因为上班的公司临近Costco，我很少在周末逛这家商店。不过，上个周末为了找换屋顶灯泡的长杆，我还是去了一次。周末的Costco比周日更加繁忙，人来人往，停车场也是泊得满满的。 走进商店，里面更是人头攒动，免费的食物品尝，各色琳琅满目的货物，节日特色的装饰，糖果、圣诞花环，让你觉得不买点什么好像亏了似的。

 

我转了一圈，问了服务人员，被告知店里不卖我要的东西， 这种东西要去home depot看看。 我推着一辆空车， 车内仅有一盒鸡蛋，东看看西看看，好像没什么要买了。 看着别人的推车里上下叠满的货物，再看看长长的checkout队伍， 心里不仅犯嘀咕，为一盒鸡蛋来一趟，太不值了吧？

 

眼看就要走出长长的通道， 右侧有一个临时的小柜台，是卖护肤品的。一位年轻貌美的女子微笑地看着我，挥动着手中的样品。我靠近前告诉她，这产品我已经有了，一直在用，很喜欢。女子随手拿起金色瓶装的护肤品 (InfiniteAloe Gold)，向我介绍了起来。这是一种有机抗衰老的护肤品，里面没有某些护肤品中常有的化学成分。她一边非常专业地向我介绍，一边不停掏出手机比较网上价钱， 告诉我，今天是他们最后一天在Costco卖。 我随机问了价格，大的瓶装要近$500，我摇摇头说太贵了。 她随手又拿出小盒装，小小的五小瓶 一共$238 (税前)。 

 

我有点心动了。

 

想来自己一向素面朝天， 不用化妆品，连简单的护肤品也不太用，仗着自己的底子， 任凭风吹日晒， 任凭无情的岁月在脸上刻下印记。 但是，又有谁能抵挡得住岁月的脚步呢？ 想起公司组里的女同事，花了$400，去做镭射祛斑手术。 其实谁都怕老，谁都想留住或许早已逝去的容颜。那么， 我的这个第一次是不是也很合理呢？$250在一些人眼里也许根本算不了什么，而于我就是一种突破，一次开始：)

 

以前看过做市场营销的策略， 货架的摆放都是顾客心理学，消费学、冲动学的研究成果。 我那日的消费行为算是冲动、中计吗？ 也常常听人说，这世界上，女人、老人的钱最容易赚。 如果说，我今天不由自主地加入了这个行列， 但愿我真正老去时能清醒的站在队伍之外。

 

$250，值吗？ 大家有人用过吗？ InfiniteAloe Gold 

 

A look for a long pole light bulb changing kit brought me to Sunday Costco, a crowded place that I normally avoid shopping during the weekend. Entering the festively decorated mall, I parked my car a bit far in the packed parking lot.   The sun was shining, people hustling by. Soon I was inside the warm-heated store, greeted by the lady at the entrance, as well as the faint fragrance from the fresh Christmas wreaths in the corner.  After being told that Costco does not carry the long pole I was looking for, I strolled around aimlessly, taking a box of eggs into the big empty cart.  I have availed myself of a close-by Costco in the vicinity of my workplace during the weekday, and nothing seems to be on my current shopping list. With reluctance, I looked at others' carts fully stacked with boxes after boxes of merchandise around me, increasingly unsure if I would wait in line to just check out a box of eggs.  Just then, at the end of the aisle, a young lady from a beauty product stand smilingly beckoned at me, with a sample in her hand.  I approached her, telling her that I have been using the skin care products purchased years ago. But a further conversation revealed that they also carry an organic anti-aging skin revitalization product for my age. She patiently explained to me how it works, and how it differs from Lancome or other high-end products. Good as it sounds, it by far exceeds my budget. Seeing through my hesitation, she added that I could return the product within three months if they are not effective.

So in my empty cart, a box of around $250 skin care product was sitting next to a box of $6 eggs, making the long line waiting for checkout a bit worthwhile. This is the most luxurious skin care product I have ever bought for myself.  Is this the beginning of my attempt to rejuvenate the skin I used to be so proud of, or is it just a wakening consciousness of treating myself better?

The box is still sitting in my dresser, untouched, waiting for the owner to decide if it shall be returned or opened for use.