Tales from Aisle 9

Yinzers,

There are some things that are simply accepted in an old school hardware store. #1: it is accepted that you will most likely get your balls busted by the employees, but then get the most stellar service afterward. #2: It is accepted that you will find what you need. #3: You do not bother your local hardware employees when they are eating their much deserved lunches.

At Kelly Hardware, we do not have an employee lounge; no break room; no private space. Therefore, we eat our lunches behind the customer service counter at a makeshift "lunch" table. A fellow college student and I were trying to enjoy our lunches at the table when a customer crept around the service counter and asked us where the hedge clippers were and then was offended when we pointed and said "the front of the store" and did not escort them. Not even five minutes later, my face buried in my Wendy's chicken club samich and Mike's equally as deep into his spicy chicken combo, another customer waltzes around the corner, drops his keys on the table inches from Mike's samich wrapper and says "I need copies, one of each" and stands back and crosses his arms.

Dear readers, please respect the lunch break. Not only at a local hardware store, but any store. At least ask before forcing helplessness upon the clerks. Just be courteous, that's all we ask.

Enjoy your holiday,
B Brog