[ToyAddict]

Yep, I agree with all these comments. I have kids of my own so it's easy to pretend I'm buying toys for them if I have to, but, for example, I'm in Toys R Us EVERY Friday. My kids go to TRU about once every three or four months. I know the store so well that I help the customers more than the employees do (especially around Christmas time when it is chaotic, the employees are new, and you get the aunts and Grandmas shopping that aren't familiar with the merchandise). I go Fridays after work and I'm in my work clothes and people often mistake me for an employee (even though my work outfit is blue and has my company name clearly embroidered on the front).

If you enjoy collecting, just do it, don't worry about others. There's probably more people out there in the same boat as you are.

Rarely have I ever had a negative comment. Most of the time if I ever converse with someone at the store about buying stuff it's a person lost and confused that I help, or a cashier who says something like "that's neat" or "do you collect these or something?"

The cashiers are paid to be happy to take your money, so they probably won't dis you. Most customers won't care or are in a hurry. Worst case scenario, if someone says something, tell 'em your nephew has a birthday coming up.