Shops

I avoid shops where possible. Most things I need are available online, even groceries these days. Sadly if you need something in a hurry, or want to look at it first, you still need to walk through the hordes of mindless sheep known as the human race and brave a shop.

It was in one of these "shop" things today where I spotted something in a display cabinet that I wanted to buy. "Can I have one of those, please?" I asked the sales assistant. He checked the item number and vanished out the back for what seemed like an age. As I was about to give up and leave, he returned with some news. "Sorry, we're out of stock of that item."

Then he said something weird. "We can order it if you like?" he asked. OK, so ignoring the fact that they're basically advertising a product they don't have, why in the name of arse do they even ask this question? The reason I fought my way through a shop in December is because I want it now, not when it's delivered. As far as I'm concerned, there are two ways of buying stuff: ordering online takes time to get to you but you have, by law, 14 days to return it under distance selling regulations if you don't like it, plus you don't actually have to leave the house or worry about opening times. Buying from a shop means you have to drive, park, fight, etc but you get the benefit of seeing the item before you part with cash, and you get it straight away. So why would I want none of the benefits of either method? And why do they display stuff that you need to order? It's no wonder people generally shop online these days.

Oh yeah, and fuck christmas. Fuck it up its stupid arse.