Eamonn Fitzgerald's Rainy Day

[LONDON] At 5.45 pm yesterday evening, a large crowd had gathered at the entrance to the Oxford Circus Underground station. What could be the cause of the assembly, a visitor pondered? An accident? An attack? A performance? None of those, actually. Entry was restricted because of "overcrowding", as the station loudspeaker announced over and over again. We were advised to be patient.

While waiting, patiently, shoppers and commuters were entertained by the elaborate lighting display that runs along Regent Street. Further amusement was provided by the hordes streaming into and out of Laura Ashley, FCUK, United Colors of Benetton and the amazing new Apple Store. With the crowd swelling dangerously, a bus pulled up in front of the Tube station bearing along its side a message that gave us further food for thought: "Brent Cross," it said, "Shopping until 10 pm," it continued and, this is the best bit, "Feed your addiction". All well and good, said the trapped consumer, but what if the addiction is insatiable? What then? Will people be forced to buy everything? To spend all their money? To shop forever? To run the risk of being trampled to death in Harrods?

Got a lovely double-ended bow tie in Gieves & Hawkes, though. Only ten more shopping days to Christmas!