TO MY DARLING STOREKEEPERS

I see you when I walk into the store. You stock away at those shelves so dutifully. You appear oblivious to the current pandemic. Not because you don't care but because you have chosen to play your part. Oh, and that smile that comes like the cherry on the cake. Thank you.

To you, that takes the time to answer my questions about items that I can’t seem to find? You aren’t wearing the ‘happy to help’ badge but it’s clear you inspired the creation of that badge. You leave your duty post momentarily. You help me seek out ‘the lost’, not once begrudging me and yet still maintaining social distancing. Thank you.

Or you that deals with the irate customer, with no clue to what’s causing his or her irritation? Yet, you listen, you nod, you reassure. Sometimes the customer calms down, sometimes they don’t. We see you have tried despite having problems of your own. We see you trying despite earning so little. Thank you.

Even with the new ‘pandemic inspired’ store policies, your workload is still intact. You listen to the many tales of clients on why they are returning ‘suitable’ items. Of course, some have not seen the new guidelines, or they feign ignorance. Some have evidence of their purchase, others do not. Yet, you listen, you clarify, you receive goods, you make the customer happy. You do this maintaining your composure, exhibiting professionalism. Your emotions do not betray you. Your many thoughts and worries are hidden. And yes, these are many in these times. Thank you.

Photo credit: https://www.dollskill.com/

At the self-checkout; these lovely staff are happy to help. They help clients who are not adept at technology. What about those eager to price match all items in the cart while the whole world waits? You still have time for those who come with gift cards, looking very gleeful as children with candies. I am amazed at your patience. Is it your training or personality or both? Thank you.

Photo credit: http://www.quickmeme.com/

Oh, cashiers, what haven’t you seen? You have seen the shiny cards with no validity. You have seen the tired cards with validity, the expired ones, real bills, fake bills. You have met the chatty customers and the sad. You have seen the melancholic and the angered. And you have seen those who make it look like their cars are being stolen and so won’t wait their turn. You have seen the old, the young, the restless, the bold. What’s your role? Treating each person as a valued client, every time, nothing more, nothing less. Yes, you have the added responsibility to stay safe and you do try to meet that goal. Thank you

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio

I see your handiwork in the restroom. You have emptied the bins, mopped the floors, cleaned the sinks, you refilled toilet paper. You have also refilled the paper towels and ensured the hand dryers are functional. You aren’t too far away because you know your clients. They will ‘undo’ the job you have done. To ensure the clients who visit next are not inconvenienced or placed at risk, you will redo your good work. Thank you

You wheel those carts back into the store. You gather them from far and wide. There are those left in the cart shed and those parked in the car slots. There are those left at the bus stops and those totally out of sight. You fetch them back so that other clients are not denied of convenience as they shop. For you too, your role has expanded, ensuring convenience while keeping safe. Thank you

I have not forgotten you. You once seemed unnoticed now act as ‘traffic wardens’ for shoppers. You regulate entry and exit. Your role has expanded from guarding to entry regulation. Thank you.

I raise my hat to you, saluting you all. Thank you.