Adventures in Shopping

Shopping on Friday was an adventure. In survival! Since this is Christmas time, I’ve seen the ruder side and in my own little perverse way, I want to be NICER. At least to the clerks. They seem to get the brunt of things beyond their control. Here are some of my Friday observations.

Like long lines. Managers: open more lanes, or if you don’t have the personnel, quit picking your nose, seat, lint off your sleeve and get on a register!

If the product is sold out–make a sign stating this. No rain checks–no problem, just say so.

Attention Shoppers:

Being courteous and thoughtful is NOT a sign of weakness. Think I’ve mentioned this before, but it happened again. If someone is blocking the aisle and really into looking at something, I will go around. Do the same for me. Don’t sit there tapping your foot, or sighing, or be obnoxious enough to ram my shopping cart into me. And just because you’re Methuselah’s mother is no excuse either. You might be older but I’m stronger and you don’t want to get into any contest with me.

Saying ‘excuse me’ goes a long way.

Corral your unruly children. If I can rope a calf, your kid doesn’t have much of a chance. Please don’t let them push every button on every noise making toy. The last button they may push could be mine. I’ve only got so much NICE.

Bitching while in a long line could make the clerk more nervous therefore creating more of a wait for us all. I’d rather listen to gossip or a good story.

If you must talk on your phone–especially using one of those ear thingies–don’t shout. You are not that important that all of us want to hear, unless it is juicy gossip. Then don’t be surprised if I follow you around to hear what happens next.

The Wal-Mart parking lot is never going to be the next NASCAR track, so stop circling and just park! There are no checked flags ready to wave when you pull into the close or handicapped parking spaces. Also there are no victory laps, doing doughnuts or burn-outs. Walking a few extra steps can count as exercise, and from what I see, you could use it. (Hey, I was being nice here!)

Happy Shopping, y’all!