I thought I’d share a story; I like stories. It’s quite weird, yesterday was just one of those wacky days.

I went to Wal-Mart to return something for my mother on my way home from Scarborough Town Centre. As I’m sure you’ve all encountered the infamous “greeter” that stands around at every store entrance. It would be fine if these individuals actually did some greeting.

I don’t know if you’ve seen some of the Wal-Mart ads. There are often images of a very cheerful greeter who always has a cart ready in their hand to offer to you when you come into the store. Seriously, I have yet to have someone welcome me to Wal-Mart and hand me a cart. Yes, I perhaps may not want a greeting, and not want a cart, but however it’s the whole principle of it all that I’m disappointed at. They are communicating a message that is inconsistent with how they truly operate.

I won’t even begin to discuss the sale of ammunition in a this so-called “family store.”

As you know, the “greeter,” in addition to “greeting” also has the responsibility to make sure that they sticker shut every shopping bag that comes into the store. Every time I enter the store with other shopping bags in my hand, I always attempt to steer clear of and avoid his or her eye contact- this case being no exception. I absolutely hate it when they sticker my bags. Not only is it sending a clear message that “I’m guilty until proven innocent,” but it simply just spoils the shopping bag for future reuse (because seriously, who wants to have a ugly green tag with a Wal-Mart logo lugging around your shopping bags?)

Anyways, so as I enter in the store, I follow the same protocol, and slide right in. Then suddenly, I’m yelled at the “greeter” who grabbed my shoulder, loudly called me “hey”, and made sure that my bag was sealed by their infamous theft deterrent stickers. Seriously, it was just crazy. Anyways, I understand that that’s what the greeter had to do, so whatever, I didn’t get upset with him and just shrugged it off.

This brings me to the next question: how effective is this Bag Sticker program anyways? Seriously, if someone really wanted to steal, I’m sure they can do whatever they need to slip the item in. Why are they wasting their McJob dollars on something that not only accomplishes nothing, but also decreases the value of the shopping experience?

It just boggles my mind. I’m going to rethink my patronage at this establishment!