kings and queens - renaissance
having been a retail store manager for 13 years (since retired), i think i have a right to say "humbug!!!!!". there was always extended hours, and while in massachusetts i legally had t-day and xmas-day off, there was the sale set-up after close before the holidays and the ridiculous day-after hours. many massachusetts stores open at 12:30am black friday, which a testament to greed and an insult to humanity. not mention killing the holidays.
napoleon once referred to the english as a 'nation of shopkeepers', and as their cultural (or lack thereof) descendants we have taken it to a new level.
like earl, today starts my month-long fast entering retail stores.