tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2275312983455068412024-03-14T02:03:10.152-07:00Regaling RetailAn entertaining feast of retail tales from behind the register. Social commentary, economic discussions, and true stories of retail life. If you work in retail than this blog's for you.Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-70178534814913157722012-09-21T06:12:00.000-07:002012-09-21T06:12:47.847-07:00People Are Crazy: The Noisemaker
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<span style="font-size: large;">At first I used to think it was
just me. Maybe I took my job way too serious or my perspective was narrowed in
on a skewed frequency. After several years, I’ve come to the conclusion that
it’s not me. I’m not alone in my thinking. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>One
day a customer comes up to me and says, “Excuse me. There’s a man walking
around with a group of women and he makes strange noises when a woman walks
by.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I immediately gave her the look
that said, “Hmm. I’m listening, but I don’t understand what you want me to do
about it.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“I just thought you should know,”
she quickly replied before leaving the store. I was a little curious and did
not have to wait any longer because I heard an odd noise as I walked by a group
of people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I turned and looked at the possible
offenders. Sure enough, a man was with a group of women and I did my job. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Hi, how you folks doing today?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“We are just excellent! We were
waiting for someone to greet us, so we decided to make noises each time a woman
walked by,” a tall man with glasses spoke for the group.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Was there anything I can do for
you?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Nope, just wanted a greeting.” He
smiled cheerily as the women giggled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Well just let me know if you need
anything?” I decided to slowly remove myself from the presence of these strange
people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I seem to always get the special
ones.</span></div>
Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-54260700110809153292012-06-25T09:40:00.002-07:002012-06-25T09:40:36.645-07:00Posts To Come<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozwZFHqVIMPQJ2_zX3yfDl8skFFoOSarzOag0sgfdPDtS8_55yZjpAzh9y0VVgeQdrm3aS2dJbZFmn7qeo1GNQdzgPrYJhs-OJaIBxWiPJJWQY-LMEw1rXifhoEGNDfJp4O3xXn1bsUNO/s1600/@Rabedela.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozwZFHqVIMPQJ2_zX3yfDl8skFFoOSarzOag0sgfdPDtS8_55yZjpAzh9y0VVgeQdrm3aS2dJbZFmn7qeo1GNQdzgPrYJhs-OJaIBxWiPJJWQY-LMEw1rXifhoEGNDfJp4O3xXn1bsUNO/s320/@Rabedela.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first draft of a Twitter logo for myself. Used Gimp 2.6. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I spend a lot of time researching, writing with pen and paper, learning new software and spreading the word. Loads of posts to come and I'm taking "Regaling Retail" to another level. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I spend a lot of time in retail situations as a consumer, so I want to regale my audience with my experiences. Movie reviews, restaurant reviews and everyday shopping experiences. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep visiting for new things to come on my blog as I delve into regaling retail 2.0. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-83191495367074377972012-06-23T09:58:00.001-07:002012-06-23T09:58:07.508-07:00From A Fitting Room Perspective: Women Are Slobs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeg6u2AfmY7vZ1ew6PBQbUnb5_Gz8DvdqbOUi0tQsuqqkKMblG3Jk3-kA3IwDaozis12Wcl_3SJhKgN-pG9lGrHFCCAOyl9x_fcil3GEhSOlfooXDUC6XZE7533h1rvfP6-Zd8mxWMj3Lj/s1600/4539082274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeg6u2AfmY7vZ1ew6PBQbUnb5_Gz8DvdqbOUi0tQsuqqkKMblG3Jk3-kA3IwDaozis12Wcl_3SJhKgN-pG9lGrHFCCAOyl9x_fcil3GEhSOlfooXDUC6XZE7533h1rvfP6-Zd8mxWMj3Lj/s400/4539082274.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From a fitting room perspective, women are slobs. Now of course not all women are slobs (those who have worked in retail, OCD members and those ladies from the old school order of respect are excluded), but I am leaning towards a strong 75% from my fitting room perspective.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the beginning, I kept wondering if all of these nicely dressed ladies lived the life of a slob at home. How can you treat brand new stuff like that? Is my store so cheap, but no I have witnessed the same behavior in some of the higher end stores as well.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nowadays, I no longer stare in shock at the huge pile of brand new merchandise tossed on the floor. 90% of these offenders are early twenties and under. Every now and then I have ladies hand me items with a sympathetic apology, but there are a few who have an ulterior motive for handing me the items they do not want to buy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I often send items back to our vendors for the following reasons:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Failed attempt to squeeze a big behind into a dress (jeans or pants) resulting in broken zippers, buttons and stitches</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Deodorant rings, cosmetic stains and baby powder stains</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Odd odors, stains and mystery marks</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUT2oR0AJIKU29E0t0B8OSWZzQ06TMHrM9Q2q_NaPwoCAidYhAlYQpQNgr5hNoCWwz2EysVEsROF7ZJjTjgmg7J1qL6xQzZulGQv2PhhrCzKQTN27eS2QEIxyiJcY4Ca2_v03Fc0AUn9W/s1600/clothing-pile_fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUT2oR0AJIKU29E0t0B8OSWZzQ06TMHrM9Q2q_NaPwoCAidYhAlYQpQNgr5hNoCWwz2EysVEsROF7ZJjTjgmg7J1qL6xQzZulGQv2PhhrCzKQTN27eS2QEIxyiJcY4Ca2_v03Fc0AUn9W/s320/clothing-pile_fa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I read an article a while back in <a href="http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2010/08/clear-your-calendar-study-says.html" target="_blank">Glamour Magazine</a> that reported on a study done on women trying on clothing. It said that women will try on more than 21,000 clothing items in their lifetime. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That is garbage. I don't know how a sampling of 3,000 women is equal to represent "women" around the world. Let me specify my title statement. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A guesstimated 75% of women (all ages) in the Northeast and Midwest shopping regions of the United States are slobs in retail fitting rooms.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So what? Well here is a little advice. If you are a fitting room slob and need help looking for an item you really need, you will get no help. That is a nice bit of karma. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are a fitting room slob and think the store workers are really nice, do I have some news for you. Those same really nice workers will forever coin you "slob" and drench their hands in hand sanitizer after touching anything you touch.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">All I can say is think before you try clothing on because the consequences could cost you that perfect outfit to match those perfect accessories you have waiting at home. No one will help you and it was all because you were a slob in the fitting room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<br />Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-77243185226164847122012-06-21T08:28:00.001-07:002012-06-21T08:28:54.129-07:00Summer 2012 Street Trends: The Romper<style>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc0q1jK6EmHCfm5ToL34_MVWR01TJrOJpfSTCkuUHn6iDQgL-tvtaI2GdWkLlONFUqxbarG-HRDuBJVL1uiX0tkoClg59aTBIS12DNHv9KPaMmAfurYolMBf4PAMk0qkodacvxrtEtiKL/s1600/pink_romper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc0q1jK6EmHCfm5ToL34_MVWR01TJrOJpfSTCkuUHn6iDQgL-tvtaI2GdWkLlONFUqxbarG-HRDuBJVL1uiX0tkoClg59aTBIS12DNHv9KPaMmAfurYolMBf4PAMk0qkodacvxrtEtiKL/s200/pink_romper.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The hot weather brings back an old favorite in the fashion
industry: the romper. The romper returned in 2011 and has decided to stay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I learned of this trend the old fashioned way. Every day for the past three-weeks (since the start of summer weather) I receive the same question more than four times a day. "Does your store have any rompers left?" My particular store has no stock of rompers, but our bigger stores carried the popular item.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6xs7unTMI06rOKdu84EZoYOI6uv29NBeT8dRYAjAfoGgFpA96ZmQE68O2w3oRBXfy_AMJsl0SRkU_Uti0IU5GPh1nSS-rXBkyjtHQsG_6Z-Rdga-IJ5BPlU0a-GsYwzxl1uIdZIZEPuT/s1600/jungle-safari-romper_cute-rompers-summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6xs7unTMI06rOKdu84EZoYOI6uv29NBeT8dRYAjAfoGgFpA96ZmQE68O2w3oRBXfy_AMJsl0SRkU_Uti0IU5GPh1nSS-rXBkyjtHQsG_6Z-Rdga-IJ5BPlU0a-GsYwzxl1uIdZIZEPuT/s200/jungle-safari-romper_cute-rompers-summer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Somehow a memo went out when the weather changed and young women everywhere want a romper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where can you find a romper? Right now most trendy stores (Forever21 and H&M) still have a selection of rompers available, but you must hurry quickly because Fall 2012 stock is already on its way into most major retailers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-76521887259564125932012-02-05T09:10:00.000-08:002012-06-21T09:13:36.907-07:00Three Suggestions On Buying Jewelry For A Woman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigen0KhJfAiQzcj8XhGvsiSjMAeq_dusNs-_ri5jVE6Z2XLqeBDeUj-Ls5UrMp3Elvnmko5WGPXadCcPCx6k7Z02A2XU7l8PgbYfjtfZ_bR60JPjO9JWmJ6skGy7-Cjk6fbJDUCKV5Rbpe/s1600/tiffany-jewelry-box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigen0KhJfAiQzcj8XhGvsiSjMAeq_dusNs-_ri5jVE6Z2XLqeBDeUj-Ls5UrMp3Elvnmko5WGPXadCcPCx6k7Z02A2XU7l8PgbYfjtfZ_bR60JPjO9JWmJ6skGy7-Cjk6fbJDUCKV5Rbpe/s1600/tiffany-jewelry-box.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most women look forward to receiving a specially wrapped jewelry gift box from the person she loves. Most buyers cringe in horror at having to pick out a little sparkling piece of metal out of thousands of little sparkling pieces of metal. Now I cannot speak for all shoppers just the many that I assisted over the years as a Fine Jewelry Sales Specialist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I quickly learned that only a small percentage of my customers knew exactly what their loved ones wanted and they usually had a cell phone picture or a list with the item's description. Of course I chose the famous "Tiffany Blue" packaging above because of its symbolism, but the item inside the box can make or break a celebration.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahvgN4c66_hB0wdwTDFU5I-IA3pH59M9sSRQZID2-t47jYcfipZlM_ZLBvwQaAPWlkqday55n17UYL3T9OMBb98ZJU49wD1i2ImIqCvbighLXli7PrMxsA4gLoDn0Mm0WCQbUOfJbTAHh/s1600/woman-thumb-down-for-negativity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahvgN4c66_hB0wdwTDFU5I-IA3pH59M9sSRQZID2-t47jYcfipZlM_ZLBvwQaAPWlkqday55n17UYL3T9OMBb98ZJU49wD1i2ImIqCvbighLXli7PrMxsA4gLoDn0Mm0WCQbUOfJbTAHh/s200/woman-thumb-down-for-negativity.jpg" width="176" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Nobody likes to present a gift and not receive an excited and heartfelt thank you. The situation is similar to lighting a firecracker. You purchase the gift and light the fuse of anticipation. The person receives your gift and either they explode in happiness or they sigh in obligatory gratitude for your thoughtfulness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So how do you pick the right item? Here are three easy suggestions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">#1 - <i><b>Rifle through her jewelry box and see if anything is missing.</b></i> Yes, I know this is an invasion of privacy; however, I doubt she is expecting you to steal her jewelry. Maybe she has several bracelets and rings, but not enough necklaces. Does she have it all? How about anklets or ring wraps? (I will do a post later on ring wraps because women love them, while men have no clue.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">#2 - <b><i>Observe her jewelry habits.</i></b> If #1 offended your sensibilities then try paying attention to what she is wearing. Does she favor a certain style? Perhaps she has a preference for certain pieces and only wears earrings or a favorite pendant. It takes just a minute to observe the person you love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This last suggestion is my favorite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">#3 - <i><b>Ask her.</b></i> Often the most complex situation has the simplest solution. If your lady loves jewelry then there exists a 98% chance she has already acquired a list of items for you to buy. A good half of my female customers window shop with the aim to send their significant others into the store to purchase a piece that they want.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There you go. It's not rocket science and under ten minutes of following either of the three suggestions above will significantly decrease your shopping time and aggravation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-84125830155539840442011-11-07T08:59:00.000-08:002011-11-07T08:59:59.698-08:00Awkward Moments: Number One Weirdest Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxB4HKQ9DaAeVURJvlVRsBOYyHwK7rSsbi-eGvdjVwLUviy0CRA8T75QhU9YhsDi1FCiAGF4Ek4c215WitzLySWzybsTxUxZK7QUb8VIqTS9o5BNdBNLKqyJM1vJu664QPHp8-9sj_bJf/s1600/lightflare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxB4HKQ9DaAeVURJvlVRsBOYyHwK7rSsbi-eGvdjVwLUviy0CRA8T75QhU9YhsDi1FCiAGF4Ek4c215WitzLySWzybsTxUxZK7QUb8VIqTS9o5BNdBNLKqyJM1vJu664QPHp8-9sj_bJf/s400/lightflare.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Out of my six years working in retail, the number one weirdest moment happened to me last week. A nice old man comes up to me and asks me for help on sheets. I happily walk over to assist him to the best of my abilities. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I'm looking for a rose colored pillowcase," he says.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Rose as in deep red or are we talking a lighter palette?" I ask because the way we see colors and describe them is different despite all the great words available for description. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He furrows his brow and his sad eyes look at me, "Well it's like a pink."</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I've only got hot pink in the store and our pillowcases generally come in pairs, but we do offer an assortment online that I can check for you?"</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He pulls a digital camera out of his pocket and says, "Well I've got pictures of the color I need."</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"That's great! Let's see what you got." I smile because pictures make life so much easier when it comes to matching colors.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is where my excitement transitions into an assortment of reactions.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"You see I just lost my wife a week ago," he states while turning on the camera. "We were married sixty years and she died of cancer."</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I immediately felt empathetic for him because I knew what it was like to watch someone you love die of cancer. "I'm so sorry for your loss, I know what it feels like to lose someone to cancer."</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He looked up from his camera and smiled sadly at me. This time I noticed his eyes were slightly red with hint of slight baggage beneath. "Well she's free from all the suffering," and he turned back to the buttons on his camera. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"So you have a picture of something you are trying to match?" I ask in curiosity. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"No, it's an actual pillowcase I am trying to replace." He brings his camera over to me and starts flickering through scenes of what looks like a party of some sort. I focus on his camera buttons because I feel as if I am crashing a party and intruding into his personal memories.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjzNvnXq-QHNVajCu-H8LBOmuG0nOBk7bx3wSpzDuJLUToHytaE1RmFroTAo-ZxiKFP1nZNzNtNospMVzaKiaIG8PKi9Ni-Dzo2b7coNQnq0zdJXZySN279CaQq-s5eHs9RsByUVY5FxM/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRjzNvnXq-QHNVajCu-H8LBOmuG0nOBk7bx3wSpzDuJLUToHytaE1RmFroTAo-ZxiKFP1nZNzNtNospMVzaKiaIG8PKi9Ni-Dzo2b7coNQnq0zdJXZySN279CaQq-s5eHs9RsByUVY5FxM/s320/collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Wow that's cool that you took pictures of the pillowcase you needed," I attempt to make the situation lighthearted. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Yes, well when the funeral home came to take my wife they took her pillow." He continued to flicker through an assortment of pictures in which everyone was dressed in black.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My epiphany came all to late, for he slowed down his slideshow to a body in a casket. As I swallowed my shock and kept my facial expression neutral with a poker face, my mind was reeling at what was happening.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He stopped at a photo of a woman in a casket and zoomed into her face. "You see the pillow case under head?" He looked at me with a serious inquiry. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Hmm...yes I do." I could not avoid the grim picture because he pushed the camera very close to my face. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I want to replace that pillowcase because they buried my wife with the pillow and I have to replace it. I only have one pillow on the bed and the set is incomplete." He flicked to another picture and I could only focus on not showing any emotion other than polite interest.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Well I don't believe we have that color at the moment." I needed some way to get this man's camera out of my face without being rude. "We usually get those colors in the spring, so I would check back during the spring."</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">He turned the camera off and placed it back in his pocket. "Oh well, I guess I will have to check back during the spring. Thank you for your time." The old man's shoulders slumped a little as he slowly walked away.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I watched him walk off into the mall and wondered how many more of these awkward moments would I experience before I left retail all together.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-16134458169379409562011-10-27T11:31:00.000-07:002012-06-23T11:32:13.436-07:00Relocation<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I moved from the Northeast back to the Midwest and I wonder how long it will take to recover. I actually cried when I left my old store. Of course the tears on some of my co-workers faces made my own tears hard to suppress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You don't just work with people for five years and not form a tight relationship, so it was a pretty emotional break for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The "relocation" or transfer was not as easy as I hoped. My company gave me 90 days to show up to a new store after I had my store manager send out letters to the stores of my choice. I figured "Great! Vacation time." I quickly discovered that all stores are not the same, especially when you travel across six states. My store manager gave me the profit margins on three of my choice locations. I chose the store with a similar store layout and adequate profit margin to afford me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once I felt well rested, or bored to death, I called the store. My biggest problem was finding someone who knew what they were talking about. That took two weeks. Once I finally talked to the proper person, I received an interview. Can you believe that a six year veteran was offered minimum wage and a temp job?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRUESw0geM6j1xERPbfCECc5O59sGHA1H6jk26crK5l-0QzLgXTl591sWnru7bSKAkRH34cfXbSP3iiWBKcX5UJeGl7sBu1cCnOxIyODuBeQb9BJIzw79DksCoJCts2QOQ-mHjfqT9CGy/s1600/DSCN5978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRUESw0geM6j1xERPbfCECc5O59sGHA1H6jk26crK5l-0QzLgXTl591sWnru7bSKAkRH34cfXbSP3iiWBKcX5UJeGl7sBu1cCnOxIyODuBeQb9BJIzw79DksCoJCts2QOQ-mHjfqT9CGy/s400/DSCN5978.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I turned that store down and promptly called the small store near my home. I did an interview the next day and started work the next week. The moral of the story here is to never underestimate the easiest solutions. I thought a big store like my old store would meet my needs, but turns out a smaller store works out just fine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next post, "Job Security" talks about the importance of flexibility.</span></div>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-84690660066921982782011-04-14T06:10:00.000-07:002011-04-14T06:10:31.266-07:00Another Walkthrough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4NcE-BtTV14zsOjt6tojk3X49ejyv9169BcU8b75LumHpTWYgxHhGHzZ1XbQnHkVXSQRF1DMGxkNuBhWPbPIEANvl5-96B3OxDe4tvvFXJWZZtzldzrqPH_YxnQic-_QLIRn_NbqDG1R/s1600/732350_business.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4NcE-BtTV14zsOjt6tojk3X49ejyv9169BcU8b75LumHpTWYgxHhGHzZ1XbQnHkVXSQRF1DMGxkNuBhWPbPIEANvl5-96B3OxDe4tvvFXJWZZtzldzrqPH_YxnQic-_QLIRn_NbqDG1R/s1600/732350_business.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another corporate suit will make his way down the aisles of my store, inspecting the "visual" aspects of our departments. Another <a href="http://regalingretail.blogspot.com/2010/06/walkthrough.html">walkthrough</a> this way comes.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So of course the store suffers from "Do-Everything-At-Once" syndrome where people run around during the upcoming days like chickens with their heads lopped off. I love how we bust our butts to make the store look perfect for one person for one day and work normally on any other day. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Why make the store look perfect when you are short-staffed and tight on money? Who knows, maybe they will ask why the store doesn't look perfect and they might actually try and help? </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">No, for some reason many people in my company do not use that type of logic. Instead they smile and bend over backwards to create an illusion of smooth sailing. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I experienced similar situations in other companies where feelings of anxiety rapidly increase, yet I never found myself scared or anxious about these visits. Corporate suits are people in suits and just because your job title is listed higher on the pay scale than mine means nothing to me. As long as I do my job and I do it well then I should be alright, right?</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I could of sworn that America was founded on the premise that "All men are equal." I guess that is just a bit of bait used to lure people into the hypocrisy we call democracy. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The American way is no different from its British motherland, entitlement means everything. American aristocracy is determined by your job title and annual salary; thus, when the aristocratic suit comes to visit we must all bow deeply. It's a good thing he is showing up on my day off.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-34814724546234722512011-04-07T06:12:00.000-07:002011-04-07T06:12:23.264-07:00Making The Bed: Sheets and Four-Types of Cotton<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAkEf3YYe4nymyoSmMr2pa8rdAp6r9UjumBQbNC17bvEez7OtWpbB2aB9XtAxrmfp6Cz1Aem-KhhudIa4vgiLVCX4NT0DN24CkbuUHg_T9soynNg5DLxjh_yvaV5M8PY_npGt1v1rOQ66/s1600/a_stack_of_sheets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAkEf3YYe4nymyoSmMr2pa8rdAp6r9UjumBQbNC17bvEez7OtWpbB2aB9XtAxrmfp6Cz1Aem-KhhudIa4vgiLVCX4NT0DN24CkbuUHg_T9soynNg5DLxjh_yvaV5M8PY_npGt1v1rOQ66/s1600/a_stack_of_sheets.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had a woman come into my store the other day and ask me about cotton. "Which of these towels has the best cotton?" </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I replied, "Well ma'am the best cotton we carry in towels comes in a Supima cotton." She looks at the labels and says, "I see here that most of the towels contain 100% algodón cotton even that Supima cotton has 100% algodón in it, so how is that towel the best?"</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I looked her dead in her eye and told her with a straight face, "Ma'am all of these towels are 100% algodón, but you should know that algodón is Spanish for cotton."</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2keYAGPph9Ih9H0K-eNYZxO2cWFU8XLEOtL5HFYpAgJBttwvYCSj2rHgfstJ4ODwYBM-oh8iIzWd5mUEzYWDTsnsrMxXsHAPHFu_DKvdIupYxn8YEnG4wcby98pKGg3iG5rzv2R6Fj_Yr/s1600/cotton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2keYAGPph9Ih9H0K-eNYZxO2cWFU8XLEOtL5HFYpAgJBttwvYCSj2rHgfstJ4ODwYBM-oh8iIzWd5mUEzYWDTsnsrMxXsHAPHFu_DKvdIupYxn8YEnG4wcby98pKGg3iG5rzv2R6Fj_Yr/s1600/cotton.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It turns out that most people walk around with no knowledge regarding cotton despite my funny interaction with the customer. So today I want to talk about cotton.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cotton is a complicated material, especially when you are buying sheets or towels. There are four categories you should know about: Egyptian, Supima, Pima and Upland. Egyptian cotton is generally known as the best cotton on the market, but there is a catch that I will discuss further. Supima cotton is cotton grown in the U.S.A. Pima cotton is a collective from where ever, while upland is the stuff you typically find on the $9.99 shelf. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhie2M7fyzhWnY2Ep5ERvVBH5GgwKF139FRZM9NhRjkteaeHvyEe_KfiX_oP-F034VNunOOx9Km-6OZ5MgKHtmC7oajz3ZRZiIpw76cbBhvvuGKGwJFaRyLXKs2s-m4hxWGXW1bg0h05fQ/s1600/ikeadecoration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhie2M7fyzhWnY2Ep5ERvVBH5GgwKF139FRZM9NhRjkteaeHvyEe_KfiX_oP-F034VNunOOx9Km-6OZ5MgKHtmC7oajz3ZRZiIpw76cbBhvvuGKGwJFaRyLXKs2s-m4hxWGXW1bg0h05fQ/s1600/ikeadecoration.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Now Egyptian, Supima and Pima typically come from extra-long staple cotton (or ELS), which is the type of cotton best for soft long lasting sheets; however, Egyptian cotton has a very big loophole in this generalization. All cotton from Egypt does not come from extra-long staple cotton, but is still considered 100% Egyptian cotton because it all comes from Egypt. Do you see the catch?</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">How can you tell the difference? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Good-old fashioned touch and feel. Let your fingers slide across the material and use the back of your hand as an indicator. Sometimes our hands are over sensitized with antibacterial, lotion, overtexting/typing and etcetera.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Most people "think" they read the package correctly, but most people end up discovering that what they thought read somehow made them believe something else. How does this happen in sheets? It's called the oldest trick in the book.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> If the package says, "Made with Pima cotton." Does that mean all of it is Pima cotton? No, the only indicator of full containment is the 100% prior to the content listing.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">The combination of thread-count (discussed in <a href="http://regalingretail.blogspot.com/2011/03/making-bed-sheets-and-toilet-paper.html">Sheets and Toilet Paper</a>) and the type of cotton play an important role when investing in a good set of sheets.</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> So the moral of today's words of wisdom is to read the label and the feel the material. Make sure you understand that all labels have both Spanish and English. </span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Next time on my Making the Bed series, "Poly-blends and Microfiber: Should I put this on my bed?"</span></div>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-90980471159119210462011-04-06T07:55:00.000-07:002011-04-06T07:55:15.790-07:00An Empty Mall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG90Xz_nkJzaZuHOoaIkswT_JWWvoKBJ8QcyGy51dojzZc8IgLOXxrMnTYKy70vFeMjpAurXjMBmO2gA53wUaUEzvZ-UKN1Ihb9jJjv9gZyI6DiIe2fR5yno3Qd_A_p23R79emvi-8zMMF/s1600/IMG_20110321_144214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG90Xz_nkJzaZuHOoaIkswT_JWWvoKBJ8QcyGy51dojzZc8IgLOXxrMnTYKy70vFeMjpAurXjMBmO2gA53wUaUEzvZ-UKN1Ihb9jJjv9gZyI6DiIe2fR5yno3Qd_A_p23R79emvi-8zMMF/s400/IMG_20110321_144214.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The first months of the year are the worse for retailers. This is a view of what I stare at five days a week. Notice the empty store next to Kay Jewelers, that is where Old Navy stood until February. Three other stores in my mall closed as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The big expanse of floor used to hold "The Bouncy Thing" where people would strap into bungee chords and bounce up and down.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Usually this space is occupied by <i>The Easter Bunny</i> or <i>Santa </i>during the holidays,<i> </i>but right now there exists a theme of nothingness. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At some point in time, I began wondering if I were the main character in a book similar to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_NeverEnding_Story_%28film%29"><i>The Neverending Story</i></a> and the enemy "the nothing" was coming for my mall. I know it sounds crazy, but your mind begins to stray towards delusional thoughts after staring at an empty mall for several hours. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The two or three couples (on a busy day) say the same comments, "Wow...pretty busy, huh?" or "Are you awake?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyAcPmn_pDQ24ioriOwpbl7xManYeyyCIVBwVeI7DwM69NYuIabJabqUgvFNREtMq1Jgy5clDvK0RpLvpysZnble3qEQD9_71E-V2pUy4RVqRqMccnJZiR-E88HBrZnOPJKnvM_ZoKz_W/s1600/IMG_20110321_145203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyAcPmn_pDQ24ioriOwpbl7xManYeyyCIVBwVeI7DwM69NYuIabJabqUgvFNREtMq1Jgy5clDvK0RpLvpysZnble3qEQD9_71E-V2pUy4RVqRqMccnJZiR-E88HBrZnOPJKnvM_ZoKz_W/s400/IMG_20110321_145203.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I reply, "This is my moment for reflection and meditation. Not too many people can get paid to meditate at work." We laugh and they leave me all alone to the overhead music of the store. I get lost in my thoughts and write-up ideas for stories or blog posts in my head.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As the image on the right demonstrates, this is my empty mall and here is my bench that I sit on to meditate about my writing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In some strange way I am a character in the current U.S. recession and "the nothing" has come after me, but I flipped the situation to my own benefit. Here I sit writing about my empty mall and sharing it with my audience.</span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-18152864653489930182011-04-06T07:16:00.000-07:002011-04-06T07:16:53.913-07:00Awkward Moments: Because I'm Old<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes when I go to work, I see old people and they scare me.</span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght6GbnxfyFEYq1vKoHGOAtEltElnhdKSrbDGh0GazDWdrnhOMY-yEwSJHAICJqrnNp75ugtLlUyF3PMtkZskZhxZ1J7P5Ak4PE-67hWJkepCSaHpoRfrWr349WYEVzF8nBT5NDiFQF0Sw/s1600/old+lady+people+watching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght6GbnxfyFEYq1vKoHGOAtEltElnhdKSrbDGh0GazDWdrnhOMY-yEwSJHAICJqrnNp75ugtLlUyF3PMtkZskZhxZ1J7P5Ak4PE-67hWJkepCSaHpoRfrWr349WYEVzF8nBT5NDiFQF0Sw/s1600/old+lady+people+watching.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It appears that once you have crossed certain age lines, you lose any regard for what people around you think. I come across rule-breakers, swearers and what I call guilt pinchers.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">RULE-BREAKERS</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">These are the people who feel that rules are for everyone else, but them because they are old. I had an older woman cut my line the other day and when I attempted to "politely" correct her action she told me, "But I'm old?"</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">All I did was shake my head and rung-up her stuff as fast as I could. The woman behind her told me, "Hey...what are you supposed to do in that situation?"</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">SWEARERS</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The image of sweet little old lady carrying a full arsenal of weapons comes to my mind when I think of all the dirty-mouthed little grannies running around. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I scanned a pair of <a href="http://regalingretail.blogspot.com/2010/12/panty-swingers.html">panty swingers</a>, the price that appeared on the screen showed up wrong. The sweet little granny before me yelled, "What the HELL is wrong with this F####ING machine?"</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I looked down at the white crochet sweater wearing tyrant, I apologized with a sweet smile. She replied, "Well I don't blame you hunny, it's not your F###ING fault. Damn company is trying to F### all of us over!"</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I laughed really loud and found the correct price for her. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">GUILT PINCHERS</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">These are the old people that make my co-workers and I hide. They come in all helpless and guilt you into helping them do everything. We get the following types of pick-up lines all the time:</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Oh hunny I had hip surgery two-years ago and can't reach for that shirt on the table. Could you get it for me? Can you grab me a bag and carry it for me?"</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Oh can you walk me to my car and carry my bag?" (Never mind the fact that she walked into the store and through the mall by herself.)</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Your young, can you help me? You remind me of my granddaughter."</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLf3Ha6c-dWiYzVeUC7bmroTN0SiH_2QSqorF1qdG8Pb6jTPpl04AQJ4TUqcHzIz1Q7c3zCTF2GG8wB-mpyFy4paSLOr_A8tFIEBhgy2FT6H0E9EBQQJDFMIIf-YWyjyzqPKN1AD1GpcOq/s1600/the_green_shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLf3Ha6c-dWiYzVeUC7bmroTN0SiH_2QSqorF1qdG8Pb6jTPpl04AQJ4TUqcHzIz1Q7c3zCTF2GG8wB-mpyFy4paSLOr_A8tFIEBhgy2FT6H0E9EBQQJDFMIIf-YWyjyzqPKN1AD1GpcOq/s1600/the_green_shirt.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have to admit that most guilt pinchers are women. The men tend to belong to RULE BREAKERS and SWEARERS.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had an elderly man who was the victim of his wife's guilt pinching. She guilted him into buying the more expensive, yet smaller set of luggage. The poor guy looked at me and said, "I can never win." This is why I said, "</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes when I go to work, I see old people and they scare me."</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-65606261476187515262011-04-05T07:46:00.000-07:002011-04-05T07:46:48.738-07:00Awkward Moments: Doing Favors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OXnuz1AZNI9cW8paGm_mD9OKqvsOWgDFoFwQR7XUIRnzWvCGT4yCfPutQDcU-E-IZaCORPScZWOR_KwGypXa8KSz4YjBY-HxSMtXz7Gs22nBl53mOFVhVDGfCWmCNJtQkwu5INn4Qiy4/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OXnuz1AZNI9cW8paGm_mD9OKqvsOWgDFoFwQR7XUIRnzWvCGT4yCfPutQDcU-E-IZaCORPScZWOR_KwGypXa8KSz4YjBY-HxSMtXz7Gs22nBl53mOFVhVDGfCWmCNJtQkwu5INn4Qiy4/s1600/shoes.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I find myself straddling the line between weird and normal. I like to think of these situations as my "Awkward Moments". </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I like helping the people I work with when they ask for it, but sometimes I get asked to do things that appear normal at first and then they turn downright weird.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">An elder co-worker approached me in the break room and asked me if I could do her a favor. She left her glasses at home and needed to read the instructions on the back of a small box. She asked me to read the box and I accepted the task as an easy favor.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I searched for the "Directions" area and automatically began reading something similar to the following:</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Adults and children over 12 years old should take 2 tablets initially followed by 1 after every further loose bowel movement, up to a maximum of 6 tablets per day. If your diarrhea does last more than 24 hours consult your doctor." </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After reading the directions in my "read-aloud professional" voice, I looked up at her to see if she was playing some sort of joke on me. She was perfectly serious and nodded her head smiling, while thanking me at the same time. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I walked away thinking, "Yet another awkward moment." </span><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><br />
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</span><br />
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</span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-73813662920852398772011-03-22T08:23:00.000-07:002011-03-22T08:23:17.220-07:00Making The Bed: Sheets and Toilet Paper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqw3JrYVk_unez5wAygCvyjcXA0_76I0R9NZU8uR3vdF1HEsjUJJxfp5xIsGcmUNXec8DAYb9ZxNJtQT5om2vxBLZ5O4nffgAeoApjN48ph8Yr_38nRWSXq693oj7DhQ9tnmrxUcPcnKG/s1600/bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqw3JrYVk_unez5wAygCvyjcXA0_76I0R9NZU8uR3vdF1HEsjUJJxfp5xIsGcmUNXec8DAYb9ZxNJtQT5om2vxBLZ5O4nffgAeoApjN48ph8Yr_38nRWSXq693oj7DhQ9tnmrxUcPcnKG/s1600/bedroom.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I spend many days around stuff for the home, so it would make sense that I knew something about the merchandise. Believe it or not, most people have no clue when it comes to sheets. Back when women spent most of their time at home as housewives, it made sense that they knew a little something about the stuff in their homes. Nowadays, most people shop off of assumptions from hearsay or the suggestions of the home salesperson.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKs9MK8EwewNuzoMm7eird5WhDdo5r7-6BITWkukn0obhygDwoA-5gorys6hTONS0HmmX6BmMwN44TViysnttL1RRX0M82FciVv8f5Y7pZA3IipQY5CFNwLZqJIcWjnm_TNeDsDg9DRf1/s1600/toilet_paper_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKs9MK8EwewNuzoMm7eird5WhDdo5r7-6BITWkukn0obhygDwoA-5gorys6hTONS0HmmX6BmMwN44TViysnttL1RRX0M82FciVv8f5Y7pZA3IipQY5CFNwLZqJIcWjnm_TNeDsDg9DRf1/s1600/toilet_paper_4.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Most people come in and want the highest thread-count sheets, expecting a luxurious feel that will transport them to heaven. Well I tell people all the time, "Sheets are a lot like toilet paper." They look at me in horror because of two things. The first reason is my slightly "inappropriate" reference to the bathroom and the second is the total shock at my metaphor. All I can say is, it's the truth.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Toilet paper comes in two-ply and one ply. Either you buy toilet paper with two sheets per piece or one sheet per piece.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgul6ODwmYYkaPMJxJ4WEwOcacD7VRFy72Oks1oXLU6xyt1F6mqPd3pCrJLcK7JnA3A52NLMkN4Xpp97JDUrs1SnsdllAyM5Ejo4xryQw42RxJ44YmgAODOA1eFoCVShM38dQaz_t_-f1NQ/s1600/spinning_yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgul6ODwmYYkaPMJxJ4WEwOcacD7VRFy72Oks1oXLU6xyt1F6mqPd3pCrJLcK7JnA3A52NLMkN4Xpp97JDUrs1SnsdllAyM5Ejo4xryQw42RxJ44YmgAODOA1eFoCVShM38dQaz_t_-f1NQ/s1600/spinning_yarn.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Fibers are measured in a similar fashion (see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Units_of_textile_measurement">Units of textile measurement</a>). If you're a crochet/knitting person then maybe you know, but if not it's an easy concept to understand. If you take a single thread and try to use it to lift a heavy weight then it will most likely break after a short while. If you take two threads and spin them together then you will obviously lift a heavy weight for a longer period of time than the one thread.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is where it gets interesting. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Textile_Association">The National Textile Association</a> allows a funny equation chart that is unknown to most shoppers and sheet salespeople. A 250-thread sheet with a two-ply measurement is equivalent to a 1000-thread sheet with a one-ply. Since the 250-thread sheet is actually measured vertically and horizontally times two, the true count is 1000.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However, the average uninformed consumer only looks at the number listed on the package as 250-thread count. Instead of paying $30 for a 250-thread sheet set of good quality, the consumer pays $100 for a package of inferior quality 1000-thread sheets. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So the moral of the story is to be careful when buying sheets. You might invest a lot of money into a bad deal. Take the time to feel the material and think of the sheets like you would toilet paper. Does it feel like two-ply or one ply? Can you see the light through the sheets?</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I see it all the time and I try and educate my customers when they ask for my suggestions. Thread count is only one of several factors that determines a good set of sheets. Next time, I will discuss the different types of material used to make sheets and which ones are the best. </span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-69722117315395680622011-03-09T09:14:00.000-08:002011-03-09T09:14:41.535-08:00Making The Bed: A New Series of Posts<span style="font-size: large;">Hello All,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have to again apologize for the delay, but I had to step back and take stock of what I want to do with this blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Throughout my days of retail observation, I actually learned a thing or two about bedding. We spend approximately half of our lives sleeping, so what are you sleeping on and how much are you willing to invest in a good night's sleep?</span><br />
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</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ8NsfWZ8xFC74ebpbOyjdgXnOAPnmRbGkyfrnRBYCxk5hIp1ELbdovfxdtAkEHAUOrxLcxgFCOFQF5kl367D_iTIs-LOdWpttUvRng9AV7IM7P27GKVOnmhQw4_Co9b9Ga-VSyy2lx2p/s1600/bedtime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ8NsfWZ8xFC74ebpbOyjdgXnOAPnmRbGkyfrnRBYCxk5hIp1ELbdovfxdtAkEHAUOrxLcxgFCOFQF5kl367D_iTIs-LOdWpttUvRng9AV7IM7P27GKVOnmhQw4_Co9b9Ga-VSyy2lx2p/s320/bedtime.jpg" width="276" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I decided to create a new series of regular posts under "<i><b>Making The Bed</b></i>" that will discuss everything you should know when buying supplies for your bed. I am not just a bed supplies adviser, but also a client. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So I hope you all enjoy and if you have any questions please feel free to ask, I'm harmless!</span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-83482267480568802262011-03-09T08:52:00.000-08:002011-03-09T08:52:30.006-08:00Some Parents...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhughrZRW0h502t71Roukt_gDS-vPaBCMXYPwYOit_DVhPdkr0O6hKIP0RQWeFk-IGKBJvTMmFzhtOpH6gll3M85uDBC-Blh5cx-Rq1qNRdxjyQTR5d5G_roqfAsHc0-ppJtvwh8WyjYfIm/s1600/the_family_unit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhughrZRW0h502t71Roukt_gDS-vPaBCMXYPwYOit_DVhPdkr0O6hKIP0RQWeFk-IGKBJvTMmFzhtOpH6gll3M85uDBC-Blh5cx-Rq1qNRdxjyQTR5d5G_roqfAsHc0-ppJtvwh8WyjYfIm/s1600/the_family_unit.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I run into a lot of situations where I witness some of the most awful parenting skills. Now don't get me wrong, I understand that there are situations where a child will get distracted and run off; <i>however</i>, you would think most parents would keep their children in front of them at all times.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For instance, a couple comes into the store and I remembered them from the night before. I figured they were shopping without the kids this time, but low and behold a good five-minutes after they walked in a small boy walks into the store from the mall. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He walks up to our stock guy Tony and says, "Excuse me, I think I lost my parents." Mind you the supposedly lost parents are happily discussing pillows and not thinking about any kids. So Tony shows the kid the couple and he runs over to his parents side. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The parents ignore the kid and don't even realize that he was missing. Poor kid. Tony tells the kid, "So you found your parents, huh?" A sad face looks over at his parents and nods his head. I stopped wondering why so many kids turn up missing throughout the U.S. </span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-9575588843027350712011-01-05T15:10:00.000-08:002011-01-05T15:10:56.155-08:00Men Buying Panties<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZDstBDL1nb0dCvaKg_XbSOaK4rycd_UchCrWsC8xTRyD9D6ZnuoIvLEb86JLmvBJ-EtA4xV_8Ej3Dy6Qy5mAwWNzZdMmKrx29TdRo5t2lx44wSTUDVQRICID0B6pIpabVx0x8l3XeSSl/s1600/love_sexy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZDstBDL1nb0dCvaKg_XbSOaK4rycd_UchCrWsC8xTRyD9D6ZnuoIvLEb86JLmvBJ-EtA4xV_8Ej3Dy6Qy5mAwWNzZdMmKrx29TdRo5t2lx44wSTUDVQRICID0B6pIpabVx0x8l3XeSSl/s1600/love_sexy.jpg" /></a>For some reason, a lot of men come in during the Christmas rush to buy their wives/girlfriends panties. Nothing says "I love you" better than new underwear. Now I know it seems like a very personal gift, but it is a very popular gift around the holidays.<br />
<br />
I get old men buying their old ladies their favorite nylon swings and I get some creepy old men buying thongs for someone, hopefully a mistress. I love the embarrassed dads buying underwear for their wives, while they are with the kids shopping for mom's gift. <br />
<br />
A guy is with his daughter and he's got some really nice lacy panties picked out with a robe, of course.<br />
<br />
"You think your mom will like these?" he asks his teen daughter.<br />
<br />
She looks over her current phone text message to see the panties. Rolls her eyes and says, "Omg dad like I really look through mom's underwear, eeww."<br />
<br />
The poor guy looks over at me and shrugs his shoulders, but I could see the slight tint of red in his face.<br />
<br />
I have a lot of guys ask me for my opinion regarding their purchases. This is where we get a little too personal and awkward for me. I tend to either use the non-committal, "It's cute" phrase or sometimes when I'm feeling like having some fun I take it to the next level.<br />
<br />
"Ooh these are sexy!" I smile or "Wow someone sure loves animal prints." Of course it occurs under the guise of good fun, but it still feels weird to be discussing another woman's soon to be underwear.<br />
<br />
It's a weird world I work in, but someone's gotta do it. Here's a piece of advice for men buying panties. Make sure you have the right size and style, but most importantly don't make small talk while buying the panties. It makes the salesperson just as uncomfortable and the situation becomes really awkward.<br />
<br />
I've come across a lot of awkward situations, but that's for another post.Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-17445027608069027512011-01-05T08:04:00.000-08:002011-01-05T08:04:26.655-08:00It's A New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvekPSiJ9l_x09QQk95BRNAeshFEyRFjMf9oqAPen2EKl6WPMkERs1rsx_Ki1obZOo0nOe2Bosr24MEvIWFgE3Aa-dgIfUmhGew3tYF4D2nT5zJiMfrGVdRClvWWDhRgV8G41HwxnDbI83/s1600/2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvekPSiJ9l_x09QQk95BRNAeshFEyRFjMf9oqAPen2EKl6WPMkERs1rsx_Ki1obZOo0nOe2Bosr24MEvIWFgE3Aa-dgIfUmhGew3tYF4D2nT5zJiMfrGVdRClvWWDhRgV8G41HwxnDbI83/s1600/2011.jpg" /></a></div>Hello all and Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
I know I've been missing in action for some time now due to the holiday overload, but I stored many interesting stories and incidents for all my readers.<br />
<br />
So keep reading and laughing, while I work on getting you some funny new tidbits.<br />
<br />
Thanks for following.Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-1701715862907512492011-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:002011-01-05T08:00:34.441-08:00Please Check Your Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNecy5WWheGuKBrDmuJQbUJS8i1C3pDM9PfYG-guHoizxX7iAiZrN0lUJRXFZavghF6Ap8-v0ASfY6jOZdgk6H9arG9ampdJJ-CzIz_Sg8lj6XENJmASCAa72fXOL70VBpcq_2GZDxtTx/s1600/shopping_bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNecy5WWheGuKBrDmuJQbUJS8i1C3pDM9PfYG-guHoizxX7iAiZrN0lUJRXFZavghF6Ap8-v0ASfY6jOZdgk6H9arG9ampdJJ-CzIz_Sg8lj6XENJmASCAa72fXOL70VBpcq_2GZDxtTx/s1600/shopping_bags.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I figured I would bang out a post, while I wait on the Theraflu to activate. <br />
<br />
Today I went to work thinking my cold symptoms decreased, while the eye of the illness had yet to pass over my body. I coughed my way into work and scared my co-workers to a polite distance away from my possible contagion.<br />
<br />
Sneezing, runny nose, coughing and just plain ole miserable. Despite my illness, my patience stayed intact. <br />
<br />
I checked-out a couple and politely waited with a smile, while they spent a good ten-minutes reviewing their huge receipt filled with two items they spent a good two hours "thinking about buying" before actually making a decision.<br />
<br />
About a half-hour later I receive a call from the other half of my department asking me if I sold a mattress pad and thermal pants.<br />
<br />
"Yep, it was a mattress pad and men's pajama pants." I replied. "They spent time looking over their receipt afterward, why?"<br />
<br />
"Well the lady's on the phone and she says she doesn't have her thermal pants?"<br />
<br />
"Uh...yeah they're in her bag where I put them on top of the mattress pad. I remember because I left the hanger on them and it was difficult getting it in the bag."<br />
<br />
"Hold on, while I tell her."<br />
<br />
At this point I'm thinking, <i>"Oh great another customer accusing me of stealing their stuff."</i><br />
<br />
My co-worker hops back on the phone and tells me she's gonna transfer the lady.<br />
<i> </i><br />
"Hello?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, is this the lady that checked me out."<br />
<br />
"Yes, you purchased the Sealy mattress pad and a pair of men's black Izod pajama pants." The left-side of my head began to pound and my head felt hot.<br />
<br />
"Well the pants aren't in my bag and I'm very upset because my daughter had surgery and I bought the pants for her and didn't want to leave her to begin with and now I'm going to have to leave her to get the pants again."<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry ma'am, but I'm pretty sure the pants are in the bag. Did you check your car? Perhaps they fell out of the bag on your way home?" The pounding in my head began to increase and I didn't feel like dealing with this stupidity.<br />
<br />
"I already checked my car and they're not there." She got really snippy with me at this point and the tone in her voice turned ugly. "You obviously didn't put them in the bag and I didn't check my bag before I left the counter."<br />
<br />
I'm thinking there should be a sign at our registers and doors that says "Please Check Your Bag," but that would be common sense to pay attention when buying especially when you spend ten minutes reviewing your receipt. <br />
<br />
"Well ma'am, again I'm sure I placed everything in your bag." <br />
<br />
"Well I don't have them here and I'm not very happy about this. This is so frustrating because I specifically bought them for my daughter and she needed them to go over her leg where she had surgery. I'm very upset."<br />
<br />
"Hold on please." I put her on hold and called for a supervisor. The supervisor happened to be my old supervisor and I told her the situation.<br />
<br />
After my supervisor spoke with the lady, she tells me how the woman had the gall to call me "Holiday help" and she further stated how I didn't put all of her two items in the bag. Of course my supervisor had my back and defended me, but she had to offer the woman another pair of pants as a replacement.<br />
<br />
Ten minutes later I receive another call from the lady, she found her pants in the bag that she supposedly checked. She called to apologize for her rude behavior and asked to speak to my supervisor, so she could apologize to her.<br />
<br />
As the Theraflu dries up my nasal passages, I remember her husband helping me place the pants in the bag that he took off the counter.<br />
<br />
I thanked her curtly and transferred her to my supervisor. All I could think is "Please Check your Bag."Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-13175414299221432912010-12-10T07:35:00.000-08:002010-12-10T07:39:38.114-08:00Old People Gone Wild<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/creative/senior-citizen-crossing/image/8994343?term=senior+citizens" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Senior Citizen Crossing Sign , Yellow" border="0" height="400" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/8994343/senior-citizen-crossing/senior-citizen-crossing.jpg?size=500&imageId=8994343" title="Senior Citizen Crossing Sign , Yellow" width="260" /></a></div><script src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js" type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-size: large;">In two days, I witnessed two versions of "Old People Gone Wild". Thursday I was accused of stealing and Wednesday I watched an old woman verbally attack another customer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Thursday</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">An old man comes up to me, while I'm helping a line of people cash out and tells me "You've got my credit card!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Excuse me, sir?" I looked over at him like he was crazy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"This is the only store I've been to and you're the only person I gave my credit card to." He points to me and says, "I always put my card in my wallet, so what did you do with my card because I don't have it?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I began to get annoyed. "Look sir, I don't have your card and you didn't leave it over here. Are you sure you checked all the contents in your wallet? Did you check behind the bills because I saw you put it in your wallet."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"It's not in my wallet and I don't have it. You have my card and I want it back!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At this point I'm thinking maybe if I ignore him he will find his card and go away. Nope. He does the unthinkable.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"I'd like to speak to a manager. I want my card back!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As my co-worker calls for a manager I turn to the old man. "Sir are you sure you checked everywhere in your wallet? Why don't you check again?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"I already checked my wallet," he begins pulling an assortment of cards out of his wallet. He pulls out a card and I remember the card, "If you turn that card around you will see that it is the Visa that you put in your wallet."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Well," he gruffly admits, "I guess you were right."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to yell, "Didn't I freakin' tell you that I didn't take your stupid credit card. What the heck did you expect a supervisor to do, tell me to cough it up?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead I said, "Well yes, sometimes these things happen." As he began to walk away I loudly said, "Thank you and have a good day sir." He ignored me, but left his gloves at my counter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">An older woman asks me, "Why did you circle the bottom of my receipt?" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I glance at the two patiently waiting customers behind her, "There is a website where you can do a survey on the service today."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Oh I don't mess with the internet and online stuff," she pushed the receipt into her purse, "but my daughter and my son-in-law have the computers in the house."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She leans against the counter and takes a deep breath to tell me her life story, while the two women behind her give me looks of horror. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The old lady continues with, "My son-in-law iz verry smart. He speaks the three languages and works all over the world. My daughter she goes on de internet sometimes and my son-in-law he pay the bills on the online."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I nod my head and smile like a bobble head in a car window. Meanwhile, the two customers behind her are getting frustrated.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She stands up straight and begins to walk away, but turns around to ask another question. "Do you pay your bills on de online?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Yes," I smile and nod my head. "I do."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She shakes her head, "Oh I guess that iz something the young people do."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The next customer comes up to me and I say, "Hi, how ya doin?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She replies, "How are you doing?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"I'm surviving," and the lady in front of me chuckles with a smile.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The old lady, who wanted to tell me her life story, turns around and says, "Are you laughing at me?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I look on in shock as the woman in front of me does the same. She replies, "No I wasn't laughing at you. I don't know what you're talking about."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Yezz, you were laughing at me." The older lady walks around my register and berates the customer in front me as she makes her circle back to my register. "You think it is funny, what I was saying? You laughing at the things I was saying?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I began to wonder if this old lady is going to spit on the woman in front of me because I've seen how old gypsies curse people. Instead she stops near the lady and tells her, "You don't understand what it's like to be old, but you will soon. When you get old you'll understand."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My current customer shakes her head and continues to say, "Look I wasn't laughing at you." She turns to me and asks for confirmation, "Was I laughing at her?" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thinking, <i>why is she trying to put me into their battle? </i>I shake my head and right when I get ready to support my current customer, the old lady shocks me further.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"I saw you laughing," she nods her head to confirm her thoughts, "You were laughing at me! For that you will get old fast. I HOPE YOU GET OLD FAST!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">All that was missing was the spitting. In some small part of my mind I felt that if the old woman had spit on this lady in front of me, it would have solidified her curse. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Throughout the entire confrontation, there was another customer waiting in line. An older woman who told me, "I'm glad I didn't say anything. She might have attacked me physically."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Old people gone wild, gotta be careful about what you do and say around the senior citizens. I keep my caution sign on when around senior citizens, they are liable to snap your head off.</span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-43367627591707775432010-12-07T06:05:00.000-08:002010-12-07T06:05:49.372-08:00Streetwalkers With Guidance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/creative/woman-plaid-skirt-from/image/160594?term=mini+skirt" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Woman in plaid skirt from behind" border="0" height="253" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/160594/woman-plaid-skirt-from/woman-plaid-skirt-from.jpg?size=380&imageId=160594" title="Woman in plaid skirt from behind" width="380" /></a></div><script src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js" type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Young pre-pubescent teens dressed-up like hookers pass through my store all the time. Bare midriffs, padded bras showing barely existent cleavage and tight fitting bottoms made to slide smoothly over a pole. At what age would you let your daughter wear a thong? At what point should parents put their foot down? Don't parents realize that there is a huge underground sex trafficking industry?</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/news/local-prostitutes-wear/image/10078338?term=prostitutes" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="LLEIDA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 28: Three prostitutes wear reflective vests as they walk along a road on October 28, 2010 near Els Alamus in Lleida, Spain. Prostitutes working near a highway roundabout near Els Alamus have this month started to wear the reflective jackets to avoid fines of 40 Euros following a police crackdown. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)" border="0" height="212" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/10078338/local-prostitutes-wear/local-prostitutes-wear.jpg?size=380&imageId=10078338" title="Local Prostitutes Wear Reflecting Jackets" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Notice the picture on the left. A picture of prostitutes in Spain. Notice how they are fully dressed for work with reflective vest that protect them from getting hit by cars at night. These women are selling sex, yet they don't have a uniform anymore because young teenage girls have taken over and confuse many new buyers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I'm not saying that it's okay for men to attack women who are dressed in a certain attire, but young girls are still in their childhood. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
I watched a young girl standing with her mother and father. Her top was nothing but a cutoff tankini (bra/tank top) and a skirt similar to the one worn in the image at the top of my post. I stared in shock because her dad was standing next to her as if there was nothing wrong. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Her mom purchased thong underwear for her and was a little angry at the high price. She turns to her daughter and the daughter turns her head away in a manner of dismissal. The dad goes into his pocket and pulls out his wallet to pay for the purchase.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The entitled generation strikes again. I watched the family walk away and shook my head in confusion. The daughter didn't carry any bags and never thanked her parents. She just walked ahead of them like a leader with two followers. A sad observation that I've witnessed on more than just this one occasion. </span><br />
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</script>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-8238782914115513132010-12-03T19:17:00.000-08:002010-12-03T19:17:58.875-08:00Panty Swingers<a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/creative/child-swing/image/178936?term=swing" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Child'S Swing" border="0" height="200" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/178936/child-swing/child-swing.jpg?size=500&imageId=178936" title="Child'S Swing" width="131" /></a><script src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js" type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why do little old ladies purchase huge panties they can swing in? You can assume a lot about a woman through her underwear. This is just the speculation of a sales associate based upon my observations over the years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I understand that there are women buying the wrong size panty, but you don't have to be genius to know that a size won't fit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Women who are 5 ft and under do not wear size 9XXL, especially in the old fashioned grandma polyester briefs. I had a customer specifically ask for the polyester brief. She comes up to me and looked so frail I wanted to help her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Excuse me," she smiled her slightly stained dentures, "I know this is a stupid question, but do you still carry the old fashioned shiny panties. I used to buy them here all the time."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I'm thinking, <i>Hmm...shiny panties? I know she doesn't want the shiny panties I'm thinking about, so she must want the panty swinger briefs.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Let's see if we are on the same page," I replied and guided her to the grandma section. Her eyes lit up and she went about her shopping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She comes back to my register with her purchase and as I lay them out to scan, I notice the size. I ask her if she was sure about the size and she checked the label. Looking up at me with a bright smile, she nodded her head.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I shrugged my shoulders and finished the transaction. I have had several customers come through my line with the same purchase and same situation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why do they keep buying these huge panties and three sizes too large?</span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-67059896858041751912010-11-30T21:13:00.000-08:002010-11-30T21:13:09.030-08:00Santa's Lap Is Too Skinny<a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/creative/santa/image/217065?term=santa" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Santa" border="0" height="320" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/217065/santa/santa.jpg?size=500&imageId=217065" title="Santa" width="279" /></a><script src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js" type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-size: large;">For five years I've watched Santa in the mall from my post and every year I think about hopping on his lap. My thoughts stray and I wonder, "What will Santa do when I ask to sit on his lap?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year I waited for Santa and when I finally saw him, he is too skinny. Are you telling me that there aren't any unemployed fat guys? Is the skinny Santa a representation of our thin economy?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was disappointed. This was going to be the year where I tested Santa's lap and now I can't. Santa is so skinny, I just might break him in half if I sat on his lap. Not because I'm slightly overweight, but more like I wanna take a running jump into his lap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah I know it's crazy, but after three weeks of Christmas music my mind is a little scary.</span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-35518481125642998502010-11-23T06:49:00.000-08:002010-11-23T06:49:33.977-08:00Public Affection Has Its Limits<a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/creative/old-couple-front-shop/image/294134?term=old+couple" target="_blank"><img alt="Old couple in front of a shop window" border="0" height="480" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/294134/old-couple-front-shop/old-couple-front-shop.jpg?size=320&imageId=294134" title="Old couple in front of a shop window" width="320" /></a><script src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js" type="text/javascript">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, somebody's grandma and grandpa need to be taught a lesson in Public Affection. Above we have a nice picture of an older couple shopping and I witness these moments often during the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One evening I had the most awkward moment. A nice old couple comes to my register to purchase baby clothes. Their arms entwined and they smile nicely to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm thinking to myself <i>"Wow what a nice couple and they are still together. That's real sweet". </i>That thought flew right out the door when grandpa began rubbing grandma's arm and her eyes twinkled at him. I kid you not, her eyes literally began twinkling in the store lighting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I interrupt their caresses with, "Would you like a gift receipt?" Grandpa looks at grandma and asks her, "Did you want one babe?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She looks up at him and shakes her head. Then I get the shock of my life. Grandpa swoops down for some tongue and grandma willingly gives it up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I'm thinking, "<i>Eww...gross. They couldn't wait to get to the car.</i>"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I interrupt again with, "Are you using credit or cash?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Oh, we'll use credit." and the lady reaches in her bag for her credit card. Now grandpa decides the kiss wasn't enough and starts groping grandma's ass with his own personal massage. She laughs and I hurl in my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As the lady swipes her card through the machine, grandpa leans over and puts his tongue in her ear. At that point I decided that the mall had more interesting things for me to view. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hear them giggling and turn to see if she has finished signing. Nope they are embraced together and kissing vigorously to my horror. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Uhm...I just need you to press complete ma'am." I point out so that they will stop kissing at my register. Grandma turns around presses complete and I pray that the stupid register hurry up with the receipt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I push the bagged purchases towards the couple and place the receipt in the lady's hand. I thanked them and offered them a good night. Grandpa decides he wants to show me how good a night they are going to have by wrapping his arm around his wife's waist and kissing her in a <i>Gone With The Wind</i> fashion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm asking you out there, did these people go beyond the limits of public affection or what?</span><br />
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</span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-44908628674589349642010-11-23T05:53:00.000-08:002010-11-23T05:53:31.409-08:00If Shoppers Are Spending Less, Why Is My Store So Busy?<a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/creative/shopping-bag-with-gift/image/78512?term=holiday+shopping" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Shopping bag with gift wrap and Christmas presents" border="0" height="506" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view3.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/78512/shopping-bag-with-gift/shopping-bag-with-gift.jpg?size=500&imageId=78512" title="Shopping bag with gift wrap and Christmas presents" width="337" /></a><script src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><span style="font-size: large;">I read in the news that consumers would not spend as much money this year despite the hopes of many retailers. I would like to know where these people are getting their numbers?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every weekend for the past month I witnessed an increasing rate of people shopping through my lines and that's just the weekend. Days that are normally very slow during the week leave many of us exhausted because the store was understaffed for the onslaught of people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think what the media and survey takers are missing is a vital bit of data: how are people spending their money?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I bring this up because I noticed that their are several trends taking place this year versus the years before.</span><br />
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<a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/creative/checkbook-and-fountain-pen/image/167436?term=checkbook" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Checkbook and fountain pen" border="0" height="320" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/167436/checkbook-and-fountain-pen/checkbook-and-fountain-pen.jpg?size=358&imageId=167436" title="Checkbook and fountain pen" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">For starters, many people are whipping out the old dusty checkbook or using their debit card and recording their spending in their ledgers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another change in tender is the use of cash. People whip out their cash before I can even ask if they are using our store credit card for their purchases.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The biggest trend is the use of coupons. Everyone is showing up with a handful of coupons and asking which one is still good. In addition, I have generated many catalog/online orders for some very good bargains with free shipping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Consumers are on the hunt for the bargains, so that many of my customers started Christmas shopping at the end of the summer and bought clearance items as gifts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other customers come in often and buy a few items at a time with a coupon. People have gotten wiser and smarter about how they spend their money. </span><br />
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<a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/creative/stock-broker-with-fingers/image/98545?term=liars" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Stock broker with fingers crossed" border="0" height="213" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/98545/stock-broker-with-fingers/stock-broker-with-fingers.jpg?size=380&imageId=98545" title="Stock broker with fingers crossed" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Despite what the news moguls have to say about the holiday season, I'll tell you some data they didn't process. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Within recent years, my mall went through financial hell and many stores pulled out of the mall. One major store left recently before the season started, yet another store has opened and the mall parking lot is filled with shoppers on the weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course things aren't what they once were, when we had to take a mall shuttle bus to get to a holiday parking lot; however, in comparison to the last couple of years I've witnessed an increase in shoppers that I was not expecting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In many ways I can't wait to see what Black Friday will be like this year because the mall environment will be different. The mall is opening at midnight and my store has decided to open as soon as possible depending on the line of people standing outside of the doors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm hoping to observe and listen to what shoppers have to say this year, so that I can give my blog readers something to enjoy. I'll have many posts filled with my Black Friday stories that will make people laugh at the craziness of consumerism.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656483773874849786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227531298345506841.post-56524182636876595772010-11-19T07:03:00.000-08:002010-11-19T07:03:36.604-08:00The Hat Lady<script src="http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.js" type="text/javascript">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/197617/baseball-cap/baseball-cap.jpg?size=457&imageId=197617" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baseball cap" border="0" height="163" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view1.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/197617/baseball-cap/baseball-cap.jpg?size=457&imageId=197617" title="Baseball cap" width="200" /></a><a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/creative/woman-holding-dollar-sign/image/168190?term=woman+cartoon" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Woman holding dollar sign" border="0" height="200" oncontextmenu="return false;" ondrag="return false;" onmousedown="return false;" src="http://view2.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/168190/woman-holding-dollar-sign/woman-holding-dollar-sign.jpg?size=500&imageId=168190" title="Woman holding dollar sign" width="154" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have a customer that I call the hat lady because she always wears a white cap. Whenever I see her coming, I take a couple deep breaths and start counting to fifty. This lady brings drama every time I see her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She always has an expired coupon and a return with no receipt. Some of my fellow co-workers cringe when they see her and I laugh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My most recent encounter with her dealt with merchandise we no longer carry, but she figured she would get the full price because she knew it would scan in as the original price. Not on my time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I told her she would get the lowest price, which was about two dollars because we no longer carry the merchandise. She proceeded to argue that she didn't understand why the price went from twenty-something to two dollars. Of course I let her know that when you don't have a receipt you basically take it or find your receipt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I knew her receipt was probably from last year and that's why she tried to do a no receipt return. She takes the store credit and comes back to the counter with a new purchase. Her hand was full of neatly trimmed coupons and yes I let her know that they were all expired. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I mean I give her props for trying to get over on me, but if she took the time to neatly trim the coupons then she took the time to read the dates as well, yes? The hat lady comes in often looking to get a bargain and save buck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She's not alone and often I wonder if the company would not be better served to set-up a traditional market stand where the customer could haggle the price down to the price the item is actually worth.</span><br />
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