I’ve long practiced retail avoidance, preferring to shop by app, website or phone.

This year – during a time of incredible abundance – offered a few chance encounters with traditional retail destinations, including Macys, Kohls, Wal-Mart, Madison’s Orange Tree Imports and nearby Camera Company.

Kohls pleasantly surprised me with a very fast checkout. Someone has thought about the experience, including queue management. That said, the signage and checkout counter aesthetics could be significantly improved. In addition, Apple Pay did not work.

Unlike Kohls, Wal-Mart was not all that busy on a recent Saturday. The checkout experience was reasonably quick, though Apple Pay is verboten, while Wal Mart pay, perhaps languishes.

Orange Tree Imports is always an intriguing stop, featuring interesting products and thoughtful staff.

Explore Orange Tree in the amuz app

The Camera Company offers extensive photo and video hardware along with excellent print and friendly support services. Oh, Apple Pay is no problem.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. I remember my grandparents talking about the joy of an orange, at Christmas.