.

If you’ve ever wondered how big a box has to be to fit a 20lb ass let me just tell you: it’s pretty damn big. It’s an uncomfortably large armful of box and every side has a picture of the sex toy inside on it. It’s not subtle.

“Could I get a bag….?”

There was no bag that existed that could possibly contain all that ass. “Hang on,” I told him.

I got scissors and tape and covered the box in cut up black bags. Looking relieved he picked up his purchase and left.

The next man to buy one carried it proudly to the counter; self assured and not embarrassed in the least. When I said I didn’t have a bag, but I could wrap it for him he gave a hearty shrug and hefted it into his arms, marching out the door with the butt on full display.

The last man to get one was just kind’ve an odd guy. Not creepy, but eccentric. We got along great, and as I rang him up I said, “Well one guy wanted his taped over, and one guy carried it out. What would you prefer?”

“There’s no bags?”

“No store bags. I think our jumbo trash bags in the back might fit it….?” It seemed rude to suggest putting a $500 item into a trash bag, but he wasn’t bothered.

He considered this then said, “Bring me the trash bag.”

When I delivered it to him he still managed to surprise me. Instead of shoving the huge box into it he opened the box. He took out his new $500 sex toy, and all the little things it came with, tipping them unceremoniously into the trash bag.

“There! Now I don’t have to deal with the box later!”

I was slightly stunned but agreed that I could easily deal with the trash. Then in a move I still think about with delight he flung the trash bag over his shoulder like a Santa with a sack full of ass and sauntered out the door.

If this or my other escapades made you laugh you could pop a tip into my Ko-fi! For more like this check my tag "ffs foibles".

[mjoffic]

last minute shopping - eddie munson holiday blurb

I work retail and this popped in my head while refolding a graphic tee table and it's truly just a bunch of fluf and eddie being a cute boi

~ enjoy and happy holidays ~

word count: 1.2k

The holidays. A time focused around family, the reason for the season, cozy sweaters and hot cocoa. Twinkling lights couldn't be missed for miles as every house had some sort of big bulk convenience store decoration. No need for 'frosted windows in a can', oh no, Hawkins was seeing a very white Christmas with snow fall never ending and the chill of the wind cutting through every jacket and parka leaving no survivors behind. The joy was like an electric buzz in the air, only one thing could diminish the feeling.

The Starcourt Mall.

Eddie wasn't the best planner, never had been. Despite this year trying his best to be on top of the holidays he still had yet to get something for Uncle Wayne. With Christmas Day only two days away, it was a scramble for the perfect gift and it was absolute hell trying to get anywhere in the mall.

He could try The Gap? Nah, too pricey.

Maybe a gift certificate to Scoops Ahoy? But when would Wayne ever find the time to use it? He's always working.

Eddie sighed in frustration, running a hand through his mop of curls. He took a moment to look around the area, peeking over the heads of bustling mothers herding their kids to meet Santa, dads sitting on benches with shopping bags galore, teenagers running around the food court with their Orange Julius's sloshing all over the place. This was a nightmare. Slim pickings. Would Wayne be upset over a hand drawn card?

He was near giving up when he spotted Macy's on the far end. It was a department store, and while it seemed busy, it wasn't as congested as the inner workings of the mall. He squeezed his way through and slid through a sliver of space in between two groups of families; one included a mother scolding her husband for losing their credit card, the other group had a child crying over not getting the remote control car on the front table. Eddie pursed his lips, so glad he wasn't in that stage of life just yet.

There seemed to be never ending options for Eddie to look through, he wondered why he hadn't stopped in in the first place. It also made this decision much more difficult. He knew that he would definitely be walking out with something, no doubt, but genuinely the starting point slowly began to stump him and he felt his once eager energy depleting. A three pack of ties? When did Wayne dress up? A mug? Sure, lets add to the hundreds of them adorning the trailer wall. Maybe a fancy glass set? Even if the glasses were on sale, it was definitely out of Eddie's comfort range of spending.

"Well the sign says fifty percent off!"

A screech from an older woman pulled Eddie out of his daze and his attention turned to the scene on his right.

"Ma'am, I understand your frustration, however the sign details specifically to the gift sets. This sweater is on the table, but is signed for thirty percent off."

Eddie shifted his gaze from the woman, red in the face, almost matching her Christmas red sweater, to you. You stood behind a counter, not currently in use to ring up customers, but he noticed a stack of scarves next to you. He assumed you'd been cleaning up. You wore emerald green, very festive, and an elf hat to match. Despite your professional aura, the bell on the end of hat could almost send him into a fit of giggles every time your head even moved an inch.

"I'd be more than happy to show you-" you started, before being interrupted.

"You can show me to your manager! This is false advertising!" the women shouted, drawing a few more eyes into encounter.

"Ma'am, I'll have to ask you to keep from yelling in the store," you responded, face void of emotion. "If you would let me-"

"I'll yell if I want to! This is a free country!"

Eddie watched you take a deep breath, before picking a landline off the counter. You typed quietly while the woman continued her banter. You faked a smile to her before speaking again. "Hi, hey Ron, it's Y/n! Yeah, yeah, doing good, hey listen, would you mind sending security down to gifts? I have a disgruntled customer who refuses to listen. Awesome, thanks so much!"

The womens jaw dropped as you placed the phone back to the receiver, Eddie snickering quietly at this interaction.

"Who do you think you are!" the woman shouted, feigning a hand to her chest dramatically. "Do you know who I am?"

You smiled and shook your head, folding your hands on the counter. "No, ma'am, I don't! However I am the manager of this department and am asking you to remove yourself before security gets here."

The woman stared dumbfounded, slowly backing up from your bubble. Eddie stared in wonder at the interaction, and if he was honestly, completed turned on by your dominance.

"Merry Christmas!" you smiled, waving as the woman moved away from the scene.

Eddie noticed security at the end of the walkway and he shook his head, laughing slightly. Finding the nerve to walk up to you, he leaned softly against the counter and looked to the way in which the Grinch had left. "I think that was better than any of those movies playing in the theater right now."

You looked to him when he had approached, and smirked a bit at his words. "I try. Gotta keep some sort of sanity in this place."

"I get it, it's a madhouse in here," Eddie nodded, giving his best smile before extending his hand. "Eddie."

Your smirk simmered into a smile and you shook his hand back, nodding. "Y/n."

"Well, Y/n, I'm wondering if you might be of some use to me," he said, straightening back up.

"Oh?" you questioned, crossing your arms.

"Yeah, I mean, you are the manager of this department," Eddie said. "I'm in the works for the perfect gift."

"Ah," you nodded, stepping out from around the counter and glancing around your section. "Mom? Sibling? Girlfriend?"

Eddie stifled a laugh and he slowly followed beside you. "Uh, no mom. No siblings. And no girlfriend."

Your face erupted in pink and you stumbled over your words. "Oh, um, I'm sorry, I just assumed-"

"Hey, hey," Eddie grinned. "All good here. I'm shopping for my uncle, wanna try to find him something nice. Not much of a budget but I figured I'd find something on sale."

You felt your panic subside and sat a cool hand against your cheek, the heat subsiding. "Well, I'm sure we can find something perfect for him! Maybe something for you? Doesn't hurt to treat yourself sometimes."

Eddie pursed his lips a little bit and dug his hands in his pockets, following slightly behind you. He watched the way the bell of your hat jingled with every step you took. You arms slightly swayed when you walked, and you barely made a sound when taking a step. He began to notice the little things, and started to quietly thank the stars he'd came into the mall after all.

"I think I already have."

[vampryn]

im doing my first cosplay everrrrr 😭

im going to see evil dead the musical and of course, im dressing up as Ash 🥰 its insanely difficult to find a teal dress shirt though.. but i got the pants today! they're not corduroy (shame on me for not being film-accurate), but they have a very 70s vibe and cut like the ones in the movies. all of the chainsaws were sold from spirit halloween when terrifier 3 came out, so im going to bring an axe instead. now i have to decide if im going to distress the outfit, or if im going to wait to get it fucked up in the splatter zone 🤔 i was going to make a chainsaw harness, but since i don't have time to make the whole chainsaw im vito-ing that.

i also got a really sick vintage Santa outfit, so on Christmas im going to dress up as Art the Clown. im excited, i haven't made any props or prosthetics in such a long time. im not sure if im going to get around to making Art's full prosthetics (no access to the resources for foam-latex), but i definitely will be making the skin-beard.

ive also asked my old schoolmate to try to get me back into the FX shop i interned at, im trying to go back to doing actual work instead of slaving away at my shitty retail job. its almost been 10 years, and after a fuckload of therapy, maybe it's time to be brave and try to actually do something that i want to do. doing makeup for free at the haunted house just isn't cutting the mustard in my sad, sad heart-sandwich.

im getting a tattoo today as well! from my friend who has done all of my leg tattoos 😊 im excited, its going to be an evil dead tattoo, and she said she's gonna make it super sick (she's a G anyway– no doubt there).

ontop of all of that, i was offered a really awesome brand opportunity this morning. i don't know if i believe in spirits or guardians, but sometimes it feels like my dad and grandpa's energy are looking after me. i had a really awful week.. a really awful 3 weeks actually, and it feels like maybe things are going to start looking up for me again. i really really hope so.

i was recently put on a medication that seems to be helping me a lot as well, i have barely smoked any weed since i started it. im also considering trying to go to the gym for the first time in my life (im kind of scared lol). im also motivated to make youtube content, which is very nice because ive been in a creative block for the last few months. hopefully i'll be able to maintain this momentum, because i have a really busy few weeks coming up.. id way rather that than being bored and crying in my bed..

THE ONLY WAY OUT, IS UP.

[losieee]

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[jones-friend]

Jones’s Survival Guide to Enjoying Christmas

So. Christmas is heavily commercialized. Its also shoved in your face 4 months out of the year. Plus family time can be a bear, AND its during the darkest months of the year. It can be a miserable time for anyone. Below I have some TIPS on how to better enjoy the holiday and what I do to make it special.

Christmas begins after Santa Claus comes to town in the Thanksgiving Day parade and no earlier. Though I recommend really starting Christmas after Thanksgiving weekend.

Have lights indoors. A few decorations you enjoy help, but when the sun sets at 4:30pm it HELPS to have indoor lighting. We have Christmas Lights in our halls and in my room and they make it a more special time of year.

Indulge in seasonal delights. Pick a few things you only have this time of year from candy canes to gingerbread to peppermint patties. Make them a seasonal treat you get to look forward to every christmas.

Buy gifts early. I buy 90% of my gifts before Thanksgiving so I can have them all in on time and shipped before the big day. Early shopping helps so much bc then I can relax the weeks before christmas. It also helps to wrap them and put them under a tree to lighten the festive mood.

Be particular about your christmas music. Mariah Carey is not for everyone in fact if you work retail you probably hate it. There’s a very commercialized tone of christmas music that to me feels cheap. I recommend looking into Mannheim Steamroller, celtic, and jazz christmas music. I prefer nonvocal tracks, more lowkey stuff to relax with in the background.

Spend the holiday with people who are important to you. This is the biggest and hardest point that won’t be possible for everyone. My family put a LOT of pressure on christmas to buy back good will they lost during the year. Meanwhile my roomie’s fam just likes it as a day to spend together. The difference in tone is night and day. If you struggle with your family ask your friends if you can join their christmas. I’m sure they would say yes, and if your family makes a big deal out of it that’s their problem. The season can already be stressful, it will get worse if you spend it with people you don’t like or don’t like you.

And for people in colder climates: watch some snowfall.

Its important to take the holidays at your own pace and set the mood you want it to have. You are in charge of maintaining the magic of the season once you’re an adult and keeping it special with keep you happy with it.

[carolmunson]

⭐️ i need a directors cut for i wish i had a river that story broke me in half put me back together and healed me

Director’s Cut Ask Game This is an excerpt from Wish I Had A River:

“Maybe I didn’t want one,” he bites, exhaustion turning into unbridled frustration, “God, you think everyone likes this shit? All this holly jolly crap?” You shake your head no, biting your lip to keep from crying but the tears well up anyway. “You know you’re just – you’re so caught up in the fuckin’ magic of it all cause you don’t know any different. Was your daddy ever callin’ you from jail on Christmas morning? You ever wake up to nothing and wonder why Santa kept missing your uncle’s fuckin’ trailer?” he kept ranting, the tinsel on the tree shook with every stomp of his black boots. You shook your head no again. “You have no fuckin’ clue! Not everyone wants to be reminded of all the shit they never had,” his nostril flared while he spoke, voice raising with every word that came out, “You think you’re doing me a fuckin’ favor?! Buying me shit, tryn'a get me to do these stupid arts and crafts? I’m not one of your students, Ms. First Grade – stop treating me like one.”

Director's Cut: Below The Cut

I wrote this fic in less than a day. It poured out of me like water. I think it was also one of my first fics that was written from Eddie's perspective. Maybe I'm lying. Maybe not. But I think it is. I really wanted there to be so much build to him finally snapping, very similarly to Wish I Had A River Part II where there's no where for him to go but blowing up. Once the floodgates opened he just couldn't stop. And I personally love Christmas, so I had to really put myself in the shoes of someone who doesn't. A true Grinch! And how it would feel to be around someone who still finds the holidays magical when they never had been to you. I also know the trials and tribulations of working retail during the holidays so writing that kind of stress was easy -- even more easy in the second part. But here, while he's yelling, I wanted him to also finally speak out loud why he hates the holiday. He hates that his dad sometimes called from jail, that his mom is dead and can't do christmas with him like when he was a kid, that Wayne could only ever afford one or two things and they were always from a discount shop. And then he'd have to go to school after break and hear all about everyone else's presents from Santa and wonder why Santa wasn't ever coming to his house. He'd been working so hard only to be reminded of the loneliness he felt as a kid. Like, 'oh shit, my girlfriend is just like those kids at school'. But of course, we realize that she's not and he kind of comes to his senses. Very much a: 'maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas -- perhaps -- means a little bit more.'

[underworld-of-imagines]

A Christmas Nightmare - Spencer Reid

Sorry, I had forgotten about this one so it ended up going out on Christmas day instead of a few days earlier. But here's some comfort for you

Summary: Neurodivergent!Reader struggles with the Christmas crowds and calls a good friend in her panic.

Warnings: Slight panic attack/meltdown

Christmas was a time of joy and celebration, a time for friends and family to join together and celebrate what was originally, the birth of Jesus. Nowadays, it was more of a capitalistic holiday, of large spending for gifts and large amounts of food. For those non-religious folks, it was more about friends and family spending time together, celebrating connections. Some still go to church, gathering for the early service to listen to the words from the priest and the choir sing. But most chose the more capitalistic route. 

Of course, with the capitalisation of the Christmas holiday came along a lot more than just gifts and decorations. Sinter Klaas already existed, but the birth of the idea of Saint Nicholas came along, and not long after formed into Santa Claus. And then along came songs and movies, TV shows, books, anything the entertainment and retail corporations could come up with. It got so popular that almost every house growing up was decked with decorations and lights that could cut through the snow. Every shopping centre had a ‘Photo with Santa’ opportunity, and every store donned decorations to celebrate the festivities. Music would play over the speakers, drowned out by the loud chatter of the crowds that were out to do their shopping. 

Normally, you’d do your absolute best to avoid having to go into the crowded malls. Stocking up early and getting perishables from the corner store has been your go-to tactic since you went to college. 

But a series of unlikely events required you to brave the crowds of the shopping mall for one Saturday afternoon. Albeit, you would have preferred during the weekdays, but the team had been on a case all week, only arriving back today. And your work Christmas party (courtesy of Garcia’s convincing) was meant to be tomorrow. It was a very last minute thing, as you were gathering in the conference room to brief the case, Garcia was convincing Rossi to host the work Christmas party - that was 4 days ago. Rossi, with a bit of pushing from Hotch had agreed, and the plan was set into motion. 

Garcia was organising the decorations and catering, which included multiple trips to the bottle shop to make sure everyone had their preferred drinks. And a theme for the night had been decided ‘A Touch of Festivity’. What that meant, you had no idea, but you were sure you could pull something together from what you owned. 

The hardest part though? Was buying gifts for everyone. When you agreed to attend the night, you were under the impression that it was going to be a secret santa. But much to Garcia’s arguments that nobody aside from JJ, herself and Hotch, had a lot to buy in terms of presents. Especially since everyone had already purchased presents for their families weeks ago and already sent them off. 

That led you to where you are currently, standing in the middle of a very crowded shopping centre, being pushed and pulled by the crowd. It was all very overwhelming, many people were brushing past you, others pushing you without even noticing you were there. You looked like a ragdoll in the midst of the crowd. 

The overstimulation set in very quickly, people’s arms brushing your body, the stifling air, the bright lights from all of the stores. Christmas music was playing loudly in the background, and you could hear the noises of the mechanical displays from a nearby shop. Chatter from the crowd was overbearing, and the occasional ‘ho ho ho’ from the Santa display further down the corridor rang in your ears. It was barely ten minutes in and you already felt like you were going to explode from all of the overload on your senses. 

But, you had to at least attempt to get everyone’s gifts - for yourself. You knew that you could very easily go down to the bookstore and pick out a book for Reid. JJ and Garcia were easy with the candle store down the road. Morgan you could just buy a new cologne for, and try to convince him that women would like it better than his. Rossi was easy, he always wanted you to grab something from the deli that was on the corner of your block (he insisted they were the best). Hotch was a bit more difficult, but you knew that the candle store also sold various accessories, including ties. And Emily loved shoes, bags, belts, anything she could accessorise with - and you knew all of her sizes. 

However, you made a promise to yourself to at least try going to the shopping mall. As one of your New Year's resolutions, you had to try something you found difficult or hard at least once a month. And you hadn’t done one for December yet. ‘You can overcome this, you’ve got this’ you kept trying to convince yourself. 

But the more time that passed, the denser the crowd seemed to get, to the point that it was suffocating. Senses kicked into overdrive as you searched frantically for the exit, knowing you had mere minutes before the meltdown would begin. No relief came though, as the crowd was too tall for you, and too thick for you to see through clearly. 

In a last minute effort, you pulled out your phone and scrolled through your contacts. Normally, you would hesitate to contact the person in mind, but today you needed to hear his voice. Pressing the call button, you held the phone to your ear, anxiously chewing on your nails whilst the call connected.

“Hello?” You let out a sigh of relief as his voice rang clear through the phone. “Hello? Is this Y/N?” His voice was thick, like he had just woken up to answer the call. Shuffling could be heard over the line, and a thump as he probably fell over a pile of books. “Y/N? Are you okay?” The words were stuck at the back of your throat, your voice destined to fail you when you really needed it. 

“Help,” you managed to barely choke out. The crowd was impossibly close, and felt like they were closing in even more. 

“Where are you?” His asked, his voice urgent as he tried to figure out your location.

“T-the mall, outside of the Bath and B-body Works.” You stumbled over your words, trying to focus on the sound of his voice instead of your overloaded senses.

“Okay, I know where you are. I’m on my way, but can you do something for me?” You nodded, not realising that he couldn’t see you. “I want you to go down towards the foodcourt, turn left when you see the Nordstrom okay? There’s an exit down that corridor, there’s no bus or taxi rank there, so it should be pretty quiet.” Turning in the direction that Spencer mentioned, you tried to memorise the instructions. “I’m going to hang up so I can drive. Just get to that exit and wait for me.” A harsh tone beeped, signalling the end of the call. 

Pocketing your phone, you focused on trying to spot a sign for Nordstrom, which was difficult through the density of the crowd. After a minute of searching though, you finally found a sign, more of a map-directory kind of sign pointing towards Nordstrom. To your left, was a corridor with bathrooms and an exit at the end. Surely this is what Spencer meant, he hadn’t been entirely clear about the instructions and you were in too much of a panic to keep searching for a different sign. 

Walking down the corridor, you noticed the sweat that seemed to break out on your brow, a tell-tale sign that you were nearing a meltdown. Someone exited the bathroom, the bang of the door closing making you panic more. They almost touched you as they hurried past, back towards the mall, and would have if you hadn’t pressed yourself against the wall. The corridor was quite narrow, and seemed to only narrow further down towards the door. Though you couldn’t tell if that was because of your panic or if it actually did narrow. But it was quieter, the lack of speakers bringing some slight relief to your senses. 

Outside was a small loading area, not big enough for actual trucks to fit into, but its proximity to the parking lot suggested it was more for cars than actual delivery trucks. Small and quieter than the bustle near the entrance, it was almost perfect. Almost being the key word in that sentence, if it hadn't been for the screaming children and annoyed mother right next to the door. 

You tried to keep calm, picking a spot on a bench that was several feet away, but you could still hear everything, the cars, the kids, the exasperated annoyance from the mother. Tapping your feet in a certain rhythm usually helped to distract you, but today it wasn’t enough, so you tried repeating it with your fingers, counting the beats, anything. It was all in vain though, as nothing drowned out the noise. 

A sports car pulled up, the revving sending you more into overload as a young woman proudly got out. You started to hit your thighs, trying to ignore the kid asking his mom what was wrong with you. Before you retorted something that surely would have made him cry, his mother had whisked him further away. Silently, you thank her for her awareness - though it was probably more out of fear as you definitely weren’t acting like a ‘normal’ person. 

That was a problem for another day, today you were too overwhelmed to approach someone about the stigma surrounding autism and the spectrum in society. But her moving further away also meant the screaming was quieter, more bearable. You just didn’t want to think of what she had texted the person picking her up about you and why she changed location. 

Thankfully, you didn’t have long to think about that because moments later a familiar car pulled down the driveway. It slowed to a stop right in front of you before a familiar man stepped out of the driver side door, almost doubling in length. 

“Y/N,” he breathed out, kneeling in front of you. “Are you okay?” You nodded shortly, avoiding eye contact whilst trying to calm your senses. “Try that trick I taught you, focus on different things, okay?” He had noticed that you were still in a state of panic, and your impending meltdown. And he wanted to try to prevent it, reminding you of the focusing tactic he had taught you. Glancing at him, you nodded, still avoiding eye contact as you took in notes of his appearance. 

The clothes he wore were the same as yesterday’s, probably having fallen asleep in them sometime early in the morning. But he had loosened his tie, to the point it could fall off if you tugged it slightly. As usual though, his socks were unmatched and showed off his slightly dirty converse that he always wore. A wind rushed through, and you picked up on the familiar scent, a mixture of books and vanilla . His hair looked clean and fluffy, like it’d be nice to run your hands through. The two of you sat in silence for a moment as you hesitated about bringing your hands up to touch his hair. 

“Can I hug you?” He questioned once you had visibly calmed down a bit. You were no longer hitting your thigh, and the foot tapping had slowed to almost a complete stop. A hug right now would feel nice, comforting and encasing. 

“Okay,” you whispered gently. He was careful about his approach, allowing you to stand up before wrapping his arms around you, in a safe and secure embrace. It felt comfortable, but still empty. “Tighter,” you whimpered, relishing in the comfort that comes from his arms wrapping tighter around your body. 

“I’ve got you, it’s okay.”

—--

Hours later, you were curled up on his rather comfortable couch, your legs covered by a weighted blanket. Old Doctor Who reruns were playing on the TV, but you didn’t have the energy to pay attention to it. At first you had just wanted to sleep the exhaustion away, but Spencer convinced you to go back to his place with him. You questioned it, of course, and he had convinced you by saying that he’d order your favourite comfort food, and make some calming tea that Garcia had gifted him. And the idea of spending more time with someone who was your comfort place didn’t sound like such a bad idea. 

“Here, I didn’t know how much you wanted so I just put a bit of each onto your plate.” Spencer explained, handing you the plate of Indian food from your favourite place. “And I’ll put your tea here,” he said, placing it down on the coffee table in front of you. 

“Thank you.” Your voice came out as a whisper, afraid it’d break if you talked any louder. 

“It was the crowds wasn’t it?” You glanced at him, confused. “I noticed that when Garcia mentioned a Christmas party, and gift-giving, that you panicked. I assumed that it was because you hadn’t planned for any of that, or had already made plans. But when you called me earlier today I realised it’s probably because of how busy the malls are this time of year. I remembered that you really don’t like crowds, and formed the hypothesis that you avoid malls this time of year because of the crowds.” Your stomach filled with butterflies as he recalled various things about your behaviour, things that you hadn’t even picked up on. 

He kept rambling on, mentioning other things about your behaviour and his hypothesis. But you had already zoned out, thinking more about how captivating he could be when he talked. Ironic, right? Since you had zoned out. 

“So?” He questioned.

“So?” 

“My hypothesis. Is it correct?” He looked at you longingly, awaiting your answer to his rambling.

“Yeah, yeah I guess so.” You giggled lightly, he could be such a genius and still so oblivious sometimes. Though, as the team would argue, so could you. And in a blissful ignorance you both sat for the rest of the night, unaware of the other’s feelings.

[ddagent]

"Naughty and Nice" [Complete 3/3]

Aziraphale/Crowley | Retail AU | FR18 | 8,045 words     Crowley does not get Aziraphale's name in the Whickber Street Traders Association Secret Santa. He doesn't let that stop him from giving Aziraphale the gift of a loving Christmas. Thank you to everyone who voted for this idea as the festive fic to write! It is both the longest Good Omens fic I have written AND the first explicit fic. I hope you enjoy; here is to many more Good Omens fics in 2024!

Across the street, Crowley was engaged in a stand-off with the slip of paper bearing Mister Brown’s name. He had, whilst Aziraphale had explained the lengthy rules of the Association’s Secret Santa, decided on giving whoever it was a poinsettia. Festive, vibrant, Crowley had a lot of them – easy. He still intended to give Mister Brown, of gift voucher fame, that very plant.

But then there was Aziraphale.

Crowley didn’t know who had his name but knew, in his gut, that Aziraphale would be just as disappointed this year. That Aziraphale – sweet, soft, sexy Aziraphale – would settle for a three quid plant from the local garden centre but most likely wouldn’t even get that. Crowley could not believe that the inhabitants of Whickber Street had let this man go without nothing for so long. He contributed to every charity drive, bought entirely local, remembered the names of partners and grandkids and tortoises. Crowley had been smitten since his second day of opening, when he had watched Aziraphale give an umbrella to a pregnant woman just outside The Small Back Room, leaving him sopping wet in the pouring rain.

He could have kissed him, then. His Angel. He could have kissed him in every other moment since: Association meetings and coffee shop queues and crossing the street. It had been a long time since Crowley’s last crush but this one burned.

And the part of Crowley who loved a challenge, who enjoyed challenging expectations, decided that – fuck it – he would make all of Aziraphale Fell’s Christmas wishes come true. Because he was a good man. He was a loving man. And, maybe, if Crowley showed him that he was loved at this most loving time of the year, Crowley would get his Christmas wish, too.

Read all three chapters at AO3!

[veronicasvanitycc]

[Veronica’s Vanity & Keyy’s Korner Collab] Christmas Market 2022

This build wouldn't be possible without Keyy's Korner! She made so much CC for this build! Make sure you go check her out and SUBSCRIBE - her content is AMAZING! Hopefully we will be having many more collaborations in the future for you guys!

Lot Size: 50x50  Lot Location: Willow Creek Lot Traits: Childs Play, Homey & More Visitors Green Eco Footprint 

Kringles Kitchen - Bakery

Santa Klaus Christmas Shop

Photos W/ Santa

Snowman Building Contest Area

Toy Store

Santa's Workshop

Candy Shop

Christmas Tree Farm

Shop Vendors

Food Stands

Ice Skating Rink 

 This lot is listed as RETAIL, however it is extremely functional.  - Functional Items Include- *Ice Cream Cart *Cotton Candy Cart *Popsicle Cart *Candy Store W/ Functional Candy Bins *Snack Stand *Hot Dog Cart *Pizza Stand *Coffee/Hot Chocolate Stand *Popcorn Stand *Pictures W/ Santa [Get your sims photo taken!] *Ice Skating Rink *Santa's Workshop Skill Stations & More!

You MUST have these objects installed for this build to work correctly in your game.

Keyy's Korner Christmas Market Set Ravasheen Drag & Drop Kiosk Ravasheen Llamazon Ravasheen Pizza Heaven Ravasheen Gelato Fun Icemunmun Hot Chocolate Maker The Gold Sim (Most of their items. I recommend EVERYTHING!) Insimnia’s Stands (Panda Express, Popeyes, Taco Bell, McDonalds, Chipotle, Chick Fil A)

Step 1. Download and extract the Tray Files into the “TRAY” folder. Extract the CC into your “MODS” folder.

Step 2. Open the Gallery and make sure “include custom content” is selected. Select the installed build.

Step 3. Please make sure these cheats are enabled BEFORE placing the lot in your world.  If you have TwistedMexi’s BetterBuildBuy and moveobjects mods, skip this step.

bb.moveobjects on

bb.showhiddenobjects

bb.showliveeditobjects

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

These mods are CONSTANTLY in my game. I will always recommend them.

Wicked Whims Basemental SSCO Ravasheen (literally, everything.) Keyy's Korner (Realistic CC) The Gold Sim

Thank you so much to all the CC creators. Ya’ll are literally amazing and make this game worth playing. If you see your CC in any of my builds and would like it removed, please DM and let me know and I will happily remove and link it directly to you!  ❤

Patreon.com/veronicasvanity Gallery ID: veronicasvanity Tumblr: veronicasvanitycc.tumblr.com Donations: $prettyandpisces

[primordialsoundmeditation]

❤ Today's Note from the Universe ❤

A "Holiday Shopping" tip from your friend, the Universe:

During the merriment of your retail adventures, should you ever have to ask the clerk, "How much?" always follow their reply with raised eyebrows, a slight gasp, and a disbelieving, "That's all?"

Santa's watching,

The Universe

P.S. And when leaving, whether or not you make a purchase, don't forget to saunter.

[ourladyofomega]

Before writing this final post of 2023, I was undecided of how good of a poker hand I’d end up with. ‘21 and ‘22 left no doubt what I finished with. This year, all the good and bad have scattered all over the place like chips spread across the roulette table - but we don’t usually play that game here, do we? No, we don’t. This year added on both the good and bad on top of the previous years before it - in even wider disparity.

So, where do we start?

The bad hit a little harder than it did last year. The customers were at their nastiest, competitive, and most egotistical. Having a verbally and emotionally abusive sales manager who saw fit to humiliate me in front of co-workers and literally yell at me for anything little reason he could didn’t help any. Fighting through under-staffing, wasted potential, not getting assistance when it really mattered, and making more mistakes and fuck-ups than ever made for a highly controversial final year at physical retail.

I pulled the plug on people I once considered “friends” who kept me on read when I asked for help, ghosted me during conversations, left me hanging all by myself as their comrades pretended I didn’t exist, and didn’t care about specific situations I had involving them. The spicy redheaded devil who played apologist for her closest friends - the same “friends” in the past who took me for everything they could and left a thick irreplaceable poison that’s still flowing in me. Or worse, unexpectedly running into former enablist co-workers, narcissistic managers, and manipulative college chads showing their obvious “oh-my-god!” faces and wanting to catch up with me. I told them to fuck right off forever - and never to speak to me again.

Luckily, I didn’t have as many hard pills to swallow like I used to. But, the sometimes unavoidable news of potentials’ long-suffering loneliness ending with exciting one-night stands, abrupt t.m.i., and their eye-opening bucket list to-do’s (that’d make Sasha Grey look like a straight-A honor student) made it a disappointing no-dice situation. Then, the deeper depressive spells of anxiety and hopelessness. The constant reminder of how rude, childish, and unnecessarily rude other people are around me. The change of plans, the blown calls of missing out on some holidays, or dropping the ball on attending some major shows (Alice Cooper headlining with Rob Zombie, Ministry, and Filter for one). The worst news came unexpectedly in late September when my sis- was dealt the Ace Of Spades and died in her sleep from complications of multiple sclerosis. I lost a major childhood component in her, and that visit to Bay Ridge will resonate with me for a long time.

Yes. This year’s losses were just more frequent and came at a slightly heavier cost. (Thankfully, not coming down to another personal devastation.) But, with every loss came with a win. And, wow, did these wins hit.

A brand new pinball arcade opened up in Patchogue to my total surprise, once again giving me a new portal in revisiting my Atari / Nintendo youth and forget my daily ills. It was there when I placed 3rd at their 4th of July tournament. The retro video arcade at the shopping center near me still offered a substantial modicum of hours-long fun until I was sick of it.

Though I lost my sister, I had some super essential moments with both of my families from Coney- and Staten Island respectively. I just celebrated an amazing Christmas over Italian foods, Secret Santas, gift-trades, and children screaming in eardrum-rattling unison; all ending with $100.00 cash-in-hand from my uncle, and a drive through the Belt Parkway and Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to the train ride home to Penn Station. Fighting through the sluggish three-hour Friday rush-hour drive made getting to my cousin’s engagement party totally worth it; decorated with loud generic dee-jay standards, catching up under clear starry night skies, and having a near two-hour AM night-drive home over the Verrazzano Bridge and through the Brooklyn / Queens / Long Island Expressway.

I’ve attended some amazing shows in the past, but nothing would ever compare in experiencing Skinny Puppy’s final tours. I took no chances getting tickets and, holy Mother Mary, I made the right call. I would’ve never imagined meeting up with five other mutuals (some following me for years) in my hometown of New York City to witness industrial history. The best? Shaking hands with God Ministry’s Paul Barker himself; The Hero of All Heroes. He signed my copy of The Eternal Present as I almost died before him at the merch- table. I also attended Cold Waves XI and scratched Front Line Assembly off the must-see list, with visions of Hospital Productions’ 20th returning when I witnessed Orphx and Justin Broadrick a second time.

Then, my position. My final two months at my location were the toughest, meanest, and most unforgiving I’d ever put myself through. I endured so much that something had to be done because I knew I deserved better and didn’t want to live like this. So, I did a massive favor to myself. After 10 years with the company, I celebrated by getting an in-home position for virtual sales. I left all the massive amounts of stress behind and still stayed with the company while keeping my 401K, medical, and time-off in the process. Goodbye and good riddance to physical retail and the toxic undesirables that inhabit it…never to visit it again.

As an added bonus, I learned a lot more about myself and became the person I always wanted to be. I was fortunate in having the right people who changed it all and their inexplicable energy made me block those challenging persistent feelings of hollowness and despair. I taught myself to drop my guard, stop fearing the worst that could happen, and start putting my trust in people as nothing was at stake. That paid off in multitudes. I felt things I couldn’t before, because they allowed me to open up without persecuting or vilifying me for it.

I had more moments where I did great things for great people because they gave me nice ideas that were out-of-the-ordinary. Cakeday and Christmas boxes full of CDs, cassettes, and other fun stuff were exchanged which left two people wowed and many others in critical condition. Plenty of night-time phone calls were had about everything and nothing important at all, or the cries of concern that made me go all-in to help the other because there’s no taking chances. Most importantly: reciprocation, saying it right from the heart, a giving what people really want because you feel it and it’s the right thing to do.

**********

Now, what’s in the cards for next year?

I plan to revisit New York City more frequently. To start, I’m coming back to my childhood, and that all in Brooklyn. The Tokeneke, Bath Ave., Shore Road Park, Luna Park, and ultimately Borough Park where it all began. I’m even contemplating a mini-record store victory tour next year - all city. Long Island locales sit out this time as select Brooklyn and Manhattan stops better get ready for me and accept my hard-earned money. This would be Lina Romay-proportions of music porn if this happens.

As for everything else Omega, there’s no signs of slowing down as my radio show started Year 12. Its previous year had almost no bonus broadcasts from start to finish, but the current stockpile of artists and sounds across the board means I’m ready to unload when asked. The months-long process of digitizing my entire personal cassette dub library has finally been completed, which means I’ll have more time to dive into all my records, tapes, and discs that I purchased over the years that I've yet listened to, but now will.

Which reminds me:

Most of you know that I maintained a music -blr here: Ω+. I became an open-book and allowed my visitors, followers, mutuals, and even passers-by a peek into my personal life, listening, and purchasing habits. To this day, I still believe there’s no other extensive music blog like it here. It felt great posting sounds, artists, and releases no one else even thought or considered. I had so much fun with it and became one of the most exciting projects I ever done. Life-changing, even. Now, I no longer have the time or energy to keep up with sizeable, timely write-ups while staying on top of infinite music finds and dealing with Real-Life Syndrome.

I decided that it’s time to end it after 10 years of maintaining it.

However, I didn’t want to stop doing what still fascinates me. I stepped back, and realized that I can do it differently. I’m happy to say that I’m starting all over again and re-building it as Omega Remix (ΩRMX), a simpler, more stripped-down version of the original retaining the personal seasonal mixtapes, Omega WUSB playlists, best-of lists, personal posts, and more. No more numbered headers, no more aesthetic issues. It’ll be quicker and easier to do what keeps me going and in touch with anyone interested with what I’m listening to.

**********

I appreciate and thank (tremendously) everyone who joined up with me at a show, posted music finds, kept in touch, helped out, or did something nice for me this year. You know who you are. For any and all who liked, followed, and supported all things Omega, you’re also appreciated. Each and every one of you. Here's hoping we're still alive and dodge a massive authoritarian bullet by this year's end.

See you all in ‘24.

Winning hand: Aces full house over Deuces.

[nickgerlich]

Looking For A Miracle

In the history of American retailing, there has never been a chain whose name became synonymous not just with an event, but an entire holiday season. While younger generations may not have the same level of intense memories as their parents and grandparents, it is still part of our fabric. It starts on Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is as much tradition as is the turkey that will be front and center on dining room tables later that same day. The parade dates to 1924, and it was a shrewd move on behalf of the department store to put its name on it. Little did they know then it would become synonymous with not just the parade, but also the day and the holiday shopping that would ensue the day after.

As if that weren’t enough, Hollywood picked up on this beautiful romance, and in 1947 released Miracle on 34th Street. It was almost like it was a 96-minute commercial for Macy’s as it spun the tale of a drunk man hired to play Santa Claus at their downtown store.

With all of that good fortune, it would be easy to think the company was set up for life. Alas, no one is immune to change, and even Macy’s, which continues to benefit from its association with the parade as well as the month that follows, is in trouble. They just announced 150 more store closings, leaving the chain with 350 stores. It once had many hundred more.

The news comes not long after Macy’s rejected a $5.8 billion buy-out bid. They must be feeling pretty confident that they can take it from here, choppy waters be damned.

But this does not address the elephant in the room, that being the one whose name is Change. Much has indeed changed in the century since the birth of that parade, when downtown flagship department stores were a matter of civic pride and family tradition. I remember my family always traveling to downtown Chicago to go to Marshall Field, then the leading store in the region. It was an event, complete with seeing Santa, dining in the restaurant, and shopping all day. Side note: Macy’s eventually bought Marshall Field and changed the name, but Chicagoans still refer to that downtown location as Field’s.

Today, department stores are in the throes of death, along with the suburban malls in which they reside. Whereas mall owners could once count on these anchor stores to attract the foot traffic that would keep the ship and its smaller tenants afloat, that is no longer the case. The US is littered with abandoned malls or those so eerily like a ghost town that you begin to wonder why we went down this road in the first place.

Of course, we can point to e-commerce as a big contributor for this decline. This includes Amazon as well as the upstart fast-fashion site Shein. But there’s more. COVID taught us that curbside pickup and delivery are also viable options. Mass merchandisers like Target and Walmart have upped their game, and provide more outlets for our shopping dollars. All of these have combined to create a perfect storm.

It’s not like Macy’s hasn’t mounted its own response with a reasonable e-commerce site. It’s just that through so many decades of focusing on its roots that it overlooked the need to grow in new ways. Worse yet, it has developed a rather stodgy image. Just like Sears did toward the end of its life, Macy’s is now where your old aunt shops.

Eeewwwww.

I have to wonder how much longer the chain will survive. I hope they do not face the same fate as Sears. For that matter, I would not wish upon them the challenges that JC Penney has faced. At best they can hope for the comparatively calm seas that Dillards finds itself in.

This is the challenge for every legacy retailer. You have to maintain relevance. And while an annual parade may stir romantic notions, I don’t think it is going to be close to enough to keep the company going for 12 months a year, not just one. I hate to rain on their parade, but it’s looking kind of overcast out there, and it’s time to reach for an umbrella.

Dr “But Miracles Do Happen” Gerlich

Audio Blog

[davidbeardmusic]

'Santa's Workshop' https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/118272995

Bright, happy, percussive music describing Santa's Workshop full of toys and happy children, Festive bells, sleigh bells and clip-clop percussion reminiscent of dancing ballerinas, clockwork and magical toys coming to life. For Christmas or Winter Landscape projects, advertising and video production, Short films, animation, cartoons, theatre, dance, Christmas Greeting Logos, Emporium and Toy Shop commercials, products of Christmas Retail, Frozen foods, Winter clothing, Children’s goods etc.

[missbaphomet]

I think I need to take a moment to stress just how puritan and tyrannical laws are in my state regarding sex shops. This just happened and I am frankly baffled.

There was a woman that came in looking for a dozen or so small gifts under $20 each for a dirty Santa party. She asked me to simply find things that fit that price range. I go around the store and collect a few odds and ends. I'm a people pleaser by nature, and I was really happy to bring over some funny bits and bobs. These ladies thanked me profusely for my help. I rang them up and they left. Typical retail, right?

The not-quite-a-manager-but-still-my-superior pulled me aside and informed me she was sending me home early because of the incident described. She explained that because of the severity of the red tape surrounding the legality of the business, I am technically not allowed to discuss products or answer questions at all. More or less, until I have been employed there long enough to be considered "trained", all I can really do is man the register, stock shelves, and other misc tasks like mop or take out trash or break down boxes. Even something as simple as finding something in the store that costs $20 or less can get everyone in some serious hot water. I very well could lose my job over what would be considered excellent customer service in literally any other retail position.

I genuinely don't know if I will be fired over this. My boss is really cool, but historically I'm really unlucky and I seem to be on a losing streak right now. I cannot stress how much I love this job. I do very genuinely enjoy my work and I work my fucking ass off. I spent three fucking hours today doing nothing but putting price tags on lingerie and breaking down boxes. I regularly volunteer for the dirty work no one wants like sweeping and mopping and pouring bleach on dried cum stains on the bathroom floor. This is a labor of love, and something I am extremely passionate about.

But I could lose it all just because I did something I wasn't approved to do, like locate gag gifts under $20. I'm fucking baffled.

[crazed-reviews]

Review: Miraculous "Queen Bee" Fashion doll from Playmates Toys

Every year, my family does a "Secret Santa" gift exchange on Christmas Eve, but considering half of us can't do the shopping ourselves, pretty much everyone knows who has who, so this year, we called it the "Not-So-Secret Santa", and we all knew who drew who.

My 5 year old brother got me, and I got a Queen Bee doll, and my stepdad picked out one with the best face.

Queen Bee retails for $16.99 USD.

Queen Bee has the standard box style, with an image of herself on the side, and a message reading "Be Strong, Be Brave, Be MIRACULOUS!" on the back, along with pictures of Ladybug, Cat Noir, Rena Rouge, Queen Bee, and Marinette against a pink background.

Queen Bee comes with three accessories: Pollen, her Kwami, her Miraculous, a bee comb (which is actually a clip), and her weapon, a spinning top with a string attached (which doesn't actually spin).

Queen Bee comes wearing a one piece black and yellow suit, and plain black ankle boots.

I think the printing on her suit is pretty good, slightly crooked, but neat enough to not bother me.

Her boots are the same mold as several of the other heroes, such as Ladybug, Lucky Charm Ladybug, Cosmobug (basically all the Ladybugs), Rena Rouge, and Bunnyx. I noticed they're a softer plastic than most of my more recent dolls, who have very hard plastic shoes.

She has 15 points of articulation, with movement at her:

Head

Shoulders

Double-jointed elbows

Hips

Double-jointed knees

Her joints are nice and tight, and she feels quite solid! After several looser, hollow feeling Miraculous dolls, Queen Bee is a breath of fresh air to handle.

Queen Bee has blue eyes, pale pink lips, and wears a black mask with yellow trim, which is molded and painted onto her face. I think she bears a close resemblance to her character in the series. Not quite as close as Vesperia to her doll, but still very close. I really like her face!

Her head is very round and large, especially in comparison to the other Miraculous dolls, but I feel like Queen Bee has a rather large head in the series, so it's pretty much accurate.

Queen Bee has long blonde hair styled in a high ponytail and gelled into a large ringlet, with two pieced pulled back, and two tendrils framing her face.

It's a touch messy at the top, where it was pulled aside in the box, but I'm very happy with how the ringlet looks. My particular doll has a tighter curl, which I actually prefer the look of.

You can also see her Miraculous, a bee comb/clip, with yellow "prongs", and a white bee with black stripes. Vesperia's Miraculous uses the same mold, but the colors are swapped. I slipped it onto one of the sides of hair that are pulled pack, because I didn't want to risk messing up her ponytail or curl. It's very large in comparison to her head, but if I'm being honest, it would be more difficult to handle if it was any smaller.

Queen Bee's spinning top is yellow with a black stripe and a hook for her finger, and a black string attached to it, along with a loop for her hand.

Something I immediately noticed was the length of the string. It's much longer than both Vesperia's top and my sister's Queen Bee from last year's top.

I can definitely see the longer string being more fun for kids to play with, but it's now too long to put the loop on the string through the hook on the top to have it sit around her waist. It sits more at her thigh now without some manipulation (like in my first image). Newer Ladybugs also have a longer yoyo string, but her yoyo can be winded up to fit better.

I do prefer the longer string to the shorter string, but it would be nice if it were an adjustable length.

And here's her Kwami, Pollen! I think she's pretty cute. I've mentioned before that I don't like most of the Playmates Miraculous doll's Kwamis, but Pollen and Plagg are exceptions. She's mostly yellow, with black trim and yellow-green irises with blue sclera.

Her sculpting is pretty nice, she has a little smile, but it's unpainted, like Tikki, but she has enough painted details to not look like an afterthought.

My only major complaint is that I can't get her to balance (she's laying down in this photo). Other than that, she's a fun addition to Queen Bee.

Overall, I'm very pleased with Queen Bee. She feels very solid, with tight joints, looks quite accurate to her television counterpart, and all of her accessories look great. I don't find myself wishing she came with more or that her accessories are disappointing, like some of the other Miraculous dolls I've reviewed. I give Queen Bee an A+!

[ireadyabooks]

Pre-Order Giveaway: This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang!

Pre-order your copy of This Time It’s Real at any of the independent bookstores below by 2/6, and you will get a custom book plate signed by Ann Liang at on-sale!

ARIZONA

BRIGHT SIDE BOOKSHOP — FLAGSTAFF, AZ

CHANGING HANDS — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, AZ

CALIFORNIA

A SEAT AT THE TABLE BOOKS LLC — ELK GROVE, CA

AVID ENTERPRISES INC. — DAVIS, CA

BAY COMPANY BOOKS — SANTA CRUZ, CA

BOOKS INC. — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, CA

BOOK PASSAGE INC — CORTE MADERA, CA

BOOK SELLER - GRASS VALLEY, CA

CHAUCER’S BOOKSTORE - SANTA BARBARA, CA

CHILDREN’S BOOK WORLD — LOS ANGELES, CA

COPPERFIELDS BOOKS — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, CA

DIESEL A BOOKSTORE — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, CA

EAST BAY BOOKSELLERS LLC — OAKLAND, CA

FLINTRIDGE BOOKSTORE — LA CANADA, CA

FRUGAL FRIGATE INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE — REDLANDS, CA

GALLERY BOOKSHOP — MENDOCINO, CA

GREEN APPLE BOOKS — SAN FRANCISCO, CA

HICKLEBEES CHILDREN BOOKSTORE — SAN JOSE, CA

JERICO BOOKS — BERKELEY, CA

KEPLERS BOOKS — MENLO PARK, CA

KINOKUNIYA BOOKSTORES — LOS ANGELES, CA

LINDEN TREE — LOS ALTOS, CA

MAHALO LOGIC INC — EL DORADO HILLS, CA 

MENDOCINO BOOK CO — SAN DIEGO, CA 

MR. MOPPS CHILDRENS BOOKS — BERKELEY, CA 

NAPA BOOKMINE — NAPA, CA

NORTHTOWN BOOKS — ARCATA, CA

PETUNIAS PLACE — FRESNO, CA

RUBYS BOOKS LLC — FOLSOM, CA

TOWNE CENTER BOOKS — PLEASANTON, CA

RAKESTRAW BOOKS — DANVILLE, CA

READING BOOKS — SONOMA, CA

PAGES — MANHATTAN BEACH, CA

VROMAN’S BOOKSTORE — PASADENA, CA 

WARWICKS — LA JOLLA, CA

COLORADO

BOOKWORM OF EDWARDS — EDWARDS, CO 

BOULDER BOOK STORE — BOULDER, CO 

BOOKBAR — DENVER, CO 

MARIA’S BOOKSHOP — DURANGO, CO

NEXT PAGE — FRISCO, CO 

OLD FIREHOUSE BOOKS — FORT COLLINS, CO

OFF THE BEATEN PATH — STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO

SECOND STAR TO THE RIGHT — DENVER, CO

CONNECTICUT

ATHENA BOOKS — OLD GREENWICH, CT

BOOKS ON THE COMMON — RIDGEFIELD, CT

BREAKWATER BOOKS — GUILFORD, CT

ELM STREET BOOKS — NEW CANAAN, CT

HOUSE OF BOOKS — KENT, CT

RJ JULIA BOOK SELLERS — MADISON, CT 

WASHINGTON, D.C.

BARSTONS CHILDS PLAY — WASHINGTON, DC

POLITICS & PROSE BOOKSTORE — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, WASHINGTON DC

DELAWARE

BETHANY BEACH BOOKS — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, DE

BROWSEABOUT BOOKS — REHOBOTH BEACH, DE

FLORIDA

BOOKS & BOOKS — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, FL 

CLASSIC BOOKSHOP — PALM BEACH, FL

MIDTOWN READER — TALLAHASSEE, FL 

SAN MARCO BOOKSTORE — JACKSONVILLE, FL 

STORY AND A SONG BOOKSTORE — FERNANDINA BEACH, FL

GEORGIA 

AVID BOOKSHOP — ATHENS, GA

E SHAVER BOOKSELLER — SAVANNAH, GA

GJ FORD BOOKSHIP — ST SIMONS IS, GA

HORTONS BOOK & GIFTS — CARROLLTON, GA

LITTLE SHOP OF STORIES — DECATUR, GA

RETAIL REDUX — SAINT SIMONS ISLAND, GA  

HAWAII 

BOOKENDS LLC — KAILUA, HI 

IDAHO 

REDISCOVERED BOOKSHOP — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, ID 

WELL READ MOOSE — COEUR D ALENE, ID 

ILLINOIS

ANDERSONS BOOKSHOP — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, IL

BOOK CELLAR — CHICAGO, IL

BOOK STALL AT CHESTNUT CT — WINNETKA, IL

BOOKENDS & BEGINNINGS LLC — EVANSTON, IL

CITY LIT BOOKS — CHICAGO, IL

MAYUBA BOOKSTORES INC — LOMBARD, IL

WOMEN & CHILDREN FIRST — CHICAGO, IL

INDIANA

BRAIN LAIR LLC — SOUND BEND, IN 

SECOND FLIGHT BOOKS — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, IN 

IOWA

BEAVERDALE BOOKS — DES MOINES, IA

BOOK VAULT — OSKALOOSA, IA

DOG EARED BOOKS — AMES, IA

PRAIRIE LIGHTS BOOKS — IOWA CITY, IA

SIDEKICK COFFEE AND BOOKS — IOWA CITY, IA

KANSAS

RAVEN BOOK STORE — LAWRENCE, KS 

WATERMARK BOOKS, WICHITA, KS 

KENTUCKY 

CARMICHAELS BOOKSTORE — LOUISVILLE, KY 

JOSEPH BETH BOOKSELLERS — LEXINGTON, KY 

LOUISIANA 

CAVALIER HOUSE BOOKS — DENHAM SPRINGS, LA 

GARDEN DISTRICT BOOKSHOP — NEW ORLEANS, LA 

OCTAVIA BOOKS — NEW ORLEANS, LA 

MAINE

BRIDGETON BOOKS — BRIDGTON, ME 

LETTERPRESS BOOKS — PORTLAND, ME 

MAIN COAST BOOK SHOP — DAMARISCOTTA, ME 

SHERMANS MAINE COAST BOOK SHOP— VARIOUS LOCATIONS, ME

MARYLAND

A LIKELY STORY — SKYESVILLE, MD

BERLIN BOOKSTORE — BALTIMORE, MD

SNUG BOOKS LLC — BALTIMORE, MD

MASSACHUSETTS

AMHERST BOOKS INC — AMHERST, MA

BELMONT BOOKS INC — BELMONT, MA

BOOKLOFT — GREAT BARRINGTON, MA

THE BOOK SHOP OF BEVERLY FARMS — BEVERLY, MA

BUTTONWOOD BOOKS & TOYS — COHASSET, MA

BROOKLINE BOOKSMITH CORP — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, MA

COPPER DOG BOOKS — BEVERLY, MA

EIGHT COUSINS BOOKSTORE — FALMOUTH, MA

HARVARD BOOKSTORES INC — CAMBRIDGE, MA

JITCOMBS BOOKSHOP — EAST SANDWICH, MA

ODYSSEY BOOKSHOP — SOUTH HADLEY, MA

PORTER SQUARE BOOKS INC — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, MA

SILVER UNICORN BOOKSTORE — ACTON, MA

STORYBOOK COVE — HANOVER, MA

TATNUCK BOOKSELLERS — WESTBOROUGH, MA

WHITELAM BOOKS — READING, MA

AN UNLIKELY STORY INC — PLAINVILLE, MA

MICHIGAN 

BETWEEN THE COVERS — HARBOR SPRINGS, MI 

BOOKSWEET — ANN ARBOR, MI 

HORIZON BOOKS — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, MI 

PLUMFIELD BOOKS — ADA, MI 

SCHULER BOOKS & MAGIC — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, MI 

2 DANDELIONS BOOKSHOP — BRIGHTON, MI 

MINNESOTA

NELLBOOKS LLC — EXCELSIOR, MN 

RED BALLOON BOOKSHOP — SAINT PAUL, MN 

WILD RUMPUS — MINNEAPOLIS, MN 

MISSOURI

NEIGHBORHOOD READS LLC — WASHINGTON, MO 

NOVEL NEIGHBOR LLC — SAINT LOUIS, MO 

MONTANA

CHAPTER 1 BOOKSHOP — HAMILTON, MT 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 

GIBSONS BOOKSTORE — CONCORN, NH 

LAKE ISLE LLC — MEREDITH, NH 

TOADSTOOL BOOKSHOP — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, NH 

WATER ST BOOKSTORE — EXETER, NH 

WHITE BIRCH BOOKSELLERS INC — NORTH CONWAY, NH 

NEW JERSEY 

BOOKTOWNE — MANASQUAN, NJ 

CHRISVIN INC — JERSEY CITY, NJ 

CURIOUS READER — GLEN ROCK, NJ 

INKWOOD BOOKS NORTH LLC — HADDONFIELD, NJ 

JAZAMS — PRINCETON, NJ 

LABYRINTH BOOKS — PRINCETON, NJ 

LITTLE CITY BOOKS — HOBOKEN, NJ 

LITERARY VISIONS — MONTECLAIR, NJ 

THUNDER ROAD BOOKS LLC — SPRING LAKE, NJ 

WORDS MAPLEWOOD BOOKSTORE — MAPLEWOOD, NJ  

NEW YORK 

ALICE EVER AFTER BOOKS LLC — BUFFALO, NY 

BOOK HOUSE OF STUYVESANT PLAZA — ALBANY, NY 

BOOK CULTURE — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, NY 

BOOK HAMPTON — EAST HAMPTON, NY 

BOOKSTORE PLUS — LAKE PLACID, NY 

BOOKS ARE MAGIC — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, BROOKLYN, NY 

BOOKS OF WONDER — NEW YORK, NY 

BRIARS AND BRAMBLES BOOKS — WINDHAM, NY 

CENTER FOR FICTION — BROOKLYN, NY 

COMMUNITY BOOK STORE — BROOKLYN, NY 

DOG EARED BOOK — PALMYRA, NY 

GOLDEN NOTEBOOKS — WOODSTOCK, NY 

GREENLIGHT BOOKSTORE — BROOKLYN, NY 

KINOKUNIYA BOOKSTORES — NEW YORK, NY 

NORTHSHIRE SARATOGA — SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 

OPEN DOOR BOOKSTORE — SCHENECTADY, NY 

OBLONG BOOKS & MUSIC — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, NY 

POWERHOUSE — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, NY 

MCNALLY JACKSON ROCKEFELLER — NEW YORK, NY 

MCNALLY ROBINSON BOOKSELLERS LLC — NEW YORK, NY 

STRAND BOOKSTORE — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, NY 

SPOTTY DOG — HUDSON, NY 

WORD — BROOKLYN, NY 

NORTH CAROLINA

BOOKSMARKS — WINSTON SALEM, NC

COUNTRY BOOKSHOP — SOUTHERN PINES, NC

FLYLEAF BOOKS LLC — CHAPEL HILL, NC

MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE — ASHEVILLE, NC

PARK ROAD BOOKS — CHARLOTTE, NC

QUAIL RIDGE BOOKS — RALEIGH, NC

SUDALU ENTERPRISES LLC — WAKE FOREST, NC

OHIO 

BOOKSHELF — CINCINNATI, OH 

GRAMERCY BOOKS — COLUMBUS, OH 

JOSEPH BETH BOOKSELLERS — CINCINNATI, OH 

PROLOGUE BOOKSHOP LLC — COLUMBUS, OH 

OKLAHOMA 

BEST OF BOOKS INC — EDMOND, OK 

BOOK MERCHANT LLC — STILLWATER, OK 

BRACE BOOKS & MORE — PONCA CITY, OK 

OREGON 

ANNIE BLOOMS BOOKS — PORTLAND, OR 

BLOOMSBURY BOOKS — ASHLAND, OR 

CHILDRENS PLACE BOOKSTORE — PORTLAND, OR 

ROUNDABOUT BOOKS — BEND, OR 

POWELL’S BOOKS — PORTLAND, OR 

WAUCOMA BOOKSTORE — HOOD RIVER, OR 

PENNSYLVANIA 

CHILDRENS BOOK WORLD — HAVERFORD, PA 

DOYLESTOWN BOOKSHOP — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, PA 

JAZAMS — LAHASKA, PA 

READS AND COMPANY — PHOENIXVILLLE, PA 

RHODE ISLAND 

BARRINGTON BOOKS — BARRINGTON, RI 

BOOKS ON THE SQUARE — PROVIDENCE, RI 

BROWN BOOKSTORE & CAMPUS STORE — PROVIDENCE, RI 

CHARTER BOOKS LLC — NEWPORT, RI 

SOUTH CAROLINA 

ITINERANT LITERATE BOOKS — NORTH CHARLESTON, SC 

SOUTH DAKOTA 

MITZIS MAIN STREET BOOKS — RAPID CITY, SD 

TENNESSEE

PARNASSUS BOOKS — NASHVILLE, TN 

NOVEL LLC — MEMPHIS, TN 

TEXAS

BRAZOS BOOKSTORE — HOUSTON, TX 

BOOKPEOPLE INC — AUSTIN, TX 

KATY BUDGET BOOKS — KATY, TX 

LARK AND OWL BOOKSELLERS — GEORGETOWN, TX 

FRONT STREET BOOKS — ALPINE, TX 

UTAH 

KING’S ENGLISH INC — SALT LAKE CITY, UT 

VERMONT 

THE BENNINGTON BOOKSHOP — BENNINGTON, VT 

NORWICH BOOKSTORE — NORWICH, VT 

THE GALAXY BOOKSHOP — HARDWICK, VT 

NORTHSIRE BOOKSTORE — MANCHESTER CENTER, VT 

PHOENIX BOOKS — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, VT 

VIRGINIA

BARDS ALLEY — VIENNA, VA

BARSTONS CHILDS PLAY LTD — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, VA

BOOK DRAGON SHOP — STAUNTON, VA

HOORAY FOR BOOKS — ALEXANDRIA, VA

ONE MORE PAGE — ARLINGTON, VA

PRINCE BOOKS — NORFOLK, VA

WASHINGTON

AUNTIES BOOKSTORE — SPOKANE, WA

BOOK GAME CO — WALLA WALLA, WA 

BRICK & MORTAR BOOKS — REDMOND, WA 

ELLIOT BAY BOOK CO — SEATTLE, WA 

MAGNOLIAS BOOKSTORE — SEATTLE, WA

PAPER BOAT BOOKSELLERS — SEATTLE, WA 

WATERMARK BOOK COMPANY — ANACORTES, WA 

QUEEN ANNE BOOK COMPANY — SEATTLE, WA 

RAVENNA THIRD PLACE BOOKS — VARIOUS LOCATIONS, WA 

SALOS KNYGOS LLC —VARIOUS LOCATIONS, WA

SECRET GARDEN BOOKSHOP — SEATTLE, WA 

UNIV BOOKSTORE SEATTLE — SEATTLE, WA 

WISCONSIN 

BOOKS & COMPANY — OCONOMOWOC, WI 

BOSWELL BOOK SO LLC — MILWAUKEE, WI 

NORTHWIND BOOK & FIBER — SPOONER, WI 

STEVENS POINT BOOKSTORE — STEVENS POINT, WI