Most of the time, when we think of a store like Wal-Mart, we end up with a sour feeling. Whether this is due to the thought of a big-box store destroying local businesses or the thought of the famed "people of Wal-Mart" most people have a guttural reaction to the store. I have shopped at a local Wal-Mart for years mostly due to the cost savings it affords our family. The store was a haven to us after our house fire, as it is open 24 hours and was the only place that we could go in the middle of the night to purchase some basic things like shoes and underwear. It is not a place that I regularly enjoy visiting except for one amazing thing - or person - to be more exact - the greeter.
My local Wal-Mart has an award winning greeter. He has been featured in national ads for the store. Most people walk by and smile at his greeting, but I tend to stop and engage in conversation with him. He has lived an amazing life and is always ready to share some of the wisdom of his over 80 years on this earth. We have made a connection and when I enter the store, he greets me with a song and a bear hug. He can't remember my name from day to day, but he has spoken regularly with me for over a decade.
I have heard stories of his service during the war and his volunteerism as a member of a local ambulance crew. We discovered that his wife and my father attended the same Elementary and Middle schools here in town. We have exchanged stories over our children's successes and troubles. While our political views are at completely opposite ends of the spectrum, I listen politely and bite my tongue when he guides our conversation in that direction.
Now, you may imagine that this is no quick entry into the store. I often have to add an extra 20 minutes to my schedule to accommodate this part of my trip. When I think about it, however, I am always happier when I take the time to stop and see him. He will tell me things to boost my spirits when I am down, and he lets me know just how much my visits mean to him.
What amazes me is the way that this store reacts to his popularity.
They moved his post to a different entrance because, take a deep breath, because he was TALKING TOO MUCH!!!!! Excuse me, but he is the store GREETER!!! That is his job, -TO TALK.
I will never understand the thinking of some corporate people. I know that his greetings are genuine and his generation is leaving us and with them go their stories and experiences. We should all take the time to learn a thing or two and get a hug.
Well said. These folks are living treasures and should be treated as such.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephen! I've missed you guys and am glad that you are still out there to read and comment! I am going to try to catch up some this weekend - my reader had the 1000+ mark waiting for me...oops!
ReplyDeletei hope we all remember your story the next time we are greeted!
ReplyDeletei gave you one of my weekly Goddess Awards because I like your story!
In joy,
Elise
Now this is what I call a comeback! Great post, and yeah! What is up with management moving him?! You should write a letter of complaint or at least send them the link to this post so they understand how dumb it is to have a greeter who doesn't greet!!
ReplyDeleteAwww. I want to meet your Wal-mart greeter. I can't believe they moved him because he talks too much. WTH.
ReplyDeletePS: I love that they are open 24 hours a day.
He does sound like a treasure! I just stopped by from Toasting the Posts of the week to say hello. Hope you will return the visit!
ReplyDeleteI don't see too many Walmart greeters anymore.
ReplyDeleteDo you go to the entrance he works now or do they keep changing him.
I never thought much of Walmart's corporate policy.
You would think they would realize that since he is popular he would be a draw to the store. The people aren't coming to talk to him and leaving without getting stuff.
My husband works in a casino, which is hospitality, and they are supposed to be nice to the people but not actually spend time talking to them.
Companies need to get a grip on reality.
I want to be a Wal-mart greeter when I grow up. :)
ReplyDeleteFinally you found a greeter who actually GREETS! Nice post with a nice message - Thanks! W.C.C.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's a lovely story! A person who is enthusiastic about his job! And does it so well.
ReplyDeleteI guess Wal-Mart thinks that a greeter, like some sort of police officer, is to quickly eyeball you and decide whether you should be allowed into the store. Or something. Forget the notion about getting to know the customers, and greeting them enthusiastically. Even if that draws people to the store.
I mean really!
This is a wonderful post. I would encourage you to edit it down a bit and then submit it as a letter-to-the-editor of your local paper. It just might get Walmart's attention.
ReplyDeleteAnd good for you for making time in your day for this special guy.
Elise - Thanks for the award. I'm glad that you liked my story.
ReplyDeleteNicky - Thank you!! Maybe I should go away and come back to posting more often?!?
Meleah - He's SOO sweet. C'mon down and I'll take you to meet him!
Eva - Thanks for stopping by and please comment again! I've followed you for awhile - lurking...
Ruth - I mostly use the entrance that they moved him to, unless I am in a rush and need to keep the trip short!
Kipp - You better start stocking up on corny jokes.
W.C.C. - Thank you! He's a ray of sunshine.
Rob-bear - Thanks. He does have to monitor the returns and anti-theft alarms - but I always pause our talks when others approach.
Jayne - Thank you. I'll have to think about that. The last thing I want is to cause him any trouble though.
When I waited tables for a time, the other servers would always want me to take the elderly guests in the dining room. They thought it was funny because they didn't tend to tip as much, but they missed out on meeting some of the greatest people. They always left happy, and they left me with a warm feeling. :) I'm glad you take the time with him.
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