Today was a very odd day. In some regards it was one of the better days I've had in awhile. But some strange (scary, not so good) things were going on too.
It was payday but silly me forgot to get my check. So I'll post my payday update ater I get the check.
One of the good things to start out today was that I seemed to be getting pretty nice customers. That doesn't happen as often as you might think. When they are nice its easier to help them and be extra nice to them in return. Good for everyone. After I helped one woman she was very happy and a new manager either heard the conversation or she told him. Anyway he came over and thanked me for the good customer service.
We also got a free chicken dinner at work today (chicken, cole slaw, beans, buns,cake.) that was all quite good.
The bad (scary) thing that happened was that several people got the text messages that you probably heard about in the news.
The messages basically said that gangs were going to kill women in Wal Mart stores. At first I believe our store kind of tried to keep it quiet but the story spread like wildfire. We lost some customers because they decided not to risk shopping today. A few of us talked with management and talked them into contacting our local police just in case. I'm somewhat surprised that police were not patroling or checking up on us. Even if it was a hoax I think they need to be prepared for a worse case scenerio.
As a safety precaustion our store wouldn't let workers go outside without at least one other person. I had to work outside for awhile to help women to their cars and keep an eye out. Fortunately it supposedly is a nationwide hoax and I think they may have even caught the person that started it. They do deserve to be hung from the highest tree in my opinion. I'm tired of thugs.
There was a similar problem a few days ago. A strange guy was following customers to the front door then walking quickly back to his car. When some of our people went outside to check he jumped into his car and sped off. Then last night a strange man dressed in puple was outside sniffing trees and weird stuff like that. Its not like I live in a huge city where those things are more commonplace. But it doesn't matter anymore. People are getting meaner and crazier everywhere. I really think society has to toughen up on these people or no one will be able to leave their homes. And I'm not a gun advocate either. I think all these people stalking up on guns and ammo are just as crazy. Our store can't even keep up with the supply of bullets anymore. Some guys are buying thousands of dollars worth of ammo. And they openly talk about how when the race war or whatever they think is going to happen comes down that they intend to start killing anyone that gets in their way. Scary times. I think a lot will just eventually blow over but hopefully it doesn't get too much worse first.
crazies
March 20th, 2009 at 05:50 am
March 20th, 2009 at 11:52 am 1237549933
March 20th, 2009 at 01:00 pm 1237554034
March 20th, 2009 at 03:00 pm 1237561210
March 20th, 2009 at 03:32 pm 1237563132
Joan - Well we do have some discretion about selling guns and ammo. Especially guns. If someone is drunk or in some way threatening then we are allowed to refuse to sell a gun. Ammo is probably the same way but the store of course wants to make a sell and no one really wants these guys throwing a fit. Most of us have gotton used to just listening to these people gripe and just nod our heads.
I agree with you that we employees on the sales floor shouldn't be security. Thats another story entirelycause our security is greatly lacking. But we really were just supposed to be in groups so that no one was left alone if anthing did happen. Kind of like a buddy system. The worst thing though is that now that that situation is over they will allow women to walk out by themselves again until the next time somethng bad happens.
March 20th, 2009 at 04:13 pm 1237565613
March 20th, 2009 at 04:21 pm 1237566078
A friend of mine at work got a call (before we knew about the threats) from her mother and her mother was upset and crying. They had gotton one of the text messages and she was so afraid that her daughter was going to get killed. It was a little touching and horrible at the same time.
March 21st, 2009 at 03:52 am 1237607558
The other advantage about being a nice customer is that you are very memorable to the staff. You come back a second, third, fourth time, you become a regular with a relationship to the staff and with all sorts of hidden perks. Our new Saturday breakfast place - the wait staff whisper to us that "we always save a booth for you" even with a line. Why? Because we're nice.
March 21st, 2009 at 04:40 am 1237610442
And you are right about the customers. I have a few very nice long term customers that even though I don't really know them personally they are very much like friends. I do tend to treat them just a little extra nice.