I’m Looking For A Car, It’s Blue…

Years ago, I worked at a well-known Canadian hardware and automotive store. While many of these stores can be quite large (upwards of a hundred aisles), this particular one was only thirty-two aisles, plus a small garden section.

I’d been hired to work in the hardware department, but, due to the size of the store, “hardware” basically meant “not automotive”. I covered hardware, housewares, sports, seasonal, and garden.

One day, while stocking shelves in the electrical aisle, I was approached by a customer.

Customer: “Excuse me, I need some help in Automotive.”

As that wasn’t my department, I was about to do what I usually do, and direct her to speak to someone at the automotive service desk. However, from where I was in the aisle, I could see that there was already a fair line-up at the desk.

Me: “Well, it’s not actually my department, but what is it you’re looking for? I may be able to help.”

Customer: “I need new wiper blades for my car.”

Me: “Okay. I’m fairly certain there’s a book we can use.”

I take her over to where the wiper blades are located, and sure enough, there’s a reference book mounted in the center of the aisle. I flip it open and quickly see that it’s organized by vehicle make, model, and year. Perfect, this should be easy.

Me: “Okay, I can help you with this. What type of car do you have?”

Customer: “Oh, I have a blue one.”

Me: “…You know what? Actually, I think you’ll need to go stand in that line and talk to someone at the auto service desk.”