There are two words I tag onto Christmas shopping: wonderful and stressful. Guess which one comes first?
I went shopping along the main street on the next street over because it is 70% antique/"artisan" places. It’s great for quirky gifts, so I go every year. This Christmas, I went alone, stopping in on a few different shops. I got something from one place for a friend, but overall I’d have to give a mix rating of them all. There was the intense expensive ornaments store with the owner who was on the phone when I walked in (with what what sounded like family) and did not say a thing. I’m not sure if she was giving me a suspicious look or just assuming I wouldn’t buy anything (she was right, I didn’t). A few minutes later, an older couple walked in and she quickly put down the phone, stood up, and said hello. It was weird, so I left and she seemed relieved. I guess I don’t have much to comment on this one. Then, I walked into ANOTHER overly priced thrift store and it wasn’t impressive. It was cute and I had my eye on one piece until I realized where I was. The store was owned by an older couple and adjunct to their ice cream shop. You see, I had a friend who worked at the ice cream part over the summer. She was miserable and said her boss was awful. And that it was a pretty easy job because no one ever showed up, but also that it was one of the worst jobs she’d ever had. The owner was mean and very rude. I went to see her one day, the place was empty, I bought an ice cream, and he came in to stand behind her and glare at me until I left. She told me he made a kid who came into the store cry. Who runs a kindergartner out of an ice cream shop? Lastly, there was the scariest one. It was a second hand clothing store for kids. When I first walked in, I couldn’t figure out who worked there, but I found a cute book. It was a big book of coloring of Disney villains! The woman was busy, so I sat down (the only place that I found all day!) and looked around. There were only two other customers, one with a stroller. In a moment, a young girl (college age?) ran in with a laundry basket full of stuffed animals. She was in a hurry, but really wanted to give the toys to a good place. The owner’s response? Horrifying. To break it down: the store doesn’t really except stuffed animals, only ones that are characters (from a movie, etc.). Ok, fine. She had this roundabout way of saying it and managed to be rude over children’s toys. It was obvious the girl was just looking for a) yes, we will take the toys or b) no, sorry. The worst part, for me, was when the girl left, the three women (owner + customers) sh*t talked her. “Well, English was obviously her second language.” *smug laugh and insinuating she’s stupid.* I felt dirty. I wanted to chase her down and make sure she was okay. Also, all of their surplus (or whatever) goes to a Pregnancy Center, which is a whole other issue. Anyway, I left. All of that was fun, I guess. This post turned negative, but I didn’t mean it to be. There is no grand moral of the story. I walked two blocks and in and out of stores. That was huge and I rewarded myself with a hot chocolate at the end of the day. Hope everyone had a happy holidays and feel off to a good start to the new year.
1 Comment
Suzy Cashwell
1/8/2019 06:34:38 am
Well, at least the hot chocolate probably tasted good, but the rest of the shopping trip doesn't sound as if it was much fun. What a shame! I too have walked into shops where I was ignored - I don't think it's a matter of age or hair or whatever. It's just that people don't know how to be friendly or helpful. They shouldn't be working in such places. As to the ice cream place, that one made me furious! Meanwhile, your writing is wonderful, and your walking sounds great too! Love you!
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