This story goes back to... umm... 1999, I think. I was browsing through some old Sightings and some of the stories reminded me of this.
Background:
Back in the early/middle 90's, we had a very strict legislation concerning opening times for stores. Smaller stores (like kiosks) could be open longer, but then there were restrictions on which goods could be sold (example: it was illegal to sell alcohol in stores after 8pm. You want booze at night? Go to a bar.)
But then (in 1997 or 1998, maybe before, can't remember) Government lifted some of those restrictions, and it made it possible for the 7-11 franchise to establish. At approx. the same time one of our major supermarket chains took the opportunity to open a set of "discount convenience stores" that were opposed to compete with 7-11.
/background
Now, this was all fine, one of these new stores opened right around the block from were I and Mr. Zel lived, and we were happy to know that one of the new stores was there. If only it wasn't for the employees that were there at that time...
Now, how bad was it? I give you:
Exhibit A: Cranky Momma
This cashier was ALWAYS grumpy, no matter what time of the day you came in - so she couldn't be excused with being tired after a long shift. (The store wasn't open 24/7, only 12am - 10pm at that time).
God forbid that a customer should ask for a receipt - she'd huff, roll her eyes and just dumping the receipt in the cart instead of handing it over.
The kicker was one day where she loudly badmouthed customers in general - while at the till.
Exhibit B: Early Emo's
Remember, this is BEFORE there someone thought of the "Emo" concept.
Nevertheless I once experienced this while at the store:
Me: Excuse me, the soda cooler is empty...
Floor Worker: Yeah, I know, but we don't bother filling it up. Go get some warm soda from the shelves instead.
Now, Ma' Zel learnt me that honesty is a virtue, but still...
Exhibit C: The Clueless Manager
Really, he was a gem. Didn't know anything (so one had to turn to the Early Emos for advice - yeah right) and even at the times where Cranky Momma was at her worst he'd stand right behind her till, gazing at the ceiling with his mouth open...
Whaddyaknow, just 3 months after the store opened it was closed for "remodeling", and when it opened again none of the original staff were there
Background:
Back in the early/middle 90's, we had a very strict legislation concerning opening times for stores. Smaller stores (like kiosks) could be open longer, but then there were restrictions on which goods could be sold (example: it was illegal to sell alcohol in stores after 8pm. You want booze at night? Go to a bar.)
But then (in 1997 or 1998, maybe before, can't remember) Government lifted some of those restrictions, and it made it possible for the 7-11 franchise to establish. At approx. the same time one of our major supermarket chains took the opportunity to open a set of "discount convenience stores" that were opposed to compete with 7-11.
/background
Now, this was all fine, one of these new stores opened right around the block from were I and Mr. Zel lived, and we were happy to know that one of the new stores was there. If only it wasn't for the employees that were there at that time...
Now, how bad was it? I give you:
Exhibit A: Cranky Momma
This cashier was ALWAYS grumpy, no matter what time of the day you came in - so she couldn't be excused with being tired after a long shift. (The store wasn't open 24/7, only 12am - 10pm at that time).
God forbid that a customer should ask for a receipt - she'd huff, roll her eyes and just dumping the receipt in the cart instead of handing it over.
The kicker was one day where she loudly badmouthed customers in general - while at the till.
Exhibit B: Early Emo's
Remember, this is BEFORE there someone thought of the "Emo" concept.
Nevertheless I once experienced this while at the store:
Me: Excuse me, the soda cooler is empty...
Floor Worker: Yeah, I know, but we don't bother filling it up. Go get some warm soda from the shelves instead.
Now, Ma' Zel learnt me that honesty is a virtue, but still...
Exhibit C: The Clueless Manager
Really, he was a gem. Didn't know anything (so one had to turn to the Early Emos for advice - yeah right) and even at the times where Cranky Momma was at her worst he'd stand right behind her till, gazing at the ceiling with his mouth open...
Whaddyaknow, just 3 months after the store opened it was closed for "remodeling", and when it opened again none of the original staff were there
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