Triumphrat

WhoWantsTrident

(note - only incidentally related to motorcycles - if you're fortunate enough to live in an area that's not infested with Wal-Mart stores, just take it as read that it's your typical big retail store, with all that implies)

So I ride over to a neighboring town this morning to meet with someone, necessitating the use of a backpack for paperwork, a laptop, etc. I then go by a Wal-Mart store to get a birthday card for the Wife Unit. Of course I don't leave the backpack on my motor; I take it with me.

At the door (once I get through a sort of foyer area), this octegenarian codger with "ROY" emblazened on his name tag stops me and tells me I can't bring the backpack in. He points to a neighboring wall (where dozens of shoppers walk by every minute, and which is very close to the exit) and tells me to park it there. I reluctantly agree; he can tell I'm not pleased and he says "I'll be watching it!" very enthusiastically.

So I go select a card and walk up to the cash registers - where Roy is hip-deep in working on a cash register that isn't working. He's now got his back to my bag, and he's about 25 yards away.

I pay for my card, and walk by Roy (I'm wearing a flourescent yellow Iicon vest, BTW). He doesn't notice. I pick up my bag, looking back to see if Roy notices me get it. Still working on register.

I move the bag around the corner, a bit further down this foyer, and somewhat obscured by some merchandise.

I then return to the cash register and ask Roy where my bag is. He walks back with me and says "Well, it's right -- " Words fail him as he looks at where the bag is not. He then says "I was watching it the whole time," which is kind of amusing because I walked up and approached him a good distance from where he made me leave the bag.

If I could only convey how priceless the look on his face was. I considered taking him off to meet with the store manager before lowering the boom, but I didn't want to leave my bag unattended. I walked down to where it was, and he says - well let's just let the dialogue tell the rest of the story:

Roy: Well, here it is!
Me: I know; I put it there. Do you make the women who walk in here leave their purses with you?
Roy: No, just the men... (not sure what this was supposed to mean, but I think he was well and truly rattled by then)
Me: Thanks for watching my bag, Roy! (quick exit before I really got angry)

doodledog

Maybe ROY needs to sort out a bag check area for ALL, I would have took the bag to the bike and then gone and claimed compensation, W*****s.

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I went to a restaurant that serves 'breakfast at any
time'. I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance

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trypcil

Next time dress in drag, along with a purse and see if you get arrested! But is this because of the potential of shoplifting or for another more nefarious reason, I wonder. If for some reason of such an unspeakable nature, why would you amass a collection of 'bags' in one place, wouldn't it therefore be better to post a sign saying 'no bags in the store'. Apart from the sexist nature of allowing women to take their purses into the store and not allowing men to take in an equivalent - I personally wouldn't go near a walmart, even if the oil is remarkably cheap there, not in a month of sundays. wAlmart sucks. :razz:

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http://www.triumphrat.net/photogalle...m794/album346/

The owl of Minerva spreads its wings only with
the falling of the dusk.” - G.W.F. Hegel, Philosophy of Right (1820), "Preface".

road dog

Great story... Roy sounds like a typical Wal-Mart employee.

One more good reason I never go there unless I'm desperate.

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-Phil

Jhumphrey

Roy sounds like a guy stuck by Wallmarts rules. He may not be the sharpest tool in the shed but hes was just the messenger. Sounds like they were short handed as well if he was helping with broken register, or maybe just a nice guy trying to do his best.

Billybob

Bottomline: If you shop at Walmart, you deserve what you get.

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Billybob

Yak

Slightly related...

I once went to get gas at a 7-11 and I walked in with my helmet on and visor flipped up. I didn;t want to take it off because we all know it's just easier to leave it on. I had my cash visible in my hand. When I got up to the counter, all I said was" 10 on 2" and held out my money from him to take. His response was "I can't help you till you remove your helmet" ...... What? .... He then says "You gotta remove your helmet so the camera can see your face."


Stupid.




[ This message was edited by: Yak on 2007-06-29 20:48 ]

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2005 Triumph Speed Four - Yellow

WhoWantsTrident

Eh, think it's just shoplifting. My part of the world is not a hotbed of terrorist activity.

And yes, to the others who replied. Yes, Roy is a hapless pawn as much or more in the grip of the Great Satan (Wal-Mart) as I. Yes, I deserve what I get for shopping there. No, I don't buy their oil... :-)

It was just the way he PROMISED to look after my bag that rankled. In hindsight I should have just kept walking, or left the store if they wanted to insist.

trypcil

Yeah that happen to me - infuriating! I told the guy to F**k off and get the card reader on the pump to work then I'll take my f**king helmet off, and got fuel across the road.

__________________
http://www.triumphrat.net/photogalle...m794/album346/

The owl of Minerva spreads its wings only with
the falling of the dusk.” - G.W.F. Hegel, Philosophy of Right (1820), "Preface".

trypcil

But 'Trident it's still sexist! :-D

__________________
http://www.triumphrat.net/photogalle...m794/album346/

The owl of Minerva spreads its wings only with
the falling of the dusk.” - G.W.F. Hegel, Philosophy of Right (1820), "Preface".