If you ever want to understand how shopping malls became the new town centers and why the town centers were always the shopping districts, then you have to understand retail therapy. Shopping to improve one's mood is not new and it's not unique to any particular culture. It may be a bit out of control, but now more than ever it seems to have a negative connotation.
I think that if a trip to a mall or store keeps mom and dad from beating the kids, it can't be all bad.
But why shopping as therapy? What is it about the act of purchasing a new dress that acts like Prozac? (I mean, it's not as if that newly purchased dress is a Martini or Manhattan coursing through your bloodstream, although post-shopping liquid lunches seemingly are popular).
I think it's more about the dream of how the dress will improve your life. Your mood improves because in that dress you will meet Mr. Right, land that perfect job, get a compliment from your catty friend (or at least look better than her), and finally get approval from your mother. The dress makes it all possible.
It sounds simple, but even Cinderella only got to go to the ball because of the dress.
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