Random stuff in my boring life.

Oh, not me. This past weekend was tax free weekend. Clothing and school supplies were tax free as long as they are under $100 per item. The clothes can be from baby up to adult. It just has to be something you wear for every day. Shoes tax free, shoes with cleats like football or golf not. Diapers for babies and adults are tax free. The details vary from state to state.

So we were swamped in store and for drive up. One order had 500 items of school supplies. Must have been a school or church. It was a drive up order. Took two workers to load and carry out the order. Once we receive notice the person has arrived, we have three minutes to get it to the car. So stress was had all weekend.

But wait, on Monday the returns started. People often buy several sizes and the return those that don't fit. If you want a different size, now you have to pay tax on the new item since tax free is over. That goes over big time.

Now onto Halloween and then Christmas!

I've worked retail since I was in high school. It's not an easy job or one that pays very well. You come into contact with all kinds of people. Add on COVID-19 and it adds a horrible twist.

There are those who refuse to wear masks. Those who think they are above policies. "Karen's" abound.

People go crazy. They think if they create a stink they get their way. We stopped selling certain trading cards for safety reasons. Now we are slowly adding a few gaming cards back with limitations. No lining up before we open or standing inside waiting for the vendor. Limits on daily purchases. One man argued with security last week wanting to talk to store manager to make a deal. He was one of the worst jerks before we stopped selling the cards a few months ago.

A woman tried to return bags of clothes and shoes. She had a receipt for two items. I checked all her credit cards for the rest of the items, but nothing was there. I tried to use her driver's license, but she had maxed it out. She had lost her unemployment and wanted cash. All of the items were clearly used. My manager had been watching and when called told her we couldn't do anything more. I'm sure she will try again at another store or come back when I'm not there.

A guest told us there was a bag in the parking lot leaking. It had a dead animal in it. My team lead had to clean it up. Only those who have taken certain lessons can clean up toxic spills. I felt so bad for her.

We do have some wonderful guests who make it better. Those keep me sane. Thankful there are many more great guests than the crazies

I'm amazed how this virus has brought out the different sides of people. I work retail and we are still open. This week my company decided not to accept returns or exchanges. Most understand why. Some react so very crazy. We are extending the return window so things will be taken back in a few weeks. They can also return through the mail. This to prevent exposure to the virus. A woman was refused an exchange and explained why. She started yelling and calling the manager horrible names. She threw a trash can. It almost hit another customer. We had to call the police. One person was shown the sign that states the policy. He came back and demanded to know why. The virus can live on products for hours up to days. That is why we are trying to avoid exposing both workers and customers. He left mad. Yet everyday I have several customers say thank you for my being careful and helping them. I could take paid leave for a month, but would rather save that till I really might need it.