Well, I guess this is growing up.
In September, the chain bookstore Borders closed its doors to the public after it laid off employees and held last-minute closing sales. Borders filed for bankruptcy in February of this year and was never able to get their feet back on the ground.
Last week, another well-known company followed their lead. Dippin’ Dots Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Dippin’ Dots Inc., known for their zany beaded ice cream that seems to melt in your mouth, began having financial difficulties around four years ago.
The company is $12 million in debt, despite its ice cream being a trademark at sports arenas, amusement parks and fairs.
The thought of these companies no longer existing is hard to imagine. These are the type of businesses and products that we grew up with, that shaped our childhood.
Okay, maybe I’m being a bit overdramatic. Certainly life would have been — and will continue to be — about the same without Borders or Dippin’ Dots.
But there is some truth to the statement. Stores like Borders shaped the way our society read before the age of Internet and e-readers. And Dippin’ Dots — well, they were just plain awesome.
When I was a little girl, my dad used to always reminisce about his childhood treasures that had become a thing of the past.
The first time we found his favorite childhood gum at an obscure candy shop, he bought about 10 packs and we savored them together for days.
There were also the stories about my great-grandpa, who owned a pharmacy where my dad would make delicious soda fountain concoctions. Whenever we pass by the occasional soda fountain and my dad gets talking, it is an out-of-body experience — like I’m right there with him waiting on the stool for a savory treat.
It didn’t strike me till recently that someday I might be in the same boat. I’ll have to explain to my children or grandchildren the concept of these itty-bitty ice cream beads that every kid longed for during a baseball game.
Someday, I may have to explain the concept of bookstores in general. My children and grandchildren will look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them that bookstores had an unexplainable aroma, that wiping dust off the cover brought about a sense of joy.
I certainly hope that none of this becomes true. I look forward to the day when I can take my kids to an amusement park and pay an outrageous amount of money for a tiny portion of Dippin’ Dots.
But just in case — I’m going to begin to treasure all of the great things in my life right now.
It’s the little things in life that count.
I’ll start by taking a trip to the nearest Dippin’ Dots. Anyone care to join me?
Reach the columnist at eeeaton@asu.edu Click here to subscribe to the daily State Press newsletter.
