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News Story :
Will-O’-The-Wisp
Leads Christmas Shoppers to Certain Ruin
Right now, Amsterdam
residents are preparing for their traditional “Sinterklaas”
celebration on December 5th as well as Christmas on the
25th. Both days feature gift giving, so this holiday
season offers plenty of impetus for shopping. However, something
disturbing is happening this year. A mysterious flickering light
appears to be leading unwary pedestrians off the streets and into De
Bijenkorf - a high-end boutique mall.
Sinterklaas Festival
Amsterdam
One shopper
described his experience as follows “At first I was intrigued - I
followed the glowing orb of greenish light out of curiosity. Then, I
found myself led to one glittering sales display after another.
After that, it’s a blur. When I checked my bank statement, I found
I’d overdrawn almost 2,000 €.”
This
will-o’-the-wisp spells even worse news for those who routinely use
a credit card while shopping. Debts running into the 10’s of
thousands of euros have been reported. “I’ve cut up all my cards
now” laments Barb Timmerman “But it’s too late - how will I explain
this to my husband?”
The Dutch actually
have a name for this glowing phenomenon. They call it the Dwaallicht
or “wandering light”. In legend, it leads travelers astray deep into
a bog - never to return. Fortunately, most shops at the Bijenkorf
don’t have a “no return” policy.
Will o’ the Wisp -
Leading shoppers to financial ruin
However, a number of
stores have discussed assessing a restocking charge on the sudden
rush of returned presents. One manager explains “It’s not our fault
that these shoppers are mesmerized. Frankly, I think most of them
are just tourists. They come to Amsterdam and lose all control and
inhibitions - it’s disgusting.”
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