Note: I know that some of you will have seen this already. If so, go read one of my favorite 100% true stories about another Jay instead.
If you ever wanted to know what it’s like to work in retail, there’s a tumblr you’ve just got to read. Known as kimpossiblebooty, this young man started posting about his new cashier job at Target, and it’s amazing. It’s funny, certainly, and weird, and very entertaining, but what really stood out for me was how sweet and poignant it is. This guy really belongs in retail, and I mean that in the nicest way possible. I just hope he keeps posting (and keeps his sense of humor).
Here are a few of my favorite snippets:
- Had a very engaging conversation with a three year old boy about colors. We both like blue.
- The computer made me card a man for buying Elmer’s glue. I questioned the computer. It gave no answers.
- A baby yelled, “LOOK AT ME.” I was too afraid of the consequences not to obey. The eye contact that followed was, frankly, horrifying.
- Clearance school supplies have arrived. A man bought 71 spiral notebooks for $6. A woman bought 110 folders for $4. I hope they meet each other. I would like to see the child of two math problem characters.
- A middle aged woman brought a single item to my lane. She seemed like your average, unassuming, kind and innocent mother type. All she bought was a large box of WWE trading cards. She excitedly told me they were for herself. I respect her. I am confused by her, but I respect her.
- A customer came through looking nervous. She leaned over the counter. She whispered to me. Someone had pooped in the baby supplies aisle. All evidence pointed to it not being a baby.
- Intimidating farmer man in overalls and pigtails came through my checkout. He bought a bucket. He spoke no words. He made no eye contact. He left me with questions.
You’re going to love this! Hell, it’s so good, even Target loves it. Here’s his first week’s post. I recommend you go to his tumblr for the rest.
September 9, 2016 at 6:30 am
His sense of humour and positive outlook just makes you feel good. Both will take him far in whatever he does. The world needs more people like him!
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September 9, 2016 at 7:11 am
It certainly does! If he were representative of people who worked in retail, maybe I could get Beloved to go shopping without grumbling once in a while!
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September 9, 2016 at 6:35 am
the dude could be a comedy writer. his timing and delivery are perfect.
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September 9, 2016 at 7:12 am
You’re right! Hope he goes far and has a great future.
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September 9, 2016 at 7:12 am
I love this guy!!
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September 9, 2016 at 8:17 am
I want him to be my new gay best friend!
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September 9, 2016 at 9:14 am
These are the types of retail blogs I love!!!
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September 9, 2016 at 9:16 am
Me, too! He’s really a treasure.
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September 9, 2016 at 9:27 am
I am sure recording the day’s events made the job seem less mundane and might have been good therapy. I wish I had thought to record the random things that happened to me when I was doing all my crappy student jobs as it might have helped me get through it with more positivity.
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September 9, 2016 at 10:49 am
Remember the old days before blogs when we just had to tell our friends stuff?
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September 9, 2016 at 10:57 am
Ha ha! True.
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September 9, 2016 at 3:45 pm
Canadians did not like Target when it came to the Great White North in 2013; they closed the last of their spanking new buildings in January of 2015. But they do like humour – they should have given the Target expansion into Canada to this guy and I’m sure they would not have lost $2.1 billion. ;-/
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September 9, 2016 at 5:00 pm
I am a fan. We go rarely, but when we do, we always come out with what we went for. And I have yet to encounter an unpleasant employee. Don’t get me started on Walmart and K-Mart, though!
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September 9, 2016 at 5:32 pm
The failure of Target in Canada has become a textbook example of how NOT to expand internationally. A good introduction is at http://fortune.com/2015/01/15/target-canada-fail/ and a longer analysis is at http://www.canadianbusiness.com/the-last-days-of-target-canada/ . Canada is a very competitive place in the discount department store field. K-Mart Canada was taken over by Zeller’s, owned by Hudson’s Bay Company, and even with the arrival of Walmart it was making money. However, Target bought Zellers – undoubtedly paid too much – and then went on to lose billions. It’s bizarre, because Target does well in the US, and Walmart when it arrived was greeted with measured skepticism. However, Walmart thrives, while Target didn’t. Go figure, eh? Here in Victoria, arguably one of the granola capitals of the world, we’re waiting with bated breath for the opening of Whole Foods; I have a bad feeling that they’ll go down like Target.
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September 9, 2016 at 7:31 pm
Very interesting stuff! It’s Friday night, so I’ve checked my brains at the door, but I’ll read the articles over the weekend. Good luck with Whole Foods. It’s both appealing and annoying. A good combination for New York, but I can’t imagine how it survives outside of big cities.
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October 2, 2016 at 4:53 am
I feel much better all of a sudden. Thank you so much for these!
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October 2, 2016 at 9:02 am
I’m so glad! This guy is an inspiration. The world would be a much better place if we could all retain our sense of humor in everyday situations.
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