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You Know You Shop A Lot When...

I got a call from the manager of my local grocery store. He introduced himself and said he was looking over his list of frequent shoppers. I said, "I shop at your store A LOT!" And he said, "I KNOW!" He justed wanted to thank me, and he said that if I ever needed anything, I should feel free to ask.

I wasn't sure if I should be embarrassed or impressed. It's not like I'm a glutton and stop by every day for a cart full of chips and dip. I just like to cook, and there are only two stores in town to give my grocery business to. The other one is a fine store, but it's got a crappy parking lot, and I don't think they always organize their stuff logically. For example, I was there the other day looking for a roll of parchment paper. My main store keeps it with the foil and plastic wrap. This store put it way down at the other end of the aisle for no apparent reason. And they don't sell organic chocolate. Try to find a bar of Green & Blacks there, and you'll be pushing the cart for days without success.

Back to this prime store that appreciates my frequent shopper status, if I could ask for something from the manager, I'm not sure what it would be. They have stepped up their selection in almost every department, although they don't offer prosciutto anymore. I don't think there is a big demand in this town, which is unfortunate.

I have recently discovered a somewhat new occupation, that of personal chef. A personal chef does all the grocery shopping for his or her client and then all the cooking—a week's worth in one day. This job appeals to me in so many ways, and I am thinking long and hard about it. If I were to become a personal chef, I wouldn't mind calling the grocery store manager back and asking for a discount if I promise to do all of my shopping in his store except for when I need prosciutto.

There are a few other places where I shop frequently. JJill is one of them. They have yet to call me to thank me for being a regular customer, although they sent a box of lavender sachet one Christmas. I use a specific dry cleaners quite a bit, and the only thing they have offered was to cover me when I was short about 75¢ once. I'm thinking about calling to ask for ten percent off of my next load of men's shirts.

I'm a loyal customer at My Favorite Place for Joe, although sometimes I admit to straying and meeting friends at the shop in Small Town Next Door. I'm hardly a coffee shop whore, but sometimes a person needs a change of scenery. I wouldn't dream of asking the coffee shop owner for a discount on a cup of coffee because his prices are already reasonable.

Maybe I should just give up on the idea of asking for discounts around town. I think just being appreciated might be enough for now, but if the grocery store manager ever calls back, I might ask for prosciutto.

Comments

dive said…
Being appreciated is so much better than getting discount, Robyn.
As Rich knows with his coffee shop, being a good customer who's always pleasant gets you noticed and little perks occasionally filter back your way.
I'm sure if you ask for prosciutto he will get some in for you.
8:26 AM
Neponset River Bridge Dig said…
You really do live in small town if the grocery calls to thank you.

Where I live they have people who bag your groceries that can't speak English and make comments about you in their foriegn tongue and laugh. If you complain? the store manager will tell you to go somewhere else.

I think I want to move to small town someday soon.
10:16 AM
Alifan said…
Robyn you know you could turn your hand to anything....When John was alive we did do some cooking in peoples houses for them, it was interesting... but it sounds a nice idea to cook meals for people... must admit I seem to do a lot of baking for others.... maybe I should charge!!!!!
5:12 PM
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