An American SC in London

[Samaliel]

I don't mind, but I really don't get the concept of a greeter. A person paid just to say "Hello, welcome to [Whatever] !" ? What's the point ? How does that enhance the shopping experience ? If it's a small store, they obviously don't need a designated greeter, if it's a big one, once you're in, wandering through the store, your just another anonymous customer. An anonymous customer who've been greeted, but an anonymous customer still.

[Lace Neil Singer]

Yeech, the woman has severe problems. Maybe back home her maid is the one that goes out to the store. I forget, does GB make people buy the plastic bags?

In some places, like Marks & Spencers; in the supermarket where I work, it's an option but there are also free plastic bags on offer.

[JustADude]

I don't mind, but I really don't get the concept of a greeter. A person paid just to say "Hello, welcome to [Whatever] !" ? What's the point ? How does that enhance the shopping experience ? If it's a small store, they obviously don't need a designated greeter, if it's a big one, once you're in, wandering through the store, your just another anonymous customer. An anonymous customer who've been greeted, but an anonymous customer still.

It's also Loss Prevention... a set of eyes that are, in theory, always there to watch the door and see what's setting off the electronic sensors.

[Samaliel]

Makes more sense like this.

[SpyOne]

Me: Do you have a store card?
SC: No. *rolls eyes* I already told you I was on holiday.

Just a note: either you mis-remembered what he said, or he acclimatized REALLY quickly, or he wasn't an American.
See, Americans don't go on holiday, we go on vacation.
In American English, a holiday is a date on a calendar, usually to commemorate something or other, and often accompanied by certain (non-retail) businesses closing. Some are declared by the national government (a "Federal Holiday"), some are observed by only certain types of businesses (a "Bank Holiday"), and some are observed only by people of certain faiths (a "Jewish Holiday" or "Catholic Holiday", or "(Insert Religion Here) Holiday)".
A trip to someplace else, especially someplace distant, for pleasure (rather than work) is a "vacation".
Holidays are "observed", "taken", and "celebrated", and one may take that opportunity to go on vacation, but a holiday is an event or date, not a trip.

"On holiday" is like a litmus test for the English speaking: if they say it, they aren't an American.


Oh, and some American cards do have chips in them. I don't have one, but I have seen customers who do.

[sarahj]

Australia it is then. XD

If I get that SC in the mail, not only will I put a few wild dingos into the crate and write "return to sender" on it, I'll leave the SC in it. Take that!

[Lace Neil Singer]

Just a note: either you mis-remembered what he said, or he acclimatized REALLY quickly, or he wasn't an American.

Er, I already said in my first post that I was typing in ENGLISH. Please reread it. Not meaning to be rude, but I was too irritated by said SC to be bothered to translate what they said.

[Hawkguy]

Great idea!

Can I at least send her to Alaska, in the hope that wolves will eat her?

I vote Nunavut. That way GK can write 867 stories about ordering pants and hats!

[protege]

Yeah but, in all fairness, you give us Gordon Ramsay.

...and the Spice Girls too

[Evil Queen]

I was too irritated by said SC to be bothered to translate what they said.

It's okay Lace. I knew what you meant by Holiday. *hugs*

[Evil Queen]

...and the Spice Girls too

Gah... you had to remind us?! Why?!

[StarSong]

When the SC was whining about, "That's how we do it at hoooooome!" I would have had a hard time restraining myself from responding, "Well, seeing as how you're not at home, I guess you can do it this way or GET OUT!"

[protege]

Gah... you had to remind us?! Why?!

We've already gotten our revenge...by thrusting that idiot Paris Hilton on the world...

[Evil Queen]

We've already gotten our revenge...by thrusting that idiot Paris Hilton on the world...

...True that. But I kinda fear for the rest of the unsuspecting world...

[South Texan]

SC: I can't wait to get back, if all Brits are this exacting.

Lace Neil Singer: And I do so hope you enjoy a most expeditent return, madam. Thank you, bye!