Small Business Sneeriness
November 29, 2011
Saturday was Small Business Saturday, a day promoted by American Express to encourage people to shop at small local stores, something I try to do whenever I can.
HOWEVER I will still take my business elsewhere if you treat me like a jerk. Just because I am fat doesn’t mean I won’t buy anything at your running store…unless you patently ignore me while you lean on the counter, discussing an upcoming race with a friend, then sneer at me when I inquire whether you have a specific product.
Just saying.
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Suebob's Red Stapler 
No truer words. I’ve had the exact same experience in a locally-owned running shoe store. I don’t go there anymore and will smile on the day that they put up a “going out of business” sign.
There seem to be a lot of elite athletes who run places like this who think that, if you don’t run marathons, you aren’t worthy of their notice.
I don’t shop at the one shoe store in town here because of the poor service.
Yeah, I actually want to feel like people appreciate me spending there.
That’s when you pull a Julia Roberts al la Pretty Woman and say, “Dude, you could’ve had a sale. But you blew it. I’m sure you’ve made the store owner so proud. Oh and remember this thing called Twitter? Ya…let’s see how fast word spreads of your gracious service.” I probably wouldn’t do that, but I’m feeling ornery today – need more coffee.
The bad part is now that I’m middle aged, people EXPECT me to be a cranky woman, and I don’t want to further perpetuate the stereotype, so I TRY (try…) to be nicer.
I’ve fortunately had the opposite experience at our local runner’s boutique. The owner is a lovely individual who gives everyone who comes through his door exceptional attention and service. Love him to death, will never buy running shoes from anyone else.
Sorry you had to deal with asshats. Shopping suckage.
I love stores like that.
I’ve had good luck and bad luck with running shoe stores. I went to a local New Balance store, because I am considered “hard to fit” – I have a wide toe-box, narrow heel, very high instep, and my arch flattens almost completely when I walk. I also wear a size 10 1/2 wide in women’s shoes, which usually doesn’t exist, but translates perfectly to a men’s size 9 regular. The man actually called me “Sally” from When Harry Met Sally after I told him all these things… and that I don’t wear pink, purple, or teal on my feet. (I don’t wear teal at all, but that’s beside the point.) I suggested men’s running shoes from the beginning, but this guy REFUSED to do that until I had looked at/tried on the 6 previous pairs he brought out – and I would say, “I don’t wear pink, purple, or teal” or “this is a size 11, and they are too long in length, but too narrow.” I ended up not getting anything, and I’m sure he griped about me afterward.
I went to a local “running store” and the people couldn’t jump up enough to help me. I tried on 15 pairs of (men’s) shoes before finding the right ones, but the woman said I was now “a challenge” and that she WOULD find me a pair of shoes. That 15th pair was awesome, and fit my feet like they were made for me. When I said “I’m not really a runner,” she stopped me and said, “Do you run at all?” I answered yes, and she said… “Then you’re a runner.” I’ll continue shopping there.
That is a great story. Your running store sounds like good people.
I haven’t seen your feet in so long I’ve forgotten that they’re decent looking. This is very big compliment from me as I either love feet or get very creeped out by them. I have high toe standards and you have met them my friend!
Regarding rude athletic sales people, booooo! xoxo
Yes, I do have nice feet. Too bad I never liked pretty high heels. Isn’t that the way? Some woman with goat feet will be wearing strappy heels and I am wearing running shoes…
Every time I go to comment here, I’m on the iPad and comments don’t work well for your place on the iPad. Then I forget when I’m on an actual computer. I know…I got real problems, wah wah.
OK. First of all, you are not fat! Secondly you can fix being out of shape, but you can’t fix being an asshole.
What is the deal with the ipad and comments?
Which running store? I’d love to know so I’ll never shop there if they treat people like that.
It was the Inside Track. I only went there once…but I probably won’t go again.