A Day In the Country

I stopped in today, because I saw their store closing sign and am always sad to see a local business go, even one I rarely or never shop at. I was browsing the store and the shopkeeper asked me what I was looking for. I said I was just browsing, that I’d been in once or twice since I moved to town a couple years ago. I asked why they’re closing. She laughed sarcastically and said «well, because you have only been in once or twice in two years». I hid my shock, thinking I’d mistaken her comment as intentionally or carelessly rude. I asked how long she’d been in business, she said 28 yrs. I said wow, all here in Sun Prairie? She said 18 yrs here in Sun Prairie. With a smile, I replied, «oh, that’s still really good.» Thinking to show respect/​congrats to a longtime business. I continued to browse. I had noticed an antique metal cake carrier, un-​priced that I was considering to ask to purchase. I decided not to, but before I left, I wanted to let her know her comment about me not coming more had come off as rude, in case she hadn’t meant it that way. I walked for the door, which was about 10′ from where she was standing facing the door, talking to a friend/​customer. I thought as she perceived I was leaving she may say bye or thanks for coming, but said nothing. I waited almost a minute for the conversation to break with her friend and said «excuse me» she turned, «I just wanted to let you know how your comment about my not coming more often came off as rude» -«okay», blank stare– «I dont think my not coming more than twice in 2 years is even a mentionable blame for your unfortunate closing and I think you should treat potential customers as you would customers.» -«noted» blank stare– «Excuse me if I can only hope to afford to buy the occasional treat from your store and I dont think you or anyone else is in any place to judge another. Money has been tight this last 2 years and it has only gotten worse. I’m now working 2 jobs at $ 7.50/hr and $ 10/​hr. –blank stare with a bit of ‘poor you’ creeping in «mmmmhmh” — «I was considering to ask to buy that cake carrier right there, it would be a rare treat, but I think I can find one somewhere else» -«I think so to” — I turned for the door, fighting my natural urge for some sense of pleasantry to say thank you, or have a nice day, but at the above last blunt disregard for a customer and a lost sale, I said «screw off» instead.
I am appalled that she would treat any customer that way, and not even pretend to mean well. I don’t think shopping the same gift shop ‘only’ 2x in 2 years is very little. It IS a gift shop/​home decorating store. I only redecorate/​gift shop so often and not everyone wants candles and needlepoint for gifts. The first thing I did when I moved to town is scope out the local businesses and note them all so when a time comes I need something they may carry/​service, I can give them my business, instead of a big business, or even one outside of my own town. I recognize the value of tax paying, job creating businesses, and their need for support and recognition in the big business dominated world. I dont just think these things, but act on them and also encourage others to spend their money locally whenever it comes up. I believe a customer with these sensibilities is good for her business. The only thing I’m lacking to be a valued customer in her store is money to burn and snobbery. Sad to see an old business go, but maybe if she had a wider customer base, she could add another 10 years or more to her business.