Our clothing store’s target market could be described as “lightly rebellious teen”, so the apparel reflects that. We don’t have anything too offensive; it’s mostly playful.
We have just stocked a range of shirts that say, “Sorry, boys, I like girls,” and, “Sorry, girls, I like boys.” The shirts have just the text on them, with no offensive imagery or anything else. Of course, we knew these shirts might ruffle some feathers
On the first day they’re on the store floor, a woman approaches me: feathers ruffled.
Customer: “I would like to speak to your manager about the horribly inappropriate display you have over there!”
I call my manager over. He knew he might be needed a bit more today, so he doesn’t take long to come down.
Manager: “How can I help you, ma’am?”
Customer: “You can start by explaining why you have such disgusting clothing on display in front of the children!”
Manager: *Playing coy* “Clothing is a matter of taste, ma’am. If you’re not a fan of a particular style or color, it doesn’t mean someone else doesn’t like it.”
Customer: “I’m talking about the gay indoctrination you have written all over your clothes! You may be comfortable with grooming our kids to be gay, but Jesus isn’t, and this is a Christian country! Take them down and burn them!”
Manager: “Well, ma’am, this store is here to serve everyone, not just people with your opinion. We will not be taking down any of our clothes to suit you—”
Customer: “It is not an opinion! It is the word of God, and you would do well to adhere to it!”
Manager: “Ma’am, please lower your voice. If you could—”
Customer: “Adhere to the scripture, or I will be blasting your disgusting store all over Facebook!”
Manager: “1 Timothy 2:11-12. ‘A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.'”
The woman opens her mouth to protest, but nothing comes out.
Manager: “Now be quiet.”
For what it’s worth, my manager is not religious, and he’s definitely not sexist. He didn’t believe in that scripture (or any other), but it did come in useful in that instance!
Of course, the customer still complained on Facebook, but our company social media team shut her down and sent her a link to the store’s Pride range, instead!
