Somehow along the way, I have gotten on Chuck E. Cheese's email list. They send coupons every now and then, so that's alright. But this morning, I got one that made me laugh.The reference line read, "Economic Stimulus Package..."
"...For Family Fun!"
I thought that was pretty clever. Way to capitalize on the nation's headlines! And, way to try to get folks to part with their coin, during a time when people are having to cut back. (Not that I don't ADORE Chuck E. Cheese's, what with the deafening decibel level, myriad unhinged waifs, and the aroma of dirty socks...)
I wondered when the proliferation of Starbucks, for example, would catch up. I mean, for HOW LONG did we expect people to shell out $4 (or more!) for a cup of coffee? Oh, there are those who just get the cheaper plain old COFFEE, I know, but of course where the addiction lies is with the espresso drinks.
But it was only a matter of time (and money) before consumers had to make a choice. Hmmmn... Do I pay the gas bill this month so the house will stay warm, or do I spend $80 on coffee? Personally, I've been cut from 20 hours per week to 12, so I'm afraid groceries and gasoline have to come before my (admittedly beloved) Grande Iced Latte (w/1 SnL, tyvm!).
And, unfortunately, the electric bill and the phone bill have to come before spending 40 bucks in one evening on Skeeball and Whack-a-Mole, even as much as my son loves those things (and as much as I love watching him shell 17 consecutive tokens into what essentially amounts to a gambling device).
The saving grace for me is where we now live. In California, we drove RIGHT PAST a Chuck E. Cheese's on the way to and from church. EVERY Sunday, and EVERY Wednesday, I had to have the, "Oh, please Mama, tan't we puh-leeze go to Chuckie's?!?..." conversation. Here, I don't even know where the closest location IS, which is my tactic: "Gee, honey, I haven't seen one here..."
And while I intend to keep it that way for as long as possible, I still have to award a kudo to CEC for their marketing. Well played.
2 comments:
looked at the fireplace. Yup, it's a little tacky, but It's better than not having one. Maybe it's cuter in person. They've been advertising them here on TV, and Eric said he'll buy one, but only if the amish deliver in their buggy.
Yeah, I looked around on the web, and saw some that are less hokey-looking. They just try to look like not-hideous heaters, instead of fake fire. I'll probably go that route...
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