A Canadian Tale

I was working at a Canadian Tire back in the early 2000s.

Customer: “I’m looking for this specific outdoor patio set.”

Me: “Looks like we’re out of stock, but the [next town location] has a couple left. I can call them to put one on hold for you?”

Customer: “That’s okay, I just wanted to see it in person for now. I’m moving down to Washington and was hoping to pick it up there. What’s the nearest Canadian Tire there?”

Me: “That… would be the one you’re standing in now, sir.”

Customer: “There isn’t a Canadian Tire in Seattle?!”

Me: “There are no Canadian Tires in America.”

Customer: “Huh?! Why?”

I explained it to the customer and then laughed with a coworker about it afterward.

For weeks after that, the entire department would be caught singing the chorus of the song ” There Are No Cats in America” from “An American Tail,” but changing the wording to those I used with the customer.