Monday, May 2, 2011

High Five

My friend, Mandee and I met for lunch in Ogden as she will soon be leaving for London. After eating a delightful lunch, we decided to walk around 25th street and check out some boutiques in that area. Our first stop was a new age-y store that was not our speed. The second store is the awesomeness that inspires this post.

We walked into a sort of shrine to Ed Hardy. Bejeweled jeans as far as the eye could see. Oversized jewelry populated the center of the store. Hiding within the Ed Hardy wear, one could find a cute sundress here and there. These sundresses were the purpose of us being in this store in the first place.

Upon entry, we could see the store was a popular spot. It was crowded and had a line for the dressing rooms. Mandee and I began sorting through the Ed Hardy monstrosities to find any sort of wearable item.

Mandee was victorious and found five cute items to try on. She proceeded to the fitting room. I waited outside of the dressing room with my arms crossed.

The atmosphere changed as a greased up 40 year old (who turned out to be the owner) approached me, placed his hand on my back
and asked how my day was going. #1- a strange man's hand was on me and #2- his person (not to mention his overpowering cologne) was invading my personal space. I could practically tell you what he had for lunch. Gross.

“I don’t mean to be rude but please don’t touch me. It makes me feel uncomfortable.”

“No worries, no worries! I hope you have a beautiful day!” said aged Jersey Shore man as he moved on to his next victim.

I watched the man approach most of the customers in the same manner. Apparently, this is the way to gain customer rapport in Ogden. What was really disturbing is I watched multiple women carry on animated conversations with his hand resting comfortably on their bra straps. Ugh. I resumed standing with my arms crossed staring and the dressing room.

Not five minutes later, Jersey man was back in front of me. “You never answered my question. How is your day going?”

“It's fine.”

The man looked at me, cocked his head to one side and held up his left hand. “High Five,” he said.

WTF. “Thanks, I’m fine,” I responded coldly.

“What?” asked Jersey man.

“I said 'I’m fine. Thank You'.” I repeated with my arms in their securely crossed position.

He moved away and turned his attention to people who would accept and appreciate it. My friend made her purchases (which Jersey man deemed “excellent purchases” which needed a high five—she awkwardly tapped his palm and looked at me with confusion) and we left the shrine.

We stopped at a few more boutiques but this one was by far the highlight of my shopping experience in Ogden.

2 comments:

Mandee Shaffer said...

Ah yes. This was quite the episode. When you told me he wanted to high five you I think my jaw dropped. If he hadn't been such a creeper, I might be inclined to go back to check out other products.

Mandee Shaffer said...

What a creeper. That was such a bizarre experience.