Imagine going to a store like Rei on a Friday, mid-morning, thinking it 'll take you a few minutes…read moreto run in and return shoes that were too tight (ordered online).
Yay! There's only two people in line, you think, so you'll be able to get to your next errand on time.
The first customer quickly leaves, and the second customer walks to the counter. The exchange between her and the clerk begins. They're speaking in low tones, but seem to be very friendly with other and very engaged in their topic of conversation - and perhaps they even know each other, you think.
You pull out your phone and start to catch up on the news because their droning conversation just continues, and then turns into friendly banter, as they smile and laugh with other.
He seems to be explaining some type of deal or membership to her, and BOY does she have a lot of questions, that he EVER SO SLOWLY AND PATIENTLY enumerates the answers to like a benevolent father.
I start to get restless and begin pacing because he's the only clerk, and the minutes just keep ticking away.
I start examining merchandise near the checkout area and their exchange just DRAGS ON!
Now, I'm getting ticked. Clearly, these two couldn't give a rat's behind that another customer has been waiting well over 5 minutes for service.
The clerk never once bothers to acknowledge my presence or bother to call for help.
Then the explosion comes as I call out, "Have you two solved the world's problems, yet?" They briefly turn to me, look SURPRISED - which just shows how rude and clueless they are - BUT THEY QUICKLY TURN BACK TO EACH OTHER AND KEEP CONVERSING SLOWLY AND QUIETLY.
Is this really happening, I think to myself? Am I being punked? Finally I say to the woman, " You know, you've been there for ten minutes, and my time is valuable, too."
They exchange meaningful looks and he rolls his eyes and THEN DECIDES TO CALL FOR BACKUP, WHICH NEVER COMES.
Finally they finish, and she just brushes past me with no apology.
The selfishness of this interaction with these two was just jaw- dropping as I could never imagine myself doing that to another customer. And what's with the sanctimonious, unprofessional clerk?
He must surely know that he's lost a customer for good, but no apology is ever forthcoming - just snarky imperiousness coming from him.
Good riddance to this place!