As for "big box" store shopping, there is a Sam's Club closer than Costco but we like the selection at Costco better and they have more carts out on cart days. Like the products they offer, the "cart people" come in all shapes, sizes and attitudes. I will describe a few of my fav's.
First you have "The Show". "The Show" is the infomercial character. Usually only one to a store, above the shoppers on an elevated platform, wearing a hands-free microphone, wielding several deadly kitchen instruments and electrical appliances simultaneously. "The Show" attracts a big crowd just like a demolition derby or monster truck event. "The Show" prattles on with a well rehearsed monologue of product features interlaced with inflections, moot questions and jokes intended to hold the audience for the 4 - 6 minutes it takes to get the point across. A professional.
"The Show" is my least favorite. If there is an edible result, the mass of people standing by suddenly turns into a mosh (maybe nosh) pit of starving zombies and by the time I get near the front of the mess only the dregs in the blender remain. They do not allow access to the dregs, I asked.
Next is "The Eeyore", aka. the annoyed. These people do not know why they are there, work under a dark cloud, wish they were fishing or home reading a book and are generally displeased that they have fallen so far from grace. They are usually out of samples and in no hurry to replenish their little cups, napkins and tiny plates.
"The Eeyore" does not know where anything is in the store, including their own product. Luckily there are not many "Eeyores" in the store and they do not last very long, unless they are related to one or more of the managers, then you are stuck, "woe is me".
Saving the best for last, "The Mother Teresa" is my personal favorite. When I think of the concept of "aura", these people come to mind. They love people and want to help them find their way. You cannot look at a "Mother Teresa" and just walk off. Their words are like a continuation of a discussion with a long lost friend. Their sample's display is always filled without any effort or apparent rush on their part and there is seldom a long line waiting for a goodie.
When you are released from "The Mother Teresa's" glowing tractor-beam you see there are a couple of containers of their product in your cart plus a box of the crackers they used to serve it on. Such a pleasant encounter. When you get to check-out you see the same stuff in several carts and you just have to smile.
Free Samples
I don't want to be offensive or rude
when they catch my eye with a nice attitude
as I peruse all the aisles of Publix
"Our product is not that expensive,"
he says, "a really good deal," as I try to sneak by,
but our eyes are now locked and I cannot move,
"find our display and coupon on aisle six."
"Here, have a sample, take a little white cup.
I'm sure you'll agree it is tasty enough.
It will be a house favorite, don't you agree?
So don't miss this offer you better take three."
And on cue like a dance with a smile and a nod
I'm handed six litres to put in the cart.
I reach out and take them to not disappoint
the familiar old man in apron and gloves.
But just when I thought we had made a nice start
to a kinship and neighborly repartee,
he spins and locks on to three passing ladies.
"Our product is not that expensive...," I hear
as he walks off and directs them to all come near,
I guess we were done with his moment as planned
but someone is calling me from the next stand.
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