As I pulled up to the Aldi parking lot at 8:25 yesterday morning, I was surprised to see at least 20 people waiting outside the door. Thanks to working for myself, I typically shop at Aldi right when they open on Wednesday mornings so I can be in and out as quickly as possible.
“Wow, this is a surprise … what am I missing?” I asked a young woman.
“They’re kicking off their Christmas sale items today,” she replied.
Woah, I thought. It’s only November 5. I then remembered commenting to my husband John last week how, as soon as Halloween ends, I’m amazed to see the stores shove aside the witches, ghosts, and goblins and bring out all things Christmas (well, the Christmas items have been in the stores since August, but more in the back).
For me, I like to reserve my mindset for most of November for Thanksgiving. I do, however, go Christmas shopping at Edinburgh Outlet Mall one Saturday with girlfriends.
While checking out yesterday morning, I mentioned to my favorite Aldi employee, Conner, how surprised I was to see the rush so soon. He sighed.
“Yeah … this is always our toughest time of year. My back hurts already,” Conner replied. He was looking forward to having today and Friday off.
I wished him good luck during this crazy season and walked over to the counter to bag my groceries. As I was sorting through my items, I remembered my 2024 outlet mall trip with my friends.
We unfortunately witnessed a couple berating a clerk at a shoe store in November of last year. Well, it was more like the wife going off in a rage while her husband looked on in horror. Apparently, she was trying to return shoes she had already worn. I think most of us realize this is not something you can do, but this woman didn’t have a clue.
The husband finally dragged his wife away, and I saw the tearful, flushed face of the young woman behind the counter. I marched right up to her, held her hand, and said, “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. She was in the wrong. I hope you have a much better day… and know that most of us really appreciate you.”
I regretted not stepping in to say something earlier, but hoped my words eased her heart a bit. My friends made similar comments to her.
Folks, this should be a season of gratitude and kindness. Too often, we get caught up in the hype and stress of the holidays and forget about the millions who work so hard to help us be fed, comfortable, and festive.
Please … share a smile and thank you when you see someone stocking a shelf. Tip your server a little extra at a restaurant. Tell a store manager how much you appreciate their employees, who often work nights and weekends while many of us are at home relaxing.
Be extra kind to retailers this season. Even if you do have a legitimate issue, put on your patience pants and show gratitude for their efforts. Maybe with more actions like these, Black Friday – or pre-Black Friday – won’t be so dark after all.
Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.