Missing Points on ‘Missing Link’

Having been in retailing for many years, I’ve always wondered why most women love to browse and shop. They can have a good time shopping without even intending to make a purchase. I’ve watched women training their little girls to try on things just for the fun of it. On the other hand, most men dislike idle browsing.

The underlying reason men lack the “shopping gene” is that historically, men controlled the money. A man could buy a horse, boat or car quickly. He didn’t have to consult anyone.

Women had to request the money to buy costly items. If she wanted a winter coat, a woman looked carefully at everything available. Only then would she ask her husband for the money to buy the coat.

Thus developed the art of browsing. It is a response to the lack of power to make quick choices.

N. KITTAY, Los Angeles